Training Materials

School Employee Safety and Security Training

Per the requirements of Section 1310-B of the PA Public School Code as amended by Act 55 of 2022, for School Safety and Security Training for all school employees were developed and adopted by the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) on September 28, 2022.

School entities are responsible for providing their employees with access to three hours of instruction annually on school safety and security subjects based on the needs of the school entity.

The school employee trainings below may be used to satisfy both Act 48 credit requirements and Act 45 credit requirements. To receive Act 48 credits, employees who take the modules below should follow the process normally utilized by their school entity to submit for those credits. To receive Act 45 credits, those who take the courses below should submit their certificates of completion to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by visiting the PA Inspired Leadership Program webpage and scrolling down to “Safe Schools Mandated Trainings.”

School Entities are required to provide their employees with a minimum of two hours of training annually on one or more of the school safety and security topics included in Modules 1 through 5:

Module 1 | Situational Awareness

(38 minutes)

Module 2 | Trauma-informed Approaches

(83 minutes)

Module 3 | Behavioral Health Awareness

(63 minutes)

Module 4 | Suicide & Bullying Awareness

(80 minutes)

Module 5 | Substance Use Awareness

(80 minutes)

In addition, a total of at least one hour of annual training is required for all school employees on:

Note that Module 2 cannot be completed online, and you should contact your School safety and Security Coordinator to find out how and when you can take this particular training.

Module 1 | Recognizing Concerning Behaviors

(36 minutes)

Module 2 | Emergency Training Drills

Train the Trainer In-person training

School Safety and Security Coordinator Training

Per the requirements of Section 1309-B and 1316-B of the PA Public School Code as amended by Act 55 of 2022, the training criteria for School Safety and Security Coordinators was developed and adopted by the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) on September 28, 2022.

The first in-person training for School Safety and Security Coordinators that meets the training criteria adopted by the committee is on February 2, 2024. Coordinators appointed before February 2, 2024 are required to complete the required Act 55 training prior to February 2, 2025. Coordinators appointed after February 2, 2024, have one year from their appointment date to complete the required training.

The School Safety and Security Coordinator Training may be used to satisfy both Act 48 credit requirements and Act 45 credit requirements. To receive Act 48 credits, coordinators who take the modules below should follow the process normally utilized by their school entity to submit for those credits. To receive Act 45 credits, those who take the coordinator training should submit their certificates of completion to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by visiting the PA Inspired Leadership Program webpage and scrolling down to “Safe Schools Mandated Trainings.”

Use the calendar below to find and register for School Safety and Security Coordinator Training on a date and location convenient to you. Please check back frequently as dates are currently being booked and added.

Online training for School Safety and Security Coordinators is anticipated to go live in late summer or early fall of 2024.

Training Calendar

Use the training calendar below to find training dates and locations for the following:

  1. School Safety and Security Coordinator Training: This is a 7-hour course designed specifically for appointed School Safety and Security Coordinators who are required to comply with Act 55 of 2022 training requirements. Appointed coordinators may take any training that is convenient to their schedule and location and are not limited to attending sessions within their own IU region. Coordinators appointed before February 2, 2024 are required to complete the required Act 55 training prior to February 2, 2025. Coordinators appointed after February 2, 2024, have one year from their appointment date to complete the required training.
  2. ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions for Emergency Training Drills for Employees: This 1.5 hour session is designed to assist school entities in meeting the “in-person” requirement of the Emergency Training Drills component of Act 55. If you are a School Safety and Security Coordinator, Administrator or designee who will be training school employees and wishes to attend one of these sessions, please use our interactive calendar and registration links below to register for these courses.

PLEASE ENSURE that you are registering for the correct course when you select a training below. If you have any questions about or issues with registration for a training, please put a request in the Requesting Technical Assistance page.

Train the Trainer Sessions for Emergency Training Drills

As noted above, the “Emergency Training Drills” module for school employees must be offered in person. As an option for school entities to consider as they take steps to meet this requirement, PCCD will host regional ‘train-the-trainer’ sessions where School Safety and Security Coordinators and other school administrators can learn how to deliver training that meets the Act 55 standards for school employees related to emergency training drills.

If you are a School Safety and Security Coordinator, Administrator or designee who will be training school employees and wishes to attend one of these sessions, please use our interactive calendar and registration links below to register for these courses. If you have any questions about or issues with registration for a training, please put a request in the Requesting Technical Assistance page.

Scroll to Top

Trauma Informed Approaches Training Resources

For those interested in looking into some of the subjects covered in this training, there are an extensive range of resources available through avenues such as:

Here are resources to help with caring for your own mental health:

National Institute of Mental Health (2023). Caring for your Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

Videos used:

Understanding ACEs with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

Explaining the Brain to Children and Adolescents

References:

Perfect, M. M., Turley, M. R., Carlson, J. S., Yohanna, J., & Saint Gilles, M. P. (2016). School-Related Outcomes of Traumatic Event Exposure and Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Students: A Systematic Review of Research from 1990 to 2015. School Mental Health, 8(1), 7-43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-016-9175-2

Crosby, Shantel D. LMSW, PhD; Howell, Penny B. EdM, EdD; and Thomas, Shelley MAT, EdD (2020)”Teaching through Collective Trauma in the Era of COVID-19: Trauma-informed Practices for Middle Level Learners,” Middle Grades Review: Vol. 6 : Iss. 2 , Article 5. Available at: https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/mgreview/vol6/iss2/5

Hawke, L. D., Hayes, E., Darnay, K., & Henderson, J. (2021). Mental health among transgender and gender diverse youth: An exploration of effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 8(2), 180.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.  Pennsylvania Youth Survey 2021.  Available at: https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Juvenile-Justice/Documents/2021%20PAYS/PAYS-Highlight-Report-2021-V6.pdf

Youssef, N. A., Lockwood, L., Su, S., Hao, G., & Rutten, B. P. (2018). The effects of trauma, with or without PTSD, on the transgenerational DNA methylation alterations in human offsprings. Brain sciences, 8(5), 83.

Küffer, A., Maercker, A., & Burri, A. (2014). Transgenerational effects of PTSD or traumatic stress: Do telomeres reach across the generations?. Journal of Trauma & Treatment, 3(03), 8-S.

Perry, B & Winfrey, O. (2021) What happened to you? : conversations on trauma, resilience and healing. Flation Books.

Bloom, S. L. (1994). The Sanctuary Model: Developing Generic Inpatient Programs for the Treatment of Psychological Trauma. Handbook of Post-Traumatic Therapy, A Practical Guide to Intervention, Treatment, and Research. M. B. Williams and J. F. Sommer, Greenwood Publishing: 474-491. p.476

Esaki, N., Benamati, J., Yanosy, S., Middleton, J. S., Hopson, L. M., Hummer, V. L., & Bloom, S. L. (2013). The sanctuary model: Theoretical framework. Families in society, 94(2), 87-95.

Bloom, S. L., Foderaro, J. F., & Ryan, R. A. (2006). SELF a Trauma-informed Psychoeducation Group Curriculum. Community Works.

Bloom, S. L., Foderaro, J. F., & Ryan, R. A. (2006). SELF a Trauma-informed Psychoeducation Group Curriculum. Community Works.

Esaki, N., Benamati, J., Yanosy, S., Middleton, J. S., Hopson, L. M., Hummer, V. L., & Bloom, S. L. (2013). The sanctuary model: Theoretical framework. Families in society, 94(2), 87-95.

Compassion fatigue, vulnerability, and resilience in practitioners working with traumatized children. In V. Ardino, V (Ed). Post-traumatic syndromes in childhood and adolescence: A handbook of research and practice. London: Wiley Blackwell.

Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) 2021

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris Ted Talk

Behavioral Health Awareness Training Resources

For those interested in looking into some of the subjects covered in this training, there are an extensive range of resources available through avenues such as:

On specific topics, the following can provide an entry point into subject areas:

Behavioral Health information from the American Medical Association

American Medical Association (2023) Retrieved from: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-behavioral-health

Evidence-based interventions that can provide sleep help

American Psychological Association. (2020, July). Helping children get a good night’s sleep. Monitor on Psychology.  https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/07/ce-corner-sleep

Get definitions for psychology terminology

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Dictionary of psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/mental-health

Find out more about why good nutrition is important

PA DOH Nutrition Site: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/Nutrition/Pages/Nutrition.aspx

PDE Site for Support: https://www.education.pa.gov/Teachers%20-%20Administrators/Food-Nutrition/Pages/default.aspx

Find out more information about the benefits of physical activity

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC), (2022, June). Benefits of physical activity. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm

Find information on Multi-Tiered System of Supports

https://www.pattan.net/Multi-Tiered-System-of-Support/MULTI-TIERED-SYSTEM-OF-SUPPORTS

Center on MTSS (2023). Essential components of MTSS. https://mtss4success.org/essential-components

PATTAN MTSS Information: https://www.pattan.net/Multi-Tiered-System-of-Support/MULTI-TIERED-SYSTEM-OF-SUPPORTS

Find information on Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports

Center on PBIS (2023). Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports. www.pbis.org

Find out more information about why relationships matter

The Search Institute (2018).  The Developmental Relationships Framework. https://www.search-institute.org/developmental-relationships/developmental-relationships-framework/

Here are Ideas to help with caring for your own mental health

National Institute of Mental Health (2023). Caring for your Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

Damour, L. (2023). The emotional lives of teenagers. Raising connected, capable and compassionate adolescents. Ballantine Books.

Walker, M. (2017). Why we sleep: The new science of sleep and dreams. Penguin UK.

https://pnsas.org/Portals/0/About%20SAP/SAP%20Teams/Outpatient%20Treatment%20Services%20in%20Schools_Considerations%20for%20Schools%20Providers_Final.pdf

Information about the Child Protective Services Law, Mandated Reporting, and How to File a ChildLine Report

https://pafamiliesinc.org/understanding-systems/office-of-children-youth-and-families/mandated-reporting-in-pennsylvania

https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Pages/Report-Abuse.aspx

Direct Links to Crisis Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org/   Call or Text 9-8-8, 24-7 provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Crisis Text Line https://www.crisistextline.org/  Text PA to 741-741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor, 24-7.

 Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/ 24-7 support from trained counselors for young people in the LGBTQ+ community thinking of harming themselves. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678.

Safe2Say Something Program https://www.safe2saypa.org/ Crisis Center for anonymous reporting of concerns for individuals at risk of hurting themselves or others and provides connection to intervention and support.  Call Safe2Say at 1-844-SAF2SAY or report through the Safe2Say app.

Suicide and Bullying Awareness Training Resources

There are resources to help. If you are concerned that someone else’s safety or well-being is at risk due to thoughts or behaviors indicating suicide, you can access these resources on behalf of another person to report a concern or to obtain assistance on how to help that person. Please check with your supervisor or administrator for local resources.  Always follow the policies and procedures established by your school entity.

National Resources These are free, confidential, and available 24/7

Youth Suicide Warning Signs: https://www.youthsuicidewarningsigns.org/

Crisis Text Line: TEXT 741-741 or visit http://www.crisistextline.org/

The Trevor Project Lifeline For LGBTQIA+ Youth: call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678

Trans Lifeline: Call (877) 565-8860

Pennsylvania Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat via https://988lifeline.org

Safe2Say Something Program

Preventsuicidepa.org

Model Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Policy 

Model Suicide Awareness and Prevention Administrative Regulation

Additional References & Resources

National Organizations/Resources:

American Association of Suicidology (AAS): http://www.suicidology.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): https://www.afsp.org/

Cdc.gov:  https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html

Empowering Schools, Campuses & Communities to Prevent Suicide & Violence with The Columbia Protocol – Columbia Lighthouse Project

Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Office of Suicide Prevention https://suicideprevention.nv.gov/Youth/Myths/

Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC): http://www.sprc.org/  

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Preventing-Suicide-A-Toolkit-for-High-Schools/SMA12-4669  (new resource is expected to be available to replace this one in January 2024)

Pennsylvania Organizations/Resources:

Aevidum: http://aevidum.com/cms/

Jana Marie Foundation: http://www.janamariefoundation.org/

Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth: A Resource Guide for Professionals, Families, and Communities

PA Department of Education: https://www.education.pa.gov/

PA Department of Human Services: Suicide Prevention:

https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Suicide-Prevention.aspx

PA Statewide Suicide Prevention Plan: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Mental-Health-In-PA/Documents/PA%20Statewide%20Suicide%20Prevention%20Plan.pdf

PA Youth Survey – State Report (See “Bullying and Depression/Suicide”)

Prevent Suicide PA: http://www.preventsuicidepa.org/

Services for Teens at Risk (STAR-Center)

Suicide Prevention Training Priority Topics Guidelines

County Task Force Resources: By county, available contact information is provided for crisis, the Suicide Prevention Task Force, local chapter of AFSP, and other local mental health/suicide prevention resources (direct links are not available at this time)

 References

Centers for Disease Control, (2021, September 2). Fast fact: preventing bullying. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/bullyingresearch/fastfact.html

Centers for Disease Control, (2023). Fast Facts: Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences.

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/fastfact.html

Centers for Disease Control (2023), Risk and Preventative Factors for Suicide.

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/factors/index.html

Cyberbullying Research Center (2021). Cyberbullying: Identification, prevention, and response. https://cyberbullying.org/Cyberbullying-Identification-Prevention-Response-2021.pdf

Koyanagi, A., Oh, H., Carvalho, A. F., Smith, L., Haro, J. M., Vancampfort, D., … & DeVylder, J. E. (2019). Bullying victimization and suicide attempt among adolescents aged 12–15 years from 48 countries. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 58(9), 907-918 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30926574/

Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, S. (2015). Measuring cyberbullying: Implications for research. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 23, 69-74.

Porges, S. W. (2022). Polyvagal theory: a science of safety. Frontiers in integrative neuroscience, 16, 27. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227/full?fbclid=IwAR1qtL6FhiAqEPFFU1G-R2pm70rUTx9EbJIyEHJTZV0KeHHTgkiUxm2Zj-g

State of Pennsylvania (2021).  Pennsylvania youth survey. https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Juvenile-Justice/Documents/2021%20PAYS/County%20Reports%202021%20PAYS/State%20Reports_State%20of%20Pennsylvania%20Profile%20Report.pdf

Trevor Project (2021).  National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/bullying-and-suicide-risk-among-lgbtq-youth/

Trevor Project (2023). National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2023/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (DHHS). (2017, September 8). Build a safe environment. https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/build-safe-environment

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (DHHS) (2018, July 30) Consequences of Bullying. https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/research-resources/consequences-of-bullying

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (DHHS). (2021a, September 9). Facts about bullying. StopBullying.gov.

https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts#_Fast_Facts

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (DHHS) (2021b, November 5). What is cyberbullying? https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (DHHS). (2021c, May 21). Effects of Bullying. https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/effects

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021d, May 21) Bystanders are Essential to Bullying

Prevention and Intervention. https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/research-resources/bystanders-are-essential

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (DHHS) (2021e, March 30).  Why do some youth bully? https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/why-some-youth-bully

Webb, L., Clary, L. K., Johnson, R. M., & Mendelson, T. (2021). Electronic and school bullying victimization by race/ethnicity and sexual minority status in a nationally representative adolescent sample. Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(2), 378-384.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32654837/

Substance Use Awareness Training Resources

For those interested in looking into some of the subjects covered in this training, there are an extensive range of resources available through avenues such as:

On specific topics, the following can provide an entry point into subject areas:

Get Help Now

PA 211 – Get Connected. Get Help. Need help and don’t know where to start? Find resources to help you with your utilities bill, housing, food, employment, and more – all across PA. https://www.pa211.org 

Student Assistance Program

Pennsylvania www.pnsas.org

United States https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/materials-school

Substance Use Prevention Programs

There are a variety of substance use prevention programs that can be implemented in schools. Examples of evidence based/informed prevention programs include:

Nicotine Resources

  • Eight regional primary contractors provide tobacco use prevention and cessation activities across Pennsylvania. To find this wonderful resource for free training and cessation activities in your area click here
  • The PA Free Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) is a telephone-based tobacco cessation counseling service offering up to 5 free coaching calls along with free nicotine replacement therapy to those who are medically qualified. This service includes text messaging as well.
  • Tobacco Free Adagio Health provides education and cessation resources related to nicotine and tobacco use across the lifespan.

Teen Nicotine Cessation

  • Adagio Health has created this Teen Quitting Guide to help teens and young adults quit tobacco and nicotine products. This guide provides teens with tools, resources, and techniques to motivate them through their journey to a nicotine free life.

Vaping Resources

Marijuana Related Resources

Alcohol Related Resources

Opioid Related Resources

Pennsylvania Specific Resources

Additional Resources

Risk and Protective Factors for Youth Substance Use

https://youth.gov/youth-topics/risk-and-protective-factors

High-Risk Substance Use Among Youth

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/substance-use/index.htm

Preventing Youth Substance Misuse

https://youth.gov/youth-topics/substance-abuse/critical-elements-substance-abuse-prevention-efforts

PA Parent and Family Alliance

PA Parent and Family Alliance provides assistance and support for all parents and family members of children with mental health issues up to the age of 26.

https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

Elements of Effective Treatment Programs

https://drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Workbook-Questions-to-Ask-Treatment-Programs-2014.pdf

Finding a Treatment Program in PA 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

The process of quickly finding high-quality treatment is crucial for individuals who are ready to start their recovery journey. Not sure where to start? Below are avenues to help you find treatment for yourself or a loved one. With the right treatment and support services, recovery is not just possible, it is probable. Individuals seeking treatment or substance use support for themselves, or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

The free, confidential hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and staffed by trained professionals. A live chat option is also available online or via text message at 717-216-0905 for those seeking help who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.

Videos used in presentation.

Dr. Volkow – Addiction is not a choice

National Institute of Health – The Reward Circuit

Communities that Care – Social Development Strategy

 

 

Behaviors of Concern – Resource List

PA State Resources

Check with Supervisor/Member of Threat Assessment/Student Assistance Team Member for Local Resources

Here is more information about the laws and policies related to this topic:

Train the Trainer In-Person Training Resources

Emergency Training Drills EMPLOYEES

PCCD-RSM Emergency Drills Trainers Bios

Resources for EMERGENCY TRAINING DRILLS

School Employee Training Instructions

Emergency Drills handout with notes for participants

Act 55 Emergency Drills Training Standards