Important Updates on CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training for 2025-26

The Iowa Department of Education has directed Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) to use state-allocated children’s mental health school-based training and support funds to provide CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training—free of charge—for school districts during the 2025-26 school year. This means all CPI training facilitators and materials will be available at no cost to Iowa schools.

Refunds for Previously Registered Trainings
Many districts and schools have already registered and paid for CPI training sessions. The Heartland AEA professional development team will be working diligently to issue refunds for these payments. With numerous sessions in progress, we thank you for your patience as this process unfolds.

If your district has not yet registered but has an upcoming confirmed training, your CPI trainer will reach out directly with registration instructions once available.

New CPI Training Model Beginning Fall 2025
To improve cost efficiency and access, Heartland AEA is transitioning its training model:

July 1 – Aug. 31, 2025: Previously scheduled district-based trainings will take place as planned. However, staff unable to attend these sessions will need to join one of the upcoming service area-based trainings (full schedule available August 2025).

September 2025 and Beyond: All CPI trainings will move to a service area-based model, with multiple opportunities available throughout the Heartland AEA region. Training sessions are planned for September/October 2025 and January/February 2026, and are open to any districts within the service area.

Next Steps

• Look for communication from your district’s assigned CPI trainer regarding registration.
• Watch for upcoming training schedules and locations.
• Ensure staff are aware of these changes and adjust training plans accordingly.

For details on the CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training - Blended Learning model, please see page 2 of the CPI communication.

With these changes, Iowa schools will have improved, equitable access to CPI training, strengthening our collective ability to support student safety and mental well-being.