Brain Injury Professional Development

Online Learning

Understanding the Brain Learning Series

The Building Blocks of Brain Development and Neuroeducation Evaluation

This module provides information on brain development and a simple framework for understanding and addressing the needs of students with all types of learning differences.

[Time: 48 minutes]

Presentation Slides - Building Blocks of Brain Development (PDF)

Understanding the Intersection between Brain Injury and Mental Health Conditions

A child who sustains a brain injury is vulnerable to developmental, psychosocial and biochemical consequences. Increase your understanding of and how best to address the needs of these students.

[Time: 33 minutes]

Presentation Slides - Brain Injury and Mental Health Conditions (PDF)

Understanding Brain injury and the Intersection with Challenging Behaviors: "Can't versus Won't"

A brain-based approach to identifying the root cause of behavior and effectively addressing a students' challenging behaviors.

[Time: 27 minutes]

Register & Watch

To view any of the Understanding the Brain Learning series modules participants must complete the series registration. Upon completion of the registration an email will be sent to a link to view the module(s) selected.

Understanding the Brain Series Registration

Evaluation & Certificate

After viewing each module participants will be able to receive CDE credit once they complete the module evaluation & knowledge check. A link to the evaluation and knowledge check will be provided in the registration email. A passing score required to receive a certificate.

Brain Injury 101: Laying the Framework

This module provides information on what a brain injury is, the different types of brain injury, and how school teams can identify the areas of impact of brain injuries.

[Time: 55 minutes]

Presentation Slides - Brain Injury 101: Laying the Framework (PDF)

Brain-Based Classroom & Executive Function Strategies

This module provides strategies for educators that are designed to address the learning and behavioral needs for students. These strategies are also designed to be easily accessed and implemented.

[Time: 1 hour 3 minutes]

Presentation Slides - Brain-Based Classroom & Executive Function Strategies (PDF)

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder/Prenatal Substance Exposure and the Special Education Considerations

Participants will learn about the brain and what types of disruptions in brain development may occur with prenatal substance exposure. Participants will learn a brain-based approach to understanding learning and behavior and special education considerations. This module covers the special education category of Other Health Impairment (OHI) when a student has a health condition that impacts their thinking.

[Time: 59 minutes]

Handout - Overlapping Behavioral Characteristics & Related Mental Health Diagnoses in Childres (PDF)

8 Magic Keys - Video

Watch an animated educational video, developed by Anchorage School District, called “8 Magic Keys.” Strategies are described by Deb Evensen and Jan Lutke, two highly respected experts in the field. The goal was to provide basic information as well as to demonstrate strategies that support students with FASD. This video addresses elementary, secondary school situations as well as family situations. It is helpful for parents and educators to understand what a child with FASD experiences on a daily basis in a variety of situations.

University of Washington: A project of the UW Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit

Education and FASD Toolkit

Includes free resources and on-demand webinars:

Common classroom Symptoms of FASD
Understanding How FASD Impacts Students
Education Strategies
Resource Guides for Teachers
And much more!

Training and Professional Development Opportunities

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day

Consequences Don't Matter? Why Traditional Approaches Often Fail for Students with FASD

September 9, 2026

What does FASD look like in the classroom? Why do students, families, and educators often become frustrated? And what can we do differently?

This training examines the brain-based impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), why traditional interventions often fail, and practical strategies that help students be more successful at school.

No prior knowledge of FASD is required; however, with FASD affecting an estimated 1 in 20 children, chances are you have worked with students impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure.

Participants will also hear directly from a new high school graduate living with FASD, offering a unique perspective on the challenges, strengths, and supports that make a difference.

Additional Details

Wednesday September 9, 2026
8:00am - 11:30am
Event will be held virtually via Zoom.
Participants should ensure they use the most up-to-date version of Zoom before the event. Please update your Zoom application here: Upgrading Zoom to the Latest Version
Participants will receive a certificate for 3.5 CDE hours upon completion.
Training is for Colorado personnel only.

Registration

Registration will close on Wednesday August 26, 2026.

Please monitor your email: the Zoom link to join the event will be emailed to you prior to the event.

Brain Injury Support Network/BrainSTEPS CO New Team Member Training

September 24, 2026

Please complete the application that best aligns with your goals and level of involvement so we can better support your school, district/BOCES, or team:

For Brain Injury Support Network (BISN): new members please complete an application prior to registering Brain Injury Support Network Application 2026-2027
For BrainSTEPS CO: new members please complete an application prior to registering BrainSTEPS Team Application 2026-2027
If you have previously completed a BrainSTEPS Team Application you do not need to complete the form again.

Epilepsy, PANS/PANDAS, and TBD additional Training

February 8, 2027

Brain Injury Awareness Month Statewide Training

March 4, 2027

Other Health Impairment (OHI) Eligibility Office Hours

Monthly on Wednesdays from October 2026 to May 2027 on the following dates:

October 14, 2026
November 11, 2026
December 9, 2026
January 13, 2027
February 10, 2027
March 10, 2027
April 14, 2027
May 12, 2027

Registration required.

Join Jody Dickerson to get to know the Other Health Impairment (OHI) category a little better and become friends with it. OHI is just as important and valid as any other eligibility category, and it's time we give it the attention it deserves.

Join the 1-hour sessions to learn more about OHI, share your experiences, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversation. Everyone is welcome!

When and where will the sessions take place?

Sessions will be held via Zoom from 11:30am to 12:30pm on the second Wednesday of each month from October 2026 through May 2027:

October 14, 2026
November 11, 2026
December 9, 2026
January 13, 2027
February 10, 2027
March 10, 2027
April 14, 2027
May 12, 2027

Registration

Registration will close two (2) weeks prior to each session date.

Please monitor your email. Details and Zoom link information will be sent to the email address provided prior to the event.

Brain Injury Support Office Hours

Held virtually on Thursdays on the following dates:

October 22, 2026
January 28, 2027
February 25, 2027
April 22, 2027
May 27, 2027

Registration required.

Join us on Thursdays from 8:15am to 9:15am, beginning October 22, 2026, for monthly Brain Injury Support Office Hours. These sessions are open to anyone interested in learning more, asking questions, or sharing insights related to brain injury support. Whether you're new to the topic or have experience to contribute, all are welcome to participate in this collaborative space.

Dates & Times

Sessions will be held via Zoom from 8:15am to 9:15am from October 2026 through May 2027:

October 22, 2026
January 28, 2027
February 25, 2027
April 22, 2027
May 27, 2027

Registration

Register early! Registration will close two (2) weeks prior to each session date.

Please monitor your email. Details and Zoom link information will be sent to the email address provided prior to the event.

For more information, please contact:

Jody Dickerson, RN, BSB, MN
Email: dickerson_j@cde.state.co.us
Phone: 720-795-2273

Brain Injury Professional Development

Understanding the Brain Learning Series

The Building Blocks of Brain Development and Neuroeducation Evaluation

Understanding the Intersection between Brain Injury and Mental Health Conditions

Understanding Brain injury and the Intersection with Challenging Behaviors: "Can't versus Won't"

Register & Watch

Evaluation & Certificate

Brain Injury 101: Laying the Framework

Brain-Based Classroom & Executive Function Strategies

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder/Prenatal Substance Exposure and the Special Education Considerations

For more information, please contact:

ESSU Newsletter