Required Trainings

Mandated Reporter Training (State of Minnesota)

All school staff are legally designated as mandated reporters and must complete state-approved training to recognize and report suspected child maltreatment.

  • Format: Self-paced online module with videos, quizzes, and a certificate of completion.

  • Updates: Includes new screening protocols effective July 1, 2025.

👉 Complete Mandated Reporter Training – Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy

👉 Mandated Reporter Overview - MN Child Welfare Training Academy
👉 MN Dept. of Health – Child Abuse & Neglect Resources

Safe Environment Training & Background Check (Diocese of St. Cloud)

All employees and volunteers in contact with children or vulnerable adults must complete Safe Environment training and a background check.

Recommended Trainings

Free Online Training Resources

  • Mental Health First Aid – Recognizing early signs of concern in children.

    • Classroom WISE (Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators)
      A completely free 3-part training package designed for K–12 educators to support student mental health through engaging videos and evidence-based strategies. Classroom WISE

  • Trauma-Informed Practices – Supporting students affected by trauma.

    • Safe Spaces: Foundations of Trauma-Informed Practice
      A free, self-paced course crafted for educators, care providers, and youth workers to recognize and respond to trauma and stress in young people. Learning Policy Institute

    • Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care (TraumaFreeWorld.org)
      A no-cost course that offers practical tools for immediate application in supporting trauma-informed environments. Trauma Free World

  • De-escalation & Behavior Management – Positive discipline strategies.

    • Alison – Positive Handling & Behavioural Training in Schools
      A free online course teaching positive handling, behavior insights (including the SCARF model), and safe strategies to manage challenging situations. Alison

    • Dartmouth College – Calming and De-Escalation
      A short 30-minute video focused on calming strategies, voice and body language, empathy, and emotional regulation when working with children or parents. Class Central

  • Cultural Competency – Building a welcoming Catholic community.

    • Alison – Introduction to Cross-Cultural Awareness
      A free course on improving cultural awareness and competency—ideal for educators working in diverse settings. Alison

  • Bullying Prevention & Safe Schools – Creating safe, respectful classrooms.

    • StopBullying.gov – Bullying Prevention Training Center
      Provides free downloadable modules (PDFs, PowerPoints) to help educators lead bullying prevention efforts at school and in the community. StopBullying.gov

  • Emergency Preparedness – Drills, lockdown, and crisis response training.

    • REMS (Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools) TA Center – Toolbox
      A free virtual library packed with tools, templates, and resources developed by school emergency managers for crisis planning. rems.ed.gov

    • SchoolSafety.gov
      A comprehensive, free hub providing guidance, best practices, and planning materials on bullying prevention, threat assessment, emergency planning, and more. SchoolSafety.gov