Child Safety Awareness, Prevention, and Other Non-Academic Mandatory Trainings

In accordance with the new requirements in Title 14 Del. Code, Chapter 41, Subchapter II, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) has developed a statewide training schedule for the required non-academic training courses. A new training schedule will be released at the beginning of each school year.

A quick reference guide is available to provide support in determining which non-academic mandatory trainings to take this year. This guide pertains to the Non-Academic Mandatory Training, required by 14 Del. C. § 4162 and Regulation 890, and does not include other federal, state, or locally required training.

  • “New school district and charter school employee” means individuals, including teachers, school administrators, school support personnel, instructional aides, nurses, school counselors, coaches, custodial staff, and nutrition staff, who were hired by a school district, charter school, or alternative program during the current school year. This term does not include school district or charter school employees who were previously employed by a Delaware school district, charter school or alternative program during the prior school year.

  • All employees meeting the definition above must register for and complete NAMT: New Employee Course (PDMS course #43731).

  • This course must be completed within 30 days of hire.

  • “School district and charter school employee” means all individuals, including teachers, school administrators, school support personnel, instructional aides, nurses, school counselors, coaches, custodial staff, and nutrition staff, hired by a school district, charter school, or alternative program, who provide services to students on a regular, ongoing basis. This term does not include contractors or subcontractors, such as bus drivers or security guards; substitute employees; and individuals hired by or subcontracted by other state agencies to work on school property.

  • All employees who meet the definition above and do not meet the definition of “new school district and charter school employee” must register for and complete NAMT: Suicide Prevention Course (PDMS course #43729).

  • New administrator, school nurse, or school counselor means individuals, including administrators, school nurses, and school counselors, who were hired by a school district, charter school, or alternative program during the current school year. This term does not include school district or charter school employees who were previously employed by a Delaware school district, charter school or alternative program during the prior school year.

  • All employees who meet the definition above must register for and complete NAMT: Administrator, School Nurse, and School Counselor Course (PDMS course #43734).

  • Administrators, school nurses, and school counselors completing this course must also complete the applicable requirements for new Employees or all returning employees.

For course-related questions related to course requirements and content.

  • School/building level personnel – Reach out to your district/charter non-academic training contact. Questions for DDOE should also go through the district/charter contact.
  • District or charter school leads – For questions to DDOE, please email Jenn Davis or Rosie Morales.

For technology questions or challenges related to PDMS, Schoology, certificates, or any other technology.

  • School/building level personnel – Contact your district/charter tech support. Questions for DDOE should also go through the district/charter contact.
  • District or charter tech support – For questions to DDOE, please submit a DDOE HelpDesk ticket.

Required Training on the Use of Physical Restraints

In addition to the non-academic mandatory training requirements outlined above, school district and charter school employees, contractors, and personnel in private and alternative programs who perform physical restraints are required under Regulation 610 to complete annual training on physical restraint procedures.

Additionally, any school district or charter school employee responsible for reporting the physical restraint of a student to the DDOE must complete training on the reporting process at least once every three years, and in any year when reporting procedures have changed from the previous year.

Training must be provided through a nationally recognized crisis prevention and intervention program and must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Address prevention techniques, de-escalation strategies, and positive behavioral intervention supports
  • Be tailored to the staff member’s specific duties and the potential need for emergency safety interventions

Each public school, private program, and alternative program must maintain written or electronic documentation of each training provided, including a list of all personnel who participated.

Training on the reporting process is provided through DDOE’s Professional Development Management System (PDMS).

The Physical Restraint Reporting Training for the 2025-2026 school year is now live (PDMS course #43950) and provides step-by-step guidance for reporting in Infinite Campus.

Please reach out to Rosie Morales with any questions.

Homeless Education Training

All school personnel who work with students experiencing homelessness must complete annual McKinney-Vento training. This includes, but is not limited to, administrators, teachers, counselors, social workers, enrollment staff, and transportation staff. Homeless Education Training is mandated under the Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Subtitle VII-B, reauthorized by Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 722(g)(6)(A)(ix).

This course is for all new and returning employees. It replaces the previously offered Homeless Introduction and Refresher courses.

The training ensures that personnel can effectively identify students experiencing homelessness, provide appropriate support, and connect them with necessary resources. Key learning objectives include:

  • Understanding the purpose and key provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act;
  • Identifying who qualifies under the Act;
  • Recognizing living situations covered by the Act; and
  • Learning the responsibilities of liaisons and school staff.

Register for PDMS course #43869.