Understanding Dysregulation: Children’s Ministry Volunteer Training

Help your volunteers recognize dysregulation and respond with greater understanding, preparation, and care.

When a child becomes overwhelmed during children’s ministry, volunteers may be unsure what they’re seeing or how to help. Understanding Dysregulation gives ministry leaders prepared training materials to build a shared approach to supporting children while protecting safety, dignity, and belonging.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Presentation slides to guide your team through the training.
• A presenter’s guide with teaching notes, additional context, and practical examples.
• A printable volunteer handout with key takeaways and guidance to revisit.

WHAT YOUR TEAM WILL LEARN

• What dysregulation is and how it can affect participation.
• How to recognize possible signs, including quieter or less obvious responses.
• How to consider what may be contributing to a child’s distress.
• Ways to respond early and offer individualized support.
• Priorities during crisis, including clear adult roles and support for the group.
• How to support recovery, reconnection, and thoughtful follow-up.

PREPARED MATERIALS FOR YOUR MINISTRY

Use this resource for a volunteer training meeting, team development session, or onboarding. Review the presenter’s guide beforehand and connect the material to your ministry’s procedures and the children you serve.

Designed for children’s ministry leaders, Sunday school teachers, buddy volunteers, and disability ministry teams.

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

This is a downloadable training resource. No physical materials will be shipped.

Includes a single-location ministry license. See the included terms of use for details.

WANT A BUNDLE?

Explore the Dysregulation Support Bundle for the training plus ministry response planning resources, individual child supports, calm down materials, file folder activities, and reinforcement boards.