On March 17, 2011, Vermont passed Rule 4500: The Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Schools. These rules become effective on August 15, 2011, however schools have until September 30, 2011 to have trained staff available.

The purposes of these rules are to:

• Create and maintain a positive and safe learning environment in schools;
• Promote positive behavioral interventions and supports in schools; and
• Ensure that students are not subjected to inappropriate use of restraint or seclusion.

Physical restraint may be used only when a student’s behavior poses an imminent and substantial risk of physical injury to the student or others. Physical restraint or seclusion shall only be imposed by school personnel or contract service providers who have been trained to provide the selected intervention. The Department of Education shall maintain a directory of recommended physical restraint training programs.

CPI can help you meet the Vermont requirements.
Since 1980, more than six million human service professionals—including tens of thousands of educators and special educators—have participated in CPI’s Nonviolent Crisis Intervention^® training program. During the program, participants learn how to de-escalate potentially dangerous behavior and how to most safely intervene should physical restraint become necessary—as a last resort—when an individual is a danger to self or others.

As an approved training provider, CPI can help you meet these requirements. We encourage you to act now so your school can meet the new Vermont requirements. CPI can provide Nonviolent Crisis Intervention^® training and certify key staff members to train additional staff through our “train-the-trainer” Instructor Certification Program. Our training is offered regularly in more than 150 locations worldwide, and on-site training options are also available.

By giving educators the skills to guide students toward more positive behavioral choices, the training can be an effective part of an overall Positive Behavior Support system.

If you have any questions or concerns about Nonviolent Crisis Intervention^® training in relation to this new rule or to discuss on-site training options, please call David Koveck toll-free at 877.877.5389. We look forward to sharing our core philosophy of Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security^SM with you, your staff, and the students in your care.

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