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SafeSteps Academy: Empowerment Workshops & Professional Development Series

Grow as a Leader — Create Safer, Stronger Spaces.
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Program Overview

SafeSteps Academy equips educators, childcare providers, and youth-serving professionals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to create safer, more supportive environments for children and families. Our sessions are hands-on, aligned with New Jersey Safe-Child Standards, and designed to be used the very next day.

Workshops & Topics

Mandated Reporter & Child Welfare 101

  • Recognize, document, and report concerns with confidence; align with NJ Safe-Child Standards.

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Trauma-Informed Practices for Schools & Youth Programs

  • Practical, culturally responsive strategies to reduce re-traumatization and boost engagement.

 

Positive Behavior Supports (Tiered PBIS / ABA)

  • Prevention-first systems, reinforcement, and de-escalation that honor dignity.

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Family Engagement & Culturally Responsive Communication

  • Build trust, co-design supports, and communicate effectively across languages and cultures.

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What You’ll Gain

  • Actionable tools you can use the very next day

  • Certificates of Completion (and CPR/AED e-cards where applicable)

  • Checklists, scripts, and scenario playbooks

  • Alignment with New Jersey Safe-Child Standards

  • CE/PD hours available for qualifying sessions

Delivery Options

On-Site at Your Location

  • We come to your school, center, or agency. Cohort-based learning with live scenarios tailored to your setting.

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​Live Virtual

  • Interactive sessions with breakout practice, downloadable tools, and real-time coaching.

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​Blended (eLearning + Skills Lab)

  • Complete core modules online, then attend an in-person skills lab for hands-on practice and certification (when applicable).​

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Teachers • Paraprofessionals • Childcare Providers • School Leaders • Counselors & Social Workers • Youth Program Staff • Community & Faith-Based Leaders

Who Should Attend
SafeSteps Academy offers a range of hands-on, evidence-based trainings designed to build practical skills and confidence for educators, childcare providers, and youth-serving professionals.

Workshops and Trainings

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Abuse. Ongoing trauma. Low self-esteem.
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Mandated Reporter & Child Welfare 101
Trauma-Informed Care & Cultural Responsiveness
Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS/ABA)

Learn to recognize, document, and report child abuse or neglect with confidence. This training covers state reporting requirements, red flags, documentation best practices, and how to create safer environments for children.

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Format: On-site • Virtual • Blended

 

Certification: Includes certificate of completion.

Discover practical strategies to support students and families impacted by trauma. This session explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), resilience-building, culturally responsive communication, and trauma-sensitive classroom practices.
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Format: On-site • Virtual • Blended

 

Certification: Includes certificate of completion.

Gain tools to build proactive systems that support positive student behavior. This training focuses on reinforcement strategies, tiered interventions, de-escalation techniques, and behavior data tracking methods that align with PBIS and ABA principles.
 

Format: On-site • Virtual • Blended

 

Certification: Includes certificate of completion.

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Crisis Prevention & De-Escalation
Youth Mental Health & Resilience
Family Engagement Strategies

Learn to respond calmly and effectively to challenging behaviors and crisis situations. Participants will practice communication techniques, safety considerations, and step-by-step de-escalation strategies designed to maintain dignity and safety.
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Format: On-site • Virtual • Blended

 

Certification: Includes certificate of completion.

Build capacity to recognize early warning signs of distress, support students’ emotional well-being, and connect them to appropriate resources. This training emphasizes prevention, resilience-building, and trauma-sensitive language.
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Format: On-site • Virtual • Blended

 

Certification: Includes certificate of completion.

Strengthen relationships with families and caregivers through culturally responsive communication, co-design approaches, and inclusive engagement practices. Learn how to build trust, foster collaboration, and address barriers to involvement.
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Format: On-site • Virtual • Blended

 

Certification: Includes certificate of completion.

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Safe Environments & Policy Compliance
CPR/AED & Emergency Readiness
Bias, Equity, and Cultural Humility in Practice

Learn how to strengthen organizational practices to ensure compliance with child safety standards. This training covers safe hiring, staff/volunteer protocols, facility safeguards, and reporting structures that align with state and federal requirements.
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Format: On-site • Virtual • Blended

 

Certification: Includes certificate of completion.

Hands-on training in CPR, AED use, and emergency response tailored to childcare, school, and community settings. Participants complete an online learning module followed by a skills lab for certification.
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Format: On-site • Virtual • Blended

 

Certification: Includes certificate of completion.

Explore implicit bias, power dynamics, and systemic inequities that affect children and families. Through reflection, case studies, and practical strategies, participants learn to build equitable and inclusive environments.
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Format: On-site • Virtual • Blended

 

Certification: Includes certificate of completion.

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