School-Wide Strategies for Supporting Students with School Phobia, Avoidance, and Chronic Absenteeism

School-Wide Strategies for Supporting Students with School Phobia, Avoidance, and Chronic Absenteeism for Education, School/Attendance Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals

School phobia, avoidance, and absence are one of the most pressing issues in youth mental health and  suicide prevention. 

With the YMHC School Phobia Training Course, you gain the knowledge and skills needed to support students who are struggling with chronic school absenteeism. Register now and become a part of the solution.

Drawing on a wide evidence base, the course provides participants with a range of school-wide strategies for positively impacting the lives, health, education, and future potential of students.  

The trainer draws on her 20 years of experience working on school phobia issues,  in addition to the coordination of Stay-in-School programs, plus years of experience as an educator with elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education students in Canada and Africa, and her membership and involvement in international organizations focused on youth mental health, suicide prevention, and school attendance.

Sheryl is a passionate educator known for inspiring change with her engaging, inspiring style and practical ideas and strategies. As well as drawing on a wide evidence base, Sheryl’s presentations, workshops, and courses consolidate her background in education, mental health and wellness, human rights and equity, and disability awareness and support. 

Sheryl started her teaching career as a Special Education teacher in Zimbabwe, Africa, where she lived for three years. As a teenager, she worked with young people with disabilities and decided to go to university to study education and disability issues. Sheryl brings broad teaching knowledge from working with elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education students in a variety of educational institutions and facilities. 

She is the author of five mental wellness journal workbooks and a guidebook on supporting students, a member of the International Association of Youth Mental Health, International Network for School Attendance, International Association for Suicide Prevention, and other organizations focused on youth mental health, suicide prevention, and school attendance. 

Sheryl has had the privilege of working with and learning from hundreds of schools, community organizations, professionals, and settings across Canada and around the world. 

• Your needs and ideas are woven into a tailored presentation or workshop.

• Increased reach and impact for your event via YMHC’s huge online reach of millions of followers

• Guiding principles and new ways of thinking to inspire change.

• Practical, high-impact ideas and strategies

• An evidence-inspired presentation

• Recommended resources to support your work.

January 24, 2024 to February 28, 2024

Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. ET

1.  Education Matters: Education, Mental Health, and Disability Issues

2.  Understanding School Phobia, Avoidance, and Absence Issues

3.  Emotional Regulation and School Phobia

4.  Building Mental Wellness Protective Factors: Sources of Support

5.  Building Sources of Strength and Resilience

6.  School-Wide Strategies to Support Students

$750 per person includes relevant and meaningful assignment package, certificate of course completion, receipt, and photocopiable guidebook (licensed for your work location to make unlimited photocopies)

Please click the "Apply Now" button in green at the top of this page.

Course Pledge

• By submitting this application, I hereby confirm my intention to attend the School-Wide Strategies to Support Students with School Phobia, Avoidance, and Chronic School Absenteeism Training Course delivered by Youth Mental Health Canada. 

• By submitting this application, I agree to these terms and commit to uphold them to the best of my ability.

Code of Conduct

1. By submitting this application, I agree to the following requirements for the YMHC School Phobia Training Course: 

2. I will be respectful to all participants and the course trainer, creating a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, or any other inappropriate behavior. 

3. I will attend all online sessions on time and participate actively in class discussions and activities, using the camera and chat feature. I have the ability to attend all six sessions of the course. I understand that there are no make-up sessions for the course.

4. Completion of all course requirements, including assignments, is necessary to obtain a certificate of completion.

5. I am committed to learning and applying the knowledge and skills presented in the course to support young people who are struggling with school phobia. I understand that though I might have training or knowledge of some of the areas covered in the course, I am open to learning and growing my knowledge and skill base. 

6. I will contribute to a positive and meaningful learning experience for everyone involved.

A fee of $500 is charged for cancellations received 4 weeks or more in advance of the course date. A fee of $600 is charged for cancellations received less than 4 weeks in advance. If notice is received after the course date or the registrant does not show up for the course, no refund will be issued.