The Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention Program, developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), not only teaches staff to respond effectively to the warning signs that someone is beginning to lose control, but also addresses how staff can deal with their own stress, anxieties, and emotions when confronted with these challenging situations. The program trains participants to recognize changes in behavior that could be cues to escalating behavior and then teaches them appropriate responses to attempt to deescalate it. The training emphasizes staff awareness of verbal and nonverbal behavior and how it can either escalate or deescalate a situation. The training then teaches the staff about keeping themselves physically safe in dangerous situations and how team intervention is preferable to solo intervention. Finally, staff is instructed in the safe, non-harmful use of physical restraint only as a last resort.
CPI Training
Since 2020, Keystone has been offering a Blended/Hybrid Learning plan for initial and recertification for CPI. With this hybrid plan, the initial and recertification are considered the same training. This model requires teachers to complete work independently before a scheduled face-to-face training with a certified instructor to complete the physical interventions.
Given the importance of this work, Keystone will be shifting back to face-to-face instruction throughout the 2023-2024 school year.
Training Opportunities
In-district training requests can be made annually through the Professional Learning Collaborative Conversations. In-house training will require 15 or more staff. Districts that have less staff needing certification or recertification are able to register for the regional offerings held in the fall and spring.
CPI Contacts
If you have questions, please reach out to Tasha Fritz
Kim Anderson
Special Education Consultant
kanderson@keystoneaea.org
563-447-0858 or 800-632-5918
Anita Fay
School Social Worker
afay@keystoneaea.org
641-632-2635 or 800-632-5918
Tasha Fritz
Regional Administrator
tfritz@keystoneaea.org
563-447-0158 or 800-632-5918
Suzanne Maas
School Improvement Facilitator
smaas@keystoneaea.org
563-241-3474 or 800-632-5918
Michael McMahon
Special Education Consultant
mmcmahon@keystoneaea.org
563-447-0627 or 800-632-5918
Determining What Professional Development Staff Need
Please review CPI’s Risk Pyramid for Education.
Highest Risk
Special Education Teachers, BD/ED Classroom Staff
Full CPI Certification Annually which includes Online Modules and In-Person Learning
Considerations: Have staff attend a regional or in-district CPI training. (see above)
Use the Micro-credential titled, Top Ten Tips for De-Escalation in some format to emphasize the importance of these skills and strategies prior to a physical restraint.
Moderate Risk
General Education Teachers, some Paraprofessionals
Full CPI Certification Annually which includes Online Modules and In-Person
OR
Verbal De Escalation Training
- Micro-credential
- Facilitated Learning
- In district facilitated learning
Consider having staff attend a regional or in-district CPI training. (see above)
Low-Medium Risk
Bus Drivers, Lunchroom staff, Custodial Staff, some Paraprofessionals
Verbal De Escalation Training
- Micro-credential: Top 10 Tips for De-Escalation
- Facilitated Learning
- In district facilitated learning
Consider having staff engage independently in the micro-credential or attend a facilitated Zoom session or onsite session for the micro-credential.
Resources: