The Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course empowers participants to recognize, understand, and respond effectively to mental health and substance use challenges in youth ages 12–18. This valuable training supports staff, benefits the young people they serve, and promotes the well-being of the entire community.

Spaces are limited; register today to secure your spot!

For more information, please contact Patricia Pugliese at ppugliese@njsacc.org.

Fee: $80 includes lunch

Register Here

Inclusion benefits everyone, but how do we realistically do that in our school age afterschool & OST programs when we serve such a range of ages, personalities, & abilities? Join us & our partners from Kids Included Together for a day exploring how to nurture & grow inclusive practices in your program to best meet the needs of school age youth & staff in OST. Optional Bonus Session included 2:30-4pm, specifically addressing the behavior & inclusion challenges of working with preschoolers age 3 & up in afterschool programs.     

Date: Thursday, January 8, 9am-2:15pm (optional bonus session until 4pm)

Location: Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County, Spruce Street

1040 Spruce Street, Lawrenceville, NJ

Fee: $80 includes lunch

Register Here

Back for another year, NJSACC’s Behavior & Inclusion workshop series continues for 2025-26! Be sure to register for these grant funded, cost free evening offerings ASAP.

BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Turning Down the Heat on Behavior
Youth use behavior. Providers are challenged by behavior. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop exploring the KIT Behavior Thermometer. This valuable tool helps guide staff in identifying typical, challenging, concerning, and unsafe behavior and the appropriate steps to de-escalate an unsafe situation.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 10/28/25, 6:45-7:45pm

BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Success with ADHD in OST Settings
This training will ask participants to focus on the essential question: How can we create environments and relationships that empower youth with ADHD to thrive, while honoring their unique strengths and challenges? Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop identifying myths about youth with ADHD and exploring positive support strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and help all youth be successful.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Wednesday, 1/21/26, 6:45-7:45pm

BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Supporting Social Emotional Literacy
This training will ask participants to focus on the essential question: How do feelings and emotions impact children/youth? Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop that will explore strategies to help youth build social and emotional literacy skills to better understand and manage their emotions and behavior.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 2/10/26, 6:45-7:45pm

BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Planning Support for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder influences the developmental skills of youth in a variety of ways that can impact their participation and relationships. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop exploring strategies to support social interactions, communication, and the sensory processing needs of the youth in our care.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 3/10/26, 6:45-7:45pm

BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Meaningful Interactions
Positive relationships are the foundation for supporting youth, but making connections with every youth is not always easy, especially with youth who consistently show concerning or unsafe behavior. In this virtual workshop, led by our Kids Included Together (KIT) trainer, we’ll gain valuable tools and explore how self-reflection and acknowledgement can be used to build trust and positive relationships.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 5/5/26, 6:45-7:45pm

Find Out More at NJCCIS

BEHAVIOR & INCLUSION SERIES – Turning Down the Heat on Behavior
Youth use behavior. Providers are challenged by behavior. Join NJSACC and our trainer from Kids Included Together (KIT) for this virtual workshop exploring the KIT Behavior Thermometer. This valuable tool helps guide staff in identifying typical, challenging, concerning, and unsafe behavior and the appropriate steps to de-escalate an unsafe situation.
This grant funded, cost free workshop is appropriate for all levels of school age OST staff.
Tuesday, 10/28/25, 6:45-7:45pm

Event ID 149854

Registration is through NJCCIS. Event ID 149854

NEW for 2025-26, NJSACC will offer 3 PLCs (Peer Learning Communities) that will meet virtually via zoom for networking, information sharing, and more! Space is limited for these grant funded free opportunities & is first come first served, so don’t miss out – register ASAP!

OST Leaders PLC Now in its 3rd year, this PLC is open to all OST leaders in NJ & starts in October.

Young Professionals PLC This new PLC is open to all OST leaders under age 30 to explore OST leadership from their unique perspective. This group will start in December.

Urban Communities PLC This new PLC will explore the unique joys & challenges of providing OST in urban communities. This group will start in December.

More details can be found on the registration page below.

Google Form Registration