With support from the Division of Healthy Start and Perinatal Services (DHSPS), the Healthy Start TA & Support Center (TASC) is pleased to offer scholarships for different training and certification opportunities to Healthy Start staff. Below is information about current and past scholarship opportunities. Information about upcoming opportunities and related announcements are distributed via the TASC’s monthly newsletter and weekly updates. To sign up to receive these communications, please email [email protected].

 

Current Opportunities as of Summer 2023

Breastfeeding Trainings

Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Training

Self-paced online course to be completed by December 2023

Over the past four years, the TASC has provided several rounds of scholarships for the Healthy Children Project’s Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) training. This training is a self-paced, online course, which takes approximately 52 hours to complete. Participants have up to 6 months to complete the course. The TASC covers the cost of the training registration for selected scholarship recipients. Recipients and/or their Healthy Start project are responsible for covering the cost of the CLC certification exam, which can also be taken online.

To apply for a scholarship to attend the CLC training, please complete this application by COB Friday, September 15, 2023.

 

The B.L.A.C.K. Course Certified Blactation Educator/Accomplice Training

Virtual training to be held Wednesday, November 8-Tuesday, November 14, 2023 from 11 am –8 pm ET 

The TASC has partnered with the four powerful lactation leaders at The B.L.A.C.K. Course to offer their curriculum to Healthy Start grantees. The B.L.A.C.K Course is a full scope lactation and breastfeeding education training made by and for Black people and accomplices supporting Black breastfeeding families. This course is designed to be a prep course for aspiring IBCLC’s, lactation counselors, and other breastfeeding supporters.

The 45-hour B.L.A.C.K. Course will be offered virtually over the course of 5 days, On November 8-14, 2023 from 8 am- 5 pm PT.

To apply for a scholarship to attend the B.L.A.C.K. Course, please complete this application by COB Friday, September 15, 2023.

 

BMBFA Birth & Breastfeeding Leadership Institute

Virtual cohort to run from November 6, 2023-August 2024

The TASC is thrilled to be partnering with the Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA) to provide select grantees with scholarships to participate in their nine- month long Birth & Breastfeeding Leadership Institute. This virtual national leadership program aims to propel Black community-level leadership and is rooted in the principles of racial justice and equity. It leverages community wisdom to create tangible improvements in Black birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Scholarship recipients will attend a cohort running from November 2023-August 2024.

Over the nine months, participants will explore virtual modules including Advocacy & Policy, Leadership Development, Cross-functional Team Building, and more, enhanced by virtual monthly wisdom circles. Participants will discover podcasts, webinars, panel discussions, and other resources curated by experts across policy, racial justice, and community organization. Upon completion, participants will earn recognition in a virtual pinning ceremony and receive a Certificate of Advanced Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Register here to join our kick-off webinar and Q&A on August 31st from 2-3 pm ET to learn more about this amazing opportunity. Application information will be shared during the webinar.

 

Mental & Behavioral Health Trainings 

Shades of Blue’s I.N.S.P.I.R.E Method Training

Virtual training to be held on Thursday, October 12 from 8:30 am-2 pm ET and Friday, October 13 from 9 am-3 pm ET

Shades of Blue’s I.N.S.P.I.R.E Method Training is a virtual two-day training, which teaches participants compassion care methods they can use in their everyday professional practice when working with and inside the community. This training is specific to care for women of color and minorities and can be implemented by doulas, midwives, clinicians and those facilitating support groups. Learning objectives include:

  • Identifying unique stressors in Black women and minorities dealing with maternal mental health complications
  • Implementing the I.NS.P.I.R.E method into everyday practices and prioritizing maternal mental health in our communities
  • Understanding social determinants of health and cultural barriers; the current outlook of maternal mental health among Black women and minorities; and how to change the outlook
  • Demonstrating the I.N.S.P.I.R.E method of compassion care, including mindfulness, hug therapy, music and more

 

This training will be held on October Thursday, 12 from 8:30 am-2 pm ET and Friday, October 13 from 9 am-3 pm ET. To apply for the scholarship, please complete this application by September 15, 2023.

 

Fatherhood Trainings

Paternal Prenatal Early Attachment Training

Virtual training to be held on Saturday, September 16 and Saturday, September 23 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm ET.

The TASC is partnering with Real Dads Forever to provide their two-day virtual Paternal Prenatal Early Attachment training to Healthy Start participants (e.g., fathers, mothers) on Saturday, September 16, and Saturday, September 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET.

The Paternal Prenatal Early Attachment Curriculum is designed to strengthen and enhance fathers’ support of mothers and children during pregnancy and after birth. The curriculum is intentionally infused with strategies to guide fathers in cultivating empathy, emotional understanding, and caring. Participants will gain tools to successfully navigate the perinatal experience and the first 1,000 days of their child’s life.

This training is open to Healthy Start dads and other participants. Please complete this sign-up form register your participants to attend the virtual training!

 

Past Opportunities

Below are past scholarship opportunities offered by the TASC over the past four years.

Fatherhood Trainings

  • National Fatherhood Initiative’s 24/7 Dad Training
  • National Fatherhood Initiative’s Master Training
  • National Fatherhood Initiative’s Fathering in 15 Curriculum
  • Real Dad’s Forever’s Paternal Prenatal Early Attachment Training

Mental Health Trainings

  • Postpartum Support International’s Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Components of Care Training
  • National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Mental Health First Aid for Adults Training
  • Mental Health First Aid Instructor Certification Training
  • Institute for Wellness Education’s Wellness Coaching Certification Training