Make A Referral

Online: Cultural Humility

Education and training for current and aspiring foster parents

If you’re an aspiring foster parent or current foster parent with The Buckeye Ranch, you can select your category below accordingly and register for any upcoming trainings below! We look forward to learning with you soon!

  • date
    Wednesday, 04/23/2025
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas

    (614) 852-8927

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Cultural Humility
    #927, #924, #991, #RR5, #RR7
    class description

    Participants will learn about various aspects of culture and how important it is to have a good understanding of culture when working as a foster parent.

  • date
    Monday, 04/28/2025
    trainer
    Jessica Thompson
    time
    7:00 - 8:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
    Quarterly Town Hall Meeting with Director of Foster Care, Jessica Thompson
    #922, #RR2
    class description

    Join us for a town hall meeting with Foster Care Director Jessica Thompson. This session will provide an opportunity for foster caregivers to discuss recent program changes and share feedback on the foster care conference held on March 14th and 15th. Your insights and experiences are invaluable as we strive to improve our foster care services. We look forward to your participation and input.

  • date
    Wednesday, 05/07/2025
    trainer
    Alyssa Williams, MSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Kim Willis

    kwillis@buckeyeranch.org

    (614) 395-3779

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Trauma Informed Care (T.I.C. 101)
    #991,#923, #924, #925, #928, #929, #940, #943, #945, #993, #995, #RR7, #RR10, #RR5, #RR9, #RR6
    class description

    Parents will be introduced to an overview of brain development and the impact of trauma on the developing child’s brain.

    **Check your ITNA and Training Log to see if you need to take this training. **

  • date
    Thursday, 05/08/2025
    trainer
    Hunter Joseph, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Alyssa Williams

    (513) 430-2825

    awilliams@buckeyeranch.org

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: LGBTQ Culture
    #927, #940, #945, #950, #951, #991, #RR5, #RR10, #RR6, #RR11, #RR7
    class description

    Participants will learn definitions and discuss aspects of the LGBTQ culture. They will also learn how to advocate for children in their homes.

    **Check your ITNA and Training Log to see if you need to take this training. **

  • date
    Thursday, 05/22/2025
    trainer
    Hunter Joseph, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Alyssa Williams

    (513) 430-2825

    awilliams@buckeyeranch.org

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Youth and Self-Esteem (A Deep Dive)
    #941, #924, #991, #995, #RR10, #RR7
    class description

    If you attended the introduction to Youth and Self Esteem at our Conference or if you would like more information on how to help foster your child’s self-esteem this workshop is for you. We will explore how self-esteem develops in children and teens, how it presents at different ages, and its impact on behavior and well-being. Foster parents will gain practical strategies to recognize signs of low and healthy self-esteem and learn ways to support a child’s confidence and resilience at every stage of development.

  • date
    Tuesday, 06/10/2025
    trainer
    Tyler Arvin
    time
    6:00 - 8:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas
    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org
    (614) 852-8927

    online
    class
    Register
    Beyond the Birds and the Bees: An Askable Adults Training
    #985, #927, #942, #945, #990, #RR10, #RR5, #RR6, #RR8, #RR1
    class description

    Join us for an engaging and insightful workshop designed to empower adults in addressing sensitive questions about sex from youth. Beyond the Birds and the Bees is an excellent supplemental training for caregivers, and parents who wish to enhance their confidence in navigating these important conversations. This workshop will help you become an “askable adult,” equipped to talk openly with young people about sex using accurate information and reliable resources. Whether you’re a seasoned caregiver or new to these discussions, you’ll gain valuable skills to support and educate youth effectively.

    In this training, we will take a closer look at being an askable adult and answering sensitive questions about sex from youth. Beyond the Birds and the Bees is an excellent supplemental training for PREP Instructors as well as for any professionals, caregivers, and parents who would like to increase their confidence in navigating sensitive conversations with young people.

    Workshop Goal: Increase ability for adults to talk with young people about sex, using accurate information and resources.

  • date
    Thursday, 06/12/2025
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Lauren Shelly 

    lshelly@buckeyeranch.org 

    (614) 506-9001 

    online
    class
    Register
    Trauma Informed Care (T.I.C. 101)
    #991, #923, #924, #925, #928, #929, #940, #943, #945, #993, #995, #RR7, #RR10, #RR5, #RR9, #RR6
    class description

    In this foundational workshop, parents will gain a comprehensive understanding of brain development, and the profound impact trauma can have on a child’s developing brain. Based on Bruce Perry’s curriculum, this course will equip caregivers with essential knowledge and practical strategies to support and nurture children who have experienced trauma. Participants will learn how to create a trauma-informed environment that fosters healing and resilience. 

    **Seating is limited! Check your ITNA and Training Log to see if you need to take this training. ** 

  • date
    Thursday, 06/19/2025
    trainer
    Hunter Joseph, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

    (614) 852-8927 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Gangs
    #984, #940, #945, #991, #RR10, #RR6, #RR7
    class description

    This essential workshop is designed to equip foster caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to understand gang culture and its impact on youth. Participants will learn about the signs of gang involvement, the reasons why youth may be drawn to gangs, and effective strategies for prevention and intervention. By the end of this training, caregivers will be better prepared to support at-risk youth and create a safe, nurturing environment that discourages gang involvement. 

  • date
    Tuesday, 06/24/2025
    trainer
    Alyssa Williams, MSW
    time
    7:00 - 8:00 PM
    facilitator

    Myndee Miller

    mmiller@buckeyeranch.org 

    (614) 563-4306 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Rules Refresher
    class description

    Details to come. 

  • date
    Wednesday, 06/25/2025
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Regan Carey

    rcarey@buckeyeranch.org

    (614) 359-3656 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Healthy Eating
    #940, #941, #991, #RR10, #RR7
    class description

    In this informative workshop, foster caregivers will learn effective strategies to help children develop healthy eating habits. Participants will explore practical tips and techniques to encourage balanced nutrition, making mealtimes a positive and enjoyable experience for children. By the end of this training, caregivers will be equipped with knowledge and tools to support children’s health and well-being through nutritious eating habits. 

  • date
    Wednesday, 07/02/2025
    trainer
    Lamar King, BS
    time
    7:30 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas

    (614) 852-8927 

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: No-Drama Discipline Book Club
    #925, #940, #991, #995, #RR10, #RR6, #RR7
    class description

    Join us for an insightful and transformative training session based on the acclaimed book No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. This training is designed specifically for foster caregivers who are committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children. Week 1: Understanding Discipline Through a Trauma-Informed Lens. Read: Introduction & Chapter 1 (ReTHINKING Discipline) before the training session. 

  • date
    Monday, 07/07/2025
    trainer
    Alyssa Williams, MSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Myndee Miller 

    (614) 563-4306 

    mmiller@buckeyeranch.org 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: All About Those Rules
    #980, #922, #950, #RR11, #RR2
    class description

    In this foundational workshop, parents will gain a comprehensive understanding of brain development, and the profound impact trauma can have on a child’s developing brain. Based on Bruce Perry’s curriculum, this course will equip caregivers with essential knowledge and practical strategies to support and nurture children who have experienced trauma. Participants will learn how to  

    **Check your ITNA and Training Log to see if you need to take this training. ** 

  • date
    Wednesday, 07/09/2025
    trainer
    Lamar King, BS
    time
    7:30 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas

    (614) 852-8927 

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

     

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: No-Drama Discipline Book Club
    #925, #940, #991, #995, #RR10, #RR6, #RR7
    class description

    Join us for an insightful and transformative training session based on the acclaimed book No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. This training is designed specifically for foster caregivers who are committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children. Week 2: The Science Behind Behavior – Understanding the Child’s Brain. Read: Chapter 2 (Your Brain on Discipline) before the training session.

  • date
    Monday, 07/14/2025
    trainer
    Lamar King, BS
    time
    7:30 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas

    (614) 852-8927 

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: No-Drama Discipline Book Club
    #925, #940, #991, #995, #RR10, #RR6, #RR7
    class description

    Join us for an insightful and transformative training session based on the acclaimed book No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. This training is designed specifically for foster caregivers who are committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children. Week 3: Connection Before Correction – The Power of Relationships. Read: Chapter 3 (Connection is the Key) before the training session. 

  • date
    Wednesday, 07/23/2025
    trainer
    Lamar King, BS
    time
    7:30 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

    (614) 852-8927 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: No-Drama Discipline Book Club
    #925, #940, #991, #995, #RR10, #RR6, #RR7
    class description

    Join us for an insightful and transformative training session based on the acclaimed book No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. This training is designed specifically for foster caregivers who are committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children. Week 4: Discipline in Action – Teaching Instead of Punishing. Read: Chapter 4 (No-Drama Discipline in Action) before the training session. 

  • date
    Wednesday, 07/23/2025
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

    (614) 852-8927 

     

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Mental Health Among Our Youth
    #995, #929, #945, #983, #985, #RR10, #RR9, #RR6
    class description

    Mental health is a critical aspect of a child’s overall well-being, and caregivers play a vital role in addressing and supporting the mental health needs of youth. This training session is designed to equip caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to the treatment and healing of children who have experienced trauma. 

  • date
    Monday, 07/28/2025
    trainer
    Lamar King, BS
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas

    (614) 852-8927 

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Normalcy and the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard
    #923, #922, #949, #950, #980, #991, #RR7, #RR2, #RR11
    class description

    This engaging workshop introduces caregivers to the concept of normalcy and provides a comprehensive understanding of the Reasonable & Prudent Parent Standard (RPPS). Participants will learn how to apply RPPS to create a supportive and nurturing environment for youth, ensuring their well-being and development. 

    **Check your ITNA and Training Log to see if you need to take this training. ** 

  • date
    Wednesday, 07/30/2025
    trainer
    Lamar King, BS
    time
    7:30 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas

    (614) 852-8927 

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: No-Drama Discipline Book Club
    #925, #940, #991, #995, #RR10, #RR6, #RR7
    class description

    Join us for an insightful and transformative training session based on the acclaimed book No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. This training is designed specifically for foster caregivers who are committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children. Week 5: Cultural Considerations in Discipline. Read: Chapter 5 (1-2-3 Discipline) before the training session. 

  • date
    Thursday, 07/31/2025
    trainer
    Hunter Joseph, MSW, LISW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas 

    (614) 852-8927 

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Caregiving for Children that have Parents with Severe Mental Illness
    #925, #940, #983, #994, #995, #RR10, #RR3
    class description

    This training session is designed to equip caregivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to support children whose parents are experiencing severe mental illness. Participants will learn how to help these children understand mental illness within their primary families in an age-appropriate and compassionate manner.  

  • date
    Tuesday, 04/22/2025
    trainer
    Leslie Wass, BA
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Myndee Miller

    (614) 563-4306

    mmiller@buckeyeranch.org

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #7 Maintaining the Childs Connections; Partnering with the Primary Family
    #928, #929, #947, #949, #951, #991
    class description

    This course emphasizes the importance of preserving a child’s connections to their primary family and significant adults and peers. Participants will learn about the C.A.R.E. Guide, Ohio’s recommended best practice for co-parenting, and explore strategies to support these crucial relationships. The course also highlights the need for collaboration with the primary family for the child’s well-being and examines child protection through the lens of empathy and the primary family’s perspective.

  • date
    Monday, 06/02/2025
    trainer
    Sophia Keller, BA
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Myndee Miller  

    mmiller@buckeyeranch.org  

    (614) 563-4306 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #1 Orientation and the Basics of Placement
    #922, #991
    class description

    This course provides an overview of the child protection system and the home study process, highlighting the distinctions between Foster Care, Adoption, and Kinship care. Participants will learn how children enter the system and are matched with families, as well as the legal factors influencing these decisions. The course also emphasizes the importance of making informed placement choices and creating a safe, welcoming environment for the child

  • date
    Wednesday, 06/04/2025
    trainer
    Leslie Wass, BA
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Alyssa Williams 

    awilliams@buckeyeranch.org  

    (513) 430-2825 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #2 Caregiver Roles, Responsibilities, and Medication Management
    #950, #980, #989, #991, #995
    class description

    This course outlines the caregiver’s role on the child protection team, covering responsibilities such as advocacy, mandated reporting, supporting the Family Case Plan, partnering with families, and meeting the child’s needs. It also addresses medication management, the five “rights” of medication administration, and relevant medication-related rules. 

  • date
    Monday, 06/09/2025
    trainer
    Candace Caudill, BS
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Denise Willis 

    nwillis@buckeyeranch.org  

    (614) 400-6560 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #3 Child and Adolescent Development
    #923, #941, #983, #991
    class description

    This course covers finding and applying child development information, emphasizing positive childhood experiences, and nurturing relationships. It introduces the concept of normalcy and the reasonable and prudent parent standard. The course also explores adolescence, including brain development, identity, life skills, and how to support adolescents during this stage. 

  • date
    Wednesday, 06/11/2025
    trainer
    Alyssa Williams, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Ja’lah Lemon 

    jlemon@buckeyeranch.org 

    (614) 515-8925 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #4 Trauma Overview and the Impact of Trauma on Children in Care
    #924, #943, #991, #993
    class description

    This course defines trauma and explores its impact on brain development, attachment, and the child protection team. It also examines how caregivers’ own trauma histories may influence their care and emphasizes the skills needed to support children affected by trauma.

  • date
    Monday, 06/16/2025
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Emily Carlier 

    ecarlier@buckeyeranch.org  

    (614) 359-0724 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #5 Diversity Foundations and the Effects of Caregiving
    #927, #950, #980, #981, #987, #989, #991, #995
    class description

    This course promotes diversity competence and cultural humility, addressing disproportionality and disparity. Participants will examine their implicit biases and learn strategies for fostering an inclusive, equitable environment. It also covers caregiving challenges, including stress management, burnout prevention, and addressing secondary trauma.

  • date
    Wednesday, 06/18/2025
    trainer
    Leslie Wass, BA
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas 

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

    (614) 852-8927

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #6 Foundations of Discipline & Permanency
    #925, #926, #940, #948, #991
    class description

    This course teaches effective discipline strategies for children in care, focusing on behavior re-framing, relationship-building, and emotional management. It also covers permanency options, including reunification and adoption, adoption support, and preparing children for permanency. 

  • date
    Monday, 06/23/2025
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Myndee Miller  

    mmiller@buckeyeranch.org  

    (614) 563-4306 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #7 Maintaining the Childs Connections; Partnering with the Primary Family
    #928, #929, #947, #949, #951, #991
    class description

    This course emphasizes the importance of preserving a child’s connections to their primary family and significant adults and peers. Participants will learn about the C.A.R.E. Guide, Ohio’s recommended best practice for co-parenting, and explore strategies to support these crucial relationships. The course also highlights the need for collaboration with the primary family for the child’s well-being and examines child protection through the lens of empathy and the primary family’s perspective. 

  • date
    Tuesday, 07/08/2025
    trainer
    Alyssa Williams, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas 

    (614) 852-8927 

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org  

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #1 Orientation & the Basics of Placement
    #922, #991
    class description

    This course provides an overview of the child protection system and the home study process, highlighting the distinctions between Foster Care, Adoption, and Kinship care. Participants will learn how children enter the system and are matched with families, as well as the legal factors influencing these decisions. The course also emphasizes the importance of making informed placement choices and creating a safe, welcoming environment for the child. 

  • date
    Thursday, 07/10/2025
    trainer
    Sophia Keller, BA
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Emily Carlier 

    (614) 359-0724 

    ecarlier@buckeyeranch.org  

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #2 Caregiver Roles, Responsibilities, and Medication Management
    #950, #980, #989, #991, #995
    class description

    This course outlines the caregiver’s role on the child protection team, covering responsibilities such as advocacy, mandated reporting, supporting the Family Case Plan, partnering with families, and meeting the child’s needs. It also addresses medication management, the five “rights” of medication administration, and relevant medication-related rules. 

  • date
    Tuesday, 07/15/2025
    trainer
    Candace Caudill, BS
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Alyssa Williams 

    (513) 430-2825 

    awilliams@buckeyeranch.org 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #3 Child and Adolescent Development
    #923, #941, #983, #991
    class description

    This course covers finding and applying child development information, emphasizing positive childhood experiences, and nurturing relationships. It introduces the concept of normalcy and the reasonable and prudent parent standard. The course also explores adolescence, including brain development, identity, life skills, and how to support adolescents during this stage. 

  • date
    Thursday, 07/17/2025
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas 

    (614) 852-8927 

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org  

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #4 Trauma Overview and the Impact of Trauma on Children in Care
    #924, #943, #991, #993
    class description

    This course defines trauma and explores its impact on brain development, attachment, and the child protection team. It also examines how caregivers’ own trauma histories may influence their care and emphasizes the skills needed to support children affected by trauma. 

  • date
    Tuesday, 07/22/2025
    trainer
    Emily Carlier, BSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Alyssa Williams 

    (513) 430-2825 

    awilliams@buckeyeranch.org

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #5 Diversity Foundations and the Effects of Caregiving
    #927, #950, #980, #981, #987, #989, #991, #995
    class description

    This course promotes diversity competence and cultural humility, addressing disproportionality and disparity. Participants will examine their implicit biases and learn strategies for fostering an inclusive, equitable environment. It also covers caregiving challenges, including stress management, burnout prevention, and addressing secondary trauma. 

  • date
    Thursday, 07/24/2025
    trainer
    Sophia Keller, BA
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas 

    (614) 852-8927

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org 

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #6 Foundations of Discipline and Permanency
    #925, #926, #940, #948, #991
    class description

    This course teaches effective discipline strategies for children in care, focusing on behavior re-framing, relationship-building, and emotional management. It also covers permanency options, including reunification and adoption, adoption support, and preparing children for permanency. 

  • date
    Tuesday, 07/29/2025
    trainer
    Myndee Miller, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 - 9:00 PM
    facilitator

    Shannon Waitas 

    (614) 852-8927

    swaitas@buckeyeranch.org  

    online
    class
    Register
    Online: Preservice #7 Maintaining the Childs Connections; Partnering with the Primary Family
    #928, #929, #947, #949, #951, #991
    class description

    This course emphasizes the importance of preserving a child’s connections to their primary family and significant adults and peers. Participants will learn about the C.A.R.E. Guide, Ohio’s recommended best practice for co-parenting, and explore strategies to support these crucial relationships. The course also highlights the need for collaboration with the primary family for the child’s well-being and examines child protection through the lens of empathy and the primary family’s perspective. 

contact us today

If you’re a current foster parent or looking to become a foster parent, please contact us today!

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