Nonviolent Physical Crisis Prevention (CPI)

cpi logo

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 


Consider having staff engage independently in the micro-credential or attend a facilitated Zoom session or onsite session for the micro-credential.  

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