Mental Health Learning Modules for Ohio's Educators and School Personnel

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) is launching a significant initiative to enhance mental health literacy among educators and school personnel within high-need local education agencies. This effort, supported by $661,500 in federal funding over a three-year period, aims to address the varied mental health needs of early learners, school-age children, and the educators themselves. The overarching goal is to improve student well-being and reduce chronic absenteeism by equipping educators with comprehensive mental health training. The project aligns closely with DEW's mission to promote holistic student development and supports the broader agenda of mental health literacy as a foundation for a healthier educational environment. Under the contract, the selected contractor will develop a series of online learning modules that span six critical content areas through a total of 18 modules. These areas include comprehensive school-based mental health, prevention and school climate/safety, building connectedness and relationships, sustaining mental health supports through partnerships, digital media use, and substance use. These modules are designed to integrate evidence-based practices and strategies tailored to students' needs while providing essential support for educators. Additionally, the contractor is responsible for creating a user-friendly website to host these modules, adhering to accessibility standards. The effectiveness of the training modules will be assessed through mandatory quarterly data reports. The entire project is set to conclude by September 30, 2027, with all activities focused in Ohio, primarily targeting high-need educational settings throughout the state.