Guidance for State Required Professional Development. Vector Solutions is the current provider, formally known as SafeSchools.

1. Training Programs: SafeSchools offers online training modules on a wide range of topics such as bullying prevention, sexual harassment, blood-borne pathogen exposure, and more. These courses aim to ensure that staff are well-informed about school safety regulations and best practices.
2. Compliance: Schools have numerous federal, state, and local regulations they must adhere to. SafeSchools helps districts track and manage compliance through its training modules and other resources, ensuring that staff are aware of and following necessary guidelines.
3. Incident Reporting: SafeSchools provides a platform where staff, students, and even parents can report safety incidents or concerns anonymously if they choose. This helps schools identify and address issues before they escalate.
4. Drill Management: Safety drills (like fire and earthquake drills) are essential for preparedness. SafeSchools can help in organizing, tracking, and ensuring the effectiveness of these drills.
5. Safety Documentation and Resources: Beyond training modules, SafeSchools offers resources like safety plan templates, checklists, and best practice guides that schools can adapt and use.
6. Professional Development: In addition to safety-specific training, SafeSchools provides courses that focus on broader professional development topics, aiding in the growth and development of school staff.
7. Customizability: Schools and districts can customize the platform to suit their specific needs, selecting which courses to assign, setting up custom alerts, etc.
8. Data and Reporting: Through the platform, districts can monitor and analyze data related to course completion rates, incident reports, and more. This can inform decisions and reveal trends over time.

In summary, the role of SafeSchools in a school district is to serve as a comprehensive platform that addresses safety, compliance, and professional development needs, fostering a safer and more informed school environment.

New Jersey Professional Development Requirements in Statute and Regulations

Mandatory professional development (PD) requirements for particular groups of educators are specified in statute and regulation. These requirements go beyond the core requirements for PD planning and implementation set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:9C.

The tabs below summarize these targeted PD requirements as well as the authorizing citations, educators who should receive the PD, timelines, and additional information. The requirements are grouped under the following topics:

1. Reading Disabilities
2. Prevention: Suicide, Substance Abuse, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
3. School Safety, Security and Code of Student Conduct
4. Health
5. Interscholastic Activities
6. Additional Professional Development Topics

Please use the information below for the most current information. The requirements will be updated as necessary. Questions on the requirements may be submitted by email to [email protected].