PREPaRE
The PREPaRE training curriculum, developed by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), is a two-day training for school-based mental health professionals and school leaders on providing immediate mental health support and interventions following a school-associated crisis event. It covers psychological first aid, crisis intervention, recovery techniques, and trauma-informed approaches for students, staff, and the wider school community. The workshop provides the knowledge and skills to address psychological needs within a multi-tiered system of support and build a bridge to longer-term therapeutic responses.
target audience & Goals
Primarily for school-based mental health professionals such as school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses, and other staff, administrators, and community providers involved in crisis response.
Participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the mental health needs of a school community in the aftermath of a crisis event, ensuring psychological safety and well-being.
training content
Coordinated response: The training helps districts establish and organize a standardized crisis response, ensuring all schools "speak the same language" when reacting to an emergency.
Integrated with emergency services: PREPaRE facilitates collaboration with community providers and first responders by incorporating the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and other guidance from the U.S. Departments of Education and Homeland Security.
Addressing psychological trauma: A core benefit is the focus on the mental health needs of students and staff after a traumatic event. The training teaches school-based mental health professionals to:
Prevent and prepare for psychological trauma.
Reaffirm physical health and perceptions of safety.
Evaluate psychological trauma risk.
Provide multi-tiered interventions.
and Respond to mental health needs.
Examine the effectiveness of interventions.
Student support: By addressing the mental health challenges associated with crises, districts can reduce the adverse effects on student academic achievement and well-being.
Attendees will understand:
The roles and responsibilities of school mental health professionals in crisis situations.
How to prevent and prepare for psychological trauma in schools.
How to provide immediate, psychological first aid and crisis interventions for those impacted by a crisis.
How to evaluate the risk of psychological trauma.
Responding to the psychological needs of the school community using a multi-tiered system.
Bridging immediate interventions to the necessary psychotherapeutic and trauma-informed care.
Staff confidence and competence
Increased staff confidence: The training provides educators and mental health professionals with the specific skills and knowledge needed to handle a crisis, increasing their confidence and reducing stress in high-pressure situations.
Evidence-based practice: PREPaRE is an evidence-based curriculum, ensuring that districts are implementing effective and well-researched crisis prevention and intervention strategies.
Professional development: Providing this training demonstrates a district's commitment to investing in its employees, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and improved professional reputation.