In partnership with DCCCA and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Maternal and Child Health program, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is offering a new learning experience to help address student mental health needs. 

This free Youth Mental Health First Aid Community of Practice opportunity is for teachers, paraprofessionals and other school staff members. This class isn’t appropriate for trained mental health providers. 

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an internationally recognized, evidence-based program focusing on identifying, understanding and responding to signs of mental illness and substance abuse disorders. The training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to youth who may be struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues.  

All participants will receive a certificate of completion for the Youth Mental Health First Aid curriculum. 

As part of this training, Community of Practice sessions will be offered to allow participants to connect and learn from each other. Sessions will focus on best practice strategies and ideas for new innovations for the school setting. 

Sessions will be offered from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning March 29. The sessions will continue through April 26. 

This class has a limited number of spots. To apply for the opportunity to participate, please complete the application form by Jan. 13, 2023. 

Those selected for the training will be notified by Jan. 31, 2023, and pre-course work (a two-hour online training that must be completed by March 28) will be opened for participants by March 1. 

All sessions will be virtual using Zoom. Professional development credits will be made available to participants who complete the pre-course work, attend all five sessions and submit an evaluation survey.