Training and Support Program Development for Direct/Dedicated Aides.
Project Description:
This is a collaboration between Georgetown/Medstar Center for Well-being in School Environments (WISE) and the GUCEDD. Funded by the Graham Foundation, faculty and staff will be developing a pilot training and support program for Dedicated Aides. The program offers a healing-centered, trauma-informed curriculum designed to help aides more effectively support students with mental health, developmental, or learning challenges while strengthening their own well-being and resilience. Grounded in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and culturally attuned practices, the program blends theory and practical skills to reduce triggers, build relational safety, and prevent burnout. A pilot will include listening sessions and focus groups in Spring 2025 to tailor the curriculum to dedicated aides' unique needs, followed by a 12-week virtual training cohort in Fall 2025 with outcome measurement to inform future efforts.
Keyword(s):
Adolescent Health, Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Child Maltreatment, Clinical Care, Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood – Developmental Health (including developmental screening), Emergency Services for Children – Emergency Preparedness, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Health Care Transition, Health Equity, Heritable Disorders (excluding sickle cell), Life Course Approach, Maternal Health – Maternal Depression, Mental/Behavioral Health – General , Preventive Services, Social Determinants of Health, Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs, Mental/Behavioral Health – Substance Use Disorder(s)
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Regional
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
