Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve Institute:

An Example of MCEC’s Blended Professional Development Model

www.MilitaryChild.org

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

www.MilitaryChild.org

CONCEPT

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 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

RATIONALE

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 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

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 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

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 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

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 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

www.MilitaryChild.org

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

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 6 hours in length

• Face-to-Face training

• Research-based resources

GRI Part One: Content Topics

www.MilitaryChild.org

• History, background, and structure of the National Guard and Reserve

• Concept of “suddenly military”

• Deployment Cycle

GRI Part One: Content Topics

www.MilitaryChild.org

• Separation

• Emotional issues, sensitivity, and support of children/youth

• Response and Resiliency

GRI Part One: Teaching Strategies

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 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

www.MilitaryChild.org

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

www.MilitaryChild.org

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

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 6 Hours in length

• Online

• Blended Hybrid Training

• Application of concepts learned in Part One

GRI Part Two: Content Topics

www.MilitaryChild.org

• Review of Part One key ideas

• Reintegration strengths and stressors

• Resiliency

GRI Part Two: Content Topics

www.MilitaryChild.org

• Research National, Regional and Local Resources

• Apply/Act• Develop plan of action• Develop/create video for sharing plan

GRI Part Two: Methods Utilized

www.MilitaryChild.org

• Online interactive and collaborative discussion

• Stories and simulated case studies

• Video clips

• Readings

GRI Part Two: Methods Utilized

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 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

www.MilitaryChild.org

• Published timeline

• Progress tracking

• Ongoing facilitator feedback

• Trainer support and availability