I Would like Help Now

The NCSCB provides immediate technical assistance and training to schools and communities that are responding to crises, with a focus on supporting their students, both short-term and throughout long-term recovery. Our toll-free number is answered 24 hours a day.

If your school is experiencing a crisis, please contact the Center now at 1-877-53-NCSCB (1-877-536-2722) or helpnow@schoolcrisiscenter.org. In order to better assist you, please provide the following:

Contact Information

  • Name:
  • Role:
  • Phone Number:
  • Email:

School/Organization Information

  • Name of School/Organization:
  • City:
  • State:

The resources and guides below may also be of assistance.

“[The NCSCB] generously assisted us by spending three days with
our impacted faculties as well as the district leadership team
[after the 2016 Smoky Mountains wildfires]… and provided
meaningful help at a pivotal moment in our recovery!”

Debra Ann Cline, Ed.D.Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Sevier County (Tennessee) School System

“Patiently walked me through the process, supplied wonderful support
materials, and even helped draft initial letters to staff and parents
[after the sudden death of a school staff member in 2016]. Our community
would have suffered far more without [the NCSCB’s] support.”

Lee ThomsenHead of School, Sacramento (California) Country Day School

“The NCSCB was absolutely essential in assisting us in handling
the aftermath of the crisis [2012 movie theater shooting] so our
community could recover as quickly as possible.”

John BarryFormer Superintendent, Aurora (Colorado) Public Schools

“The NCSCB proved to be the most valuable of resources for the recovery
efforts in our schools [after a deadly school shooting in 2014]…
If I only had one piece of advice for schools experiencing such a crisis, it
would be to make giving a call to the NCSCB their first priority.”

Joshua WebbFormer Director of Counseling, Marysville (Washington) School District

Resources and Guides

  • Talking to Children and Teens About the Israel-Gaza War

    Children and Teens About the Israel-Gaza War

    READ MOREDownload

  • Talking to Children and Teens About the War in Ukraine

    Talking to Children and Teens About the War in Ukraine

    READ MOREDownload

  • Guide: Responding to Death

    Designed to help school administrators, teachers, and crisis team members respond to the needs of students and staff after a loss.

    READ MOREDownload

  • Guide: Responding to Suicide

    Designed to help school administrators, teachers, and crisis team members respond to the needs of students and staff after a suicide has impacted the school environment.

    READ MOREDownload

  • How Children Understand Death: What to Say When a Loved One Dies

    Here are suggestions that may be helpful if you’re caring for a grieving child, based on their age and stage of development.

    READ MORE

  • Grief & Loss in Childhood: How to Help Your Child Cope

    Here’s what to know when your child is mourning a loved one and how to help.

    READ MORE

  • Guide: After a Loved One Dies

    Guidance for parents and other caring adults on how to support grieving children, available in nine languages.

    READ MORE

  • Guide: Talking to Children about Tragedies

    Insight and suggestions for how to talk to children about tragic events such as shootings and terrorist attacks.

    READ MOREEnglish Version

  • More than 20 Years After the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

    Guidance for educators on how to talk to students about the 9/11 terrorist attacks around the time of the 20-year mark -- while school is also restarting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    READ MOREDownload

  • Hurricanes & Floods: Taking Care of Your Children and Yourself

    After a hurricane or flood from other causes, families face a variety of challenges. Here are some steps to help you protect and support your children during these times. 

    READ MORE