Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve Institute: An Example of MCEC’s Blended Professional Development Model

Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserves Institute (GRI) provides community members with the knowledge needed to raise awareness about the issues faced by children of National Guard and Reserves

Develop and deliver a blended hybrid model of high quality professional development for practicing professionals who support military children. Practicing professionals include but are not limited to: Educators (P-20) School counselors Nurses Social Workers and Community Professionals National Guard and Reserves Family Program workers and volunteers School liaison or military child/youth family program personnel/EFMP personnel

Available Technology Participant Needs Reach wider audience Accommodate adult learning styles Increased completion rates Budgetary Constraints Military recourses Civilian recourses Educational Community

Requirements for Completion Participants attend and successfully complete Part One of the GRI Institute Participants complete all components of Part Two requirements of the online GRI Institute using MCEC resources 95% attendance/completion to get credit

GRI Course Accreditation International Association of Continuing Education and Training National Board of Certified Counselors Participants receive 12 hours of Continuing Education Credits (1.2 CEUs) 1 Credit of Graduate Hours

GRI Research-based Resource Examples Building Resilience in Children and Teens by Kenneth R. Ginsburg You and Your Military Hero by Sara Jensen-Fritz My Story: Blogs by Four Military Teens by Michelle and DeAnne Sherman

GRI Part One: Learning Objectives Participants will: Understand basic information about the U.S. Military National Guard and Reserves Identify and discuss the effects of mobilization and deployment separation on children and families of National Guard and Reserve members

GRI Part One: Course Design 6 hours in length Face-to-Face training Research-based resources

GRI Part One: Content Topics History, background, and structure of the National Guard and Reserve Concept of “suddenly military” Deployment Cycle

GRI Part One: Content Topics Separation Emotional issues, sensitivity, and support of children/youth Response and Resiliency

GRI Part One: Teaching Strategies Small group discussion and activities Stories, case studies and simulations Video clips of experts Role play Reading and Group Presentations

GRI Part Two: Learning Objectives Participants will: Identify, experience and discuss the effects of reintegration Research to identify community and military resources and networks that support the National Guard and Reserve military-connected children/youth

GRI Part Two: Learning Objectives Participants will: Prepare a plan of action designed to encourage/support the natural resilience of children connected to the National Guard and Reserve Share plans of action

GRI Part Two: Course Design 6 Hours in length Online Blended Hybrid Training Application of concepts learned in Part One

GRI Part Two: Content Topics Review of Part One key ideas Reintegration strengths and stressors Resiliency

GRI Part Two: Content Topics Research National, Regional and Local Resources Apply/Act Develop plan of action Develop/create video for sharing plan

GRI Part Two: Methods Utilized Online interactive and collaborative discussion Stories and simulated case studies Video clips Readings

GRI Part Two: Methods Utilized Choice of online research method Interaction with military connected child/youth Development of plan of action Online interactive sharing of plans

GRI Part Two: Completion and Accountability Published timeline Progress tracking Ongoing facilitator feedback Trainer support and availability