Statewide Trainings
The New Jersey Enhancing School Mental Health Services Project: Statewide Trainings builds on the NJDOE’s efforts to support the implementation of the New Jersey Comprehensive School Mental Health Resource Guide. Statewide training will be provided to educators, administrators, and school mental health professionals to help increase knowledge of evidence-based practices related to school mental health. The trainings will take place at various locations throughout the state, with a limited number of virtual sessions available for some training dates.
Training topics for January 2024-December 2024 include:
- Understanding Your Schools Mental Health Needs: Needs Assessment, Universal Screening, and Resource Mapping
- Establishing Universal Supports (Tier I) for Middle and High School Students
Statewide Trainings are designed to support all learners and provide opportunities for interaction and collaboration with New Jersey educators across the state. The goal of our team is to support you with the implementation of your CSMH, no matter what stage you are at in the process. We strive to provide interactive, engaging and tailored professional development designed to meet your needs.
To select the training best for you, we’ve labeled each training by level. The training levels are listed below.
Level 1 trainings are for those new to Comprehensive School Mental Health (CSMH) and are looking for an introduction.
Level 2 trainings are for those who have some experience and need further guidance in implementation.
Level 3 trainings are for those who have completed their implementation and are looking for advanced strategies to refine their practice.
Please view the training schedule below for dates, training description, and registration.
NOTE: If you are one of the selected 50 schools participating in the Enhancing School Mental Health Services project, you DO NOT need to register for statewide trainings.
Training Schedule – 2024
Click on the “+” icon to far right of each training title to view dates/times and a summary.
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Date: Friday, February 23, 2024
Location: Virtual
Time: 9:00 am-12:30 pm
REGISTER HEREDate: Friday, December 6, 2024
Location: Middlesex Fire Academy
1001 Fire Academy Dr. Sayreville, NJ 08872
Time: 9:00 am-12:30 pm
REGISTER HERE
Presenters: Kristy Ritvalsky, MPH & Alicia Lukachko, DrPH, LCSW
This training will provide an overview of core features of comprehensive school mental health, with a deeper dive into systematic needs assessment to help schools better recognize and respond to the diverse mental health needs of their students and staff. Participants will learn specific steps in the needs assessment process, techniques in teaming and collaboration, strategies for utilizing and building upon existing school data, best practices for identifying and implementing universal screeners, and methods for assessing existing school resources and gaps in services. This session is intended for school administrators, school mental health professionals and supporting school mental health staff, will include both practical guidance and opportunities for interactive application.
Objectives:
- Describe the core features of a Comprehensive School Mental Health (CSMH) system.
- Identify and discuss the fundamental elements of needs assessment within a CSMH system, including universal screening and resource mapping.
- Discuss concrete strategies and skills that can be directly applied at the school or district level.
- Participate in discussions and activities aimed at generating reflection and reinforcing knowledge.
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Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Location: Virtual
Time: 9:00 am- 12:30pm
REGISTER HEREDate: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Location: Virtual
Time: 9:00 am-12:30 pm
REGISTER HEREPresenters: Nurturing Environments Institute (NEI)
This training will discuss universal supports at Tier 1 within a MTSS framework and provide specific examples at the middle and high school levels. Participants will gain an understanding of the universal support strategies used at these levels, and how they can be used to promote positive student outcomes. Resources will be provided to help support implementation. This session is intended for school administrators, school mental health professionals and supporting school mental health staff, and will include both practical guidance and opportunities for interactive application.
Objectives:
- Explain the importance of Tier I supports for middle and high school students
- Review evidence-based interventions at Tier 1
- Provide guidance for implementation and long-term sustainability
What Our Attendees Are Saying
“The workshop was fantastic! I shared the resources with leaders in my district and look forward to more topics in the family and community partnerships area; especially when behaviors are present before a diagnosis.” — School Counselor from Marlboro Township Public Schools (Monmouth County)
“The case studies, interactive activities, and vignettes all provided a better understanding of the MTSS model and universal assessments.” — Attendee of Understanding Your School’s Mental Health Needs 2023
“I liked that this training included a blended approach, where the presenters spoke and allowed for time to discuss with small groups and personal reflection. This allowed for us to take a moment to process the information personally and with others.” — Attendee of Establishing Community & Family Supports 2023
Sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), Division of Educational Services, in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions Center for Comprehensive School Mental Health at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; 100% funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund.