Foundations of School Mental and Behavioral Health

*Thank you for your interest in the School Mental and Behavioral Health (SMBH) micro-credential. This is a new program, so we are happy that you have heard of it! Please see below for more information and feel free to follow up with us should you have any questions.

What is the School Mental and Behavioral Health micro-credential?

In collaboration with the Southern Oregon Education Service District, SOU’s SMBH micro-credential enables participants to seek specialized training to become more effective in their educational work settings. Furthermore, credits earned through the micro-credential can be applied toward degrees in education, psychology and counseling, and prepare candidates for career advancement in high-need roles.

What does it cover and what are the requirements?

Candidates will have the opportunity to complete 12 credits of ED 207 professional development coursework through a series of one-credit workshops that align with competencies in: (a) behavioral support, (b) culturally-responsiveness, and (c) trauma-informed care. Workshops will be facilitated by K-12 staff, mental health professionals, or SOU faculty from the Psychology, Education, or Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs.

For each workshop, participants will be required to complete the full course along with 5 hours of practical application in the field. Participants will need to submit one reflection paper (1 page per workshop) at the end of each term describing their practical application activities and more.

Reflection Paper

One page per workshop (single spaced) responding to ALL of the following prompts:

1. Describe the situation or context in which you applied learning from this workshop;
2. Describe the actions you took that exhibited knowledge or skills addressed in the workshop;
3. Explain the goals you were attempting to achieve and evaluate how well your actions did or did not advance those goals;
4. Explain what you learned from this experience and describe how you might apply that in the future.

Which workshops count toward the micro-credential?

Please visit the SOESD PD Networks page for the list of current SMBH workshops. Any classes listed with “SMBH” in the title will count (you can type “SMBH” into the search bar to generate a current list).
https://pdnetworks.soesd.k12.or.us/public/events/find-events

How many workshops do I need to complete for the micro-credential?

Each workshop + the supplemental assignment is worth one academic credit of ED 207 at SOU. This means participants will need to complete twelve workshops for the micro-credential.

I have questions about the supplemental assignment. Where can I get help?

Watch: https://youtu.be/VP9cG1Xg9UE
Contact: Dr. Megan Farnsworth at farnsworm@sou.edu

How do I register for SMBH workshops and the SOU ED 207 academic credits?

Each term, you will need to register for the SMBH workshops that you are interested in (through the Southern Oregon ESD PD Networks site). When you register for your SMBH class(es), please check the box indicating your interest in the micro-credential. At the end of each term, you will need to complete the Supplemental Assignment & Registration Form (the supplemental assignment asks you to spend 5 hours in the field, per workshop, and write a one-page reflection paper).

How much does the micro-credential cost?

The 12 credit micro-credential is $1200 (these special courses are offered at the reduced rate of $100 per credit plus a one time $10 micro-credential application fee).

Are there any scholarships available?

Great news! We are pleased to share that Cambia Health Foundation, in partnership with SOU, has graciously provided scholarship funds to cover the tuition associated with the School and Mental Behavioral Health (SMBH) micro-credential for the upcoming term. Participants will be billed for the tuition, then the grant funds will be disbursed and applied to your account.

What other costs can I expect?

Each of the SMBH workshops through the SOESD will have their own set of fees which are distinct from the credit. Currently, many of them are free; however, a few will have a course fee along the way. You can connect with Nancy Hayes at nancy_hayes@soesd.k12.or.us for insight on pending or upcoming workshops.

How do I apply to receive my SMBH micro-credential?

After you successfully complete each of your micro-credential workshops, Dr. Megan Farnsworth will assign your grade in Banner (SOU’s official grading system). After you have completed the 12 required credits, you will need to complete a simple application and your micro-credential will be awarded! Click here for the application!

Learning Outcomes/Competencies

Behavioral support competencies:

• Understand mental health assessment, treatment, and service terminology
• Implement skills development strategies and identify, implement, and coordinate the services and supports identified in a service plan
• Identify and implement essential components of a written behavior reduction plan
• Mentor and promote the development of life skills such as emotional self-regulation, interpersonal skills, and self-advocacy

Culturally responsive and trauma-informed care competencies:

• Demonstrate care, respect and cultural sensitivity
• Establish trust by communicating directly, demonstrating flexibility, and maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Employ strengths-based approaches to develop confidence and competence
• Promote self-efficacy and resilience by prioritizing skill-building and collaborative problem solving
• Facilitate co-regulation while practicing and promoting self-compassion, self-regulation, and professional self-care