SPARK
Supporting Parents as Advocates and Resources for Kids
This program is designed for parents, providers, educators and caregivers of children, from age 3 to 18, to provide education on mental illness and the availability of school and community resources. The course is taught by professionals in the field and is facilitated by peer volunteers.
This course is offered free of charge. Educators who complete the course may apply for undergraduate or graduate credit through the Special Education Department at UW-Oshkosh (fees apply).
Information covered includes:
- Mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders
- Suicide risk and assessment
- Community resources
- Brain biology
- School and individual education plans (IEPs)
- Self-injury behaviors
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- De-escalation techniques
- Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) programs
- Attachment issues
- Classroom strategies
- Coping/self-care
