How to Make Training Work Without Breaking the Bank
We get it—schools want to provide the best for their staff and students, but the idea of “free” training often comes with hidden costs, like staff time away from the classroom. We know that asking teachers and school staff to juggle their busy schedules for training can feel like a heavy lift.
But here’s the good news: We’ve got some practical solutions to help you implement the free trauma-informed NTI Adoption-Competency Mental Health Training without straining your resources.
Flexible and Accessible Options For Implementation
The 17-hour virtual program is designed to be asynchronous, allowing participants to complete it at their own pace. Schools have multiple options to integrate the training in a way that works for their staff:
- Summer Sessions: Encourage staff to complete the training over the summer when schedules are more flexible, ensuring they are prepared for the school year without impacting instructional time.
- Professional Development Days: Incorporate the training into existing PD schedules to streamline participation during the school year.
- Modular Learning: Break the program into smaller, manageable segments (e.g., 2-3 hours per week) and spread it over a semester or designated PD periods.
- Staggered Participation: Assign groups of staff (e.g.,, counselors, social workers, or other support staff) to complete the training at different times to maintain student support during school hours.
Addressing Concerns About Costs
The NTI training itself is completely free—schools only need to compensate staff for their time. To address concerns about funding for this compensation, schools can tap into several existing resources:
- Federal and State Grants: Programs like Title IV-E (foster care and adoption) and Title I (disadvantaged populations) can help cover training-related costs.
- Illinois ARPA Grants: The state has allocated $10 million in grants under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for school-based health initiatives, including trauma-informed mental health training.
- Regional Offices of Education (ROEs): Partner with local ROEs, which often have access to funding and support for trauma-informed programs.
- Existing Budgets: Use professional development funds already allocated in annual budgets to compensate staff for their time.
Let’s Remember Why This Training Is So Important
Adoption-competency training provides immediate and long-term benefits for schools, staff, and students:
- Better Student Outcomes: Trauma-informed practices lead to improved attendance, higher academic performance, and fewer behavioral challenges for all students, especially those from foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
- Cost Savings: Proactively addressing mental health needs reduces expensive interventions and disciplinary actions down the line.
- Staff Retention and Well-Being: Educators and mental health professionals feel more confident and supported, reducing burnout and turnover while improving job satisfaction.
Join Us in Building Stronger Schools
This NTI School-based Mental Health Adoption-Competency Training is a simple yet powerful way to ensure that every student receives the emotional and mental health support they need to succeed. With flexible scheduling, including summer participation, and a range of funding options to cover staff time, the program is both accessible and impactful.
This December, let’s commit to creating equitable, trauma-informed schools where all children can thrive. By investing time now, we can build stronger futures for students, families, and educators across Illinois.