TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Foster SQUAD

Check out our schedule of free classes and support groups on our events page. Classes are approved for foster care licensing credit and will be added as new classes are scheduled. If you are interested in teaching a class, contact us at fostersquadiowa@gmail.com

Events

Four oaks

Four Oaks is the licensing agent for the Iowa Department of Human Services. Check out their calendar for a variety of training courses available for foster parents, including CPR and First Aid.

Website

IFAPA

The Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (IFAPA) is a great resource for training options for foster and adoptive families. Their website lists both classroom and online training options available.

Website

STAR Center

The STAR Center is a great resource for foster and adoptive parents. They have a variety of training available throughout the year. Check out the "Attachment and Trauma Workshop" that is offered for quarterly.

Website

Community Training

3rd Annual Family and Youth Engagement Summit: September 5th 9AM at the FFA Enrichment Center – 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, IA 50023

Click the link to register and view the agenda: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-family-and-youth-engagement-summit-tickets-622520073297?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Child Welfare Provider Training Academy (Coalition for Family and Children’s Services in Iowa) has trainings for child welfare providers all year long.

Click here to view their training calendar.

Parents as Teachers Program:

Please find information on the flyers here for English, Spanish, and Arabic.

IowaWORKS workshops and Calendar:

For July schedule click HERE, workshop descriptions click HERE, and Virtual workshop info click HERE.

Polk County Board of Supervisors approved funding to retain and recruit diverse and qualified mental health professionals to work with Polk County Regional MHDS Network Providers. This was done to help address the critical shortage of mental health providers in Polk County.

The funds will be used to provide loan scholarships (e.g. pay down the mental health providers student loans) to 90 therapists in Polk County. The goal of the program is to attract new therapists and retain more experienced therapists.

Requirements:
Applicants must provide direct therapy services at one of the approved providers – they are working to expand this list! Right now, it includes Eyerly Ball, Balance Autism. Easter Seals, Orchard Place, ChildServe, LS, Stepping Stones Family Services, Optimae Life Services, Community Support Advocates and Broadlawns. But please DO contact them if you or the person you want to refer is not currently working at one of those agencies because they are looking for more.

Applicants must commit to working for the providers for 5 years.
Each applicant can receive up to $20,000 of scholarship/payments toward their student loans.
They encourage individuals to apply who have diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Please contact Julie Fugenschuh at Project Iowa if you are a mental health provider. juliefugenschuh@projectiowa.org
Please contact Gaby Palacios if you’re a student or therapist interested in applying for this program. gabypalacios@projectiowa.org