Advanced Training in School Based Practice Family and School Partnerships Program
Loyola's Family and School Partnerships Certificate Program is the only program of its kind in the Midwest. This post-graduate certificate program is designed to help school-based mental health professionals better assist students in both their academic and psychosocial development. The program provides innovative models for engaging families and sustaining their involvement in partnerships with school professionals.
In this certificate program, participants learn an integrated "whole school approach" to school-based practice. Participants are trained to do high quality, innovative, evidence-based and strength-based work with students, their families, and the systems in which they work. They gain practical knowledge and skills, both remedial and preventive, to help students with identified problems and to assist students in "regular" programs overcome obstacles to academic success and healthy psychosocial development.
Participants meet in small groups led by senior faculty with fifteen to thirty years of experience in school-based practice, and participants have the opportunity to work with experts in all areas of practice with children and families. The program incorporates a dynamic mix of rigorous consultation around cases and systems issues, as well as didactic instruction. It is ideal for school social workers, both experienced or novice, as well as other psychological and support staff, such as psychologists and counselors. This is the right program for professionals who want to become leaders in their districts and in the larger professional community and to work toward a better integration of children's mental health and academic needs in schools.
Additional Benefits of Participation (For All Tracks within the Program):
Participants gain Continuing Education Units (CEU's) and hours necessary for licensure (LCSW, LSW, CPDU, LCPC, LPC, and Certificate of Attendance) as part of the program. In many districts, this qualifies them for salary increases. Because of Loyola's reputation in the community, many districts offer tuition reimbursement. Significant scholarships are available for participants working with low income and/or minority populations.
Program Description: Students choose between three different tracks of study.
Track I: Certificate in Advanced Practice in Schools is a 2-year intensive program requiring participation in the following to earn the certificate:
One bi-weekly consultation group for two consecutive years (38 hours per year, sufficient for LCSW licensure) Eight workshops, four hours each, over two consecutive years. Workshops meet four times a year and focus on school-based practice. They are usually offered on Saturday mornings. One five-day Intensive Summer Training Conference. (6 hours per day/ 5 days= 30 hours total)
Track II: Flexible Certificate Program is a program where professionals can complete all components of the certificate program at their own pace and earn a Certificate of Advanced Practice in Schools.
Track III: Open Participation is a way for professionals to participate in one or more components of the certificate program and apply hours toward the Track II Certificate.
Location: This certificate program is based at Loyola's Water Tower Campus downtown. Consultation groups are held in communities throughout the city and suburbs.
