Uxbridge Public Schools Launches Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training Initiative – an Ivy League, World-Renowned Program

UXBRIDGE — Uxbridge Public Schools is launching a new professional development initiative to train staff in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools (TCIS), an internationally renowned crisis prevention and intervention model.

According to Cornell University, which developed the program, Superintendent Michael Baldassarre is one of only 44 professionally registered trainers of this program worldwide. He completed the process of becoming a professionally registered trainer in 2017. 

Over the past six months, four additional Uxbridge leaders have earned accreditation from Cornell University to provide training to the district’s staff in this acclaimed program. They were trained directly by leaders from the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research at Cornell University

The new TCIS Agency Level Trainers are Taft Early Learning Center Assistant Principal Jennifer Collins, Director of Pupil Services Jennifer Toth, Whitin Intermediate School Principal Leanne DeMarco, and School Adjustment Counselor Lori Tobin.

“Therapeutic Crisis Intervention gives our staff the skills to safely manage crisis situations while promoting positive relationships and preventing future crises,” said Superintendent Baldassarre. “With our own certified trainers, we can provide consistent, high-quality training to our staff that prioritizes both employee and student safety and well-being.”  

The TCIS program is known for turning stressful situations with kids into opportunities to teach them new skills.

TCIS teaches staff strategies to prevent and de-escalate potential crisis situations through therapeutic rapport, emotional regulation and crisis co-regulation techniques. If a crisis does occur, TCIS provides safe, non-harmful intervention protocols to protect all involved. The training aligns with a trauma-informed approach that meets students’ academic, social, emotional and physical needs.

Studies show TCIS reduces injuries to students and staff, reduces worker’s compensation claims, improves staff retention and creates a more positive, supportive school climate. Uxbridge’s adoption of this best-practice model demonstrates its commitment to providing a safe, nurturing learning environment for all students.

Without the investment of trainers embedded within the school district, the cost of training staff would be significant, according to Director of Pupil Services Toth. “We now have the training and capacity to enhance the skills of all of our staff from within,” said Toth.

Training for all Uxbridge Public Schools staff will begin this spring, and it is expected to be continuously offered to staff throughout the 2024-2025 school year.  

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