Weekly Field Memo: Recent News and Items of Interest From the Agency

Content:

Grants Management 101: Fiscal and Regulatory Compliance Training

Audience: Business managers, grant managers, business office staff, and all personnel responsible for administering federal education grants

The Vermont Agency of Education Regulatory Compliance Team invites business managers, grant managers, business office staff, and all personnel responsible for administering federal education grants to participate in Grants Management 101 on Tuesday, August 18 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Please register using our online form.

This training will provide an overview of key federal and state requirements for managing grant funds, with an emphasis on fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and practical implementation. Whether you are new to federal grants or looking for a refresher on current requirements, this training will help strengthen your understanding of the responsibilities associated with administering federal awards.

Training Topics:

• Overview of EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
• Required fiscal and grants management policies and procedures
• Procurement requirements
• Annual procurement threshold determinations
• Compensation for personal services
• Capital asset management
• Vermont Bid Law (16 V.S.A. § 559)
• FY27 Pre-Award Cost Approval Process

The training will be recorded, and a link to the recording will be distributed to all registered participants following the session. If you are unable to attend the live presentation but would like access to the recording, please register using the link provided.

Contact: Abby Houle at [email protected]

Utilizing De-escalation Strategies for Paraeducators and Behavior Interventionists Webinar

Audience: Paraeducators

This two-hour webinar hosted by the Building Effective Supports for Teaching (BEST) Project focuses on relationship building, de-escalation, and conflict resolution skills necessary for staff working with all students, including students needing targeted and intensive levels of support. Participants will learn how to support students with self-defeating behaviors using proactive strategies and building positive restorative relationships. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 25 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Please register using our online form.

Contact: Amy Wheeler-Sutton, UVM at [email protected]

Vermont Department for Children and Families Launches Updated Mandated Reporter Training

Audience: Mandated reporters, educators, health care providers, childcare professionals, law enforcement, social workers, and other professionals who work closely with children and families. The training is also available to anyone interested in learning more about recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.

The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) has launched a new online mandated reporter training, Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in Vermont. The self-paced training provides information about recognizing signs of child abuse and neglect, understanding Vermont's mandated reporting requirements, and determining when a report should be made. The training includes realistic scenarios, answers to common reporting questions, and practical resources that participants can refer to after completing the course. It replaces DCF's previous mandated reporter training, Protecting Vermont's Children: Reporting Abuse and Neglect.

Contact: VT DCF Family Services Division at [email protected]

Mission Connect Vermont: Returning Service Member Reintegration Toolkit

Audience: Superintendents, principals, school counselors, school nurses, student support staff, afterschool and summer program staff

The Governor's Office and the Vermont Department of Mental Health have released the Mission Connect Vermont: Returning Service Member Reintegration Toolkit, a guide for community partners who support Vermont National Guard members and their families following a deployment or discharge. Approximately 3,000 Vermonters serve in the Army and Air National Guard, and many have children enrolled in Vermont schools or participating in afterschool and summer programs. The toolkit explains what schools, childcare providers, clinicians, employers, and community organizations can do to recognize and respond to the needs of service members, veterans, and their families during reintegration. Schools are encouraged to review the toolkit and share it with staff who work directly with students and families.

Read the Reintegration Toolkit for Communities

Contact: Monica Hutt at [email protected]

Webinar Recording: Student Forms and Data for Vulnerable Learners

Audience: Registrars, Data managers, Administrative professionals, MKV liaisons, School leaders

Thank you to all the folks who attended our webinar on Friday, August 7, 2026.

In case you couldn't make it or want to watch it again:

Other Materials:

Thank you! Feel free to share these resources with your colleagues as needed!

Contact: Lindsay Turgeon-Brown at [email protected]

Restorative Justice Institute Training - Tier 1 Circle Keeper Certification

Audience: Education leaders, School administrators, Educators

The Restorative Justice Institute is offering a Tier 1 Circle Keeper Certification Training. This is a foundational course for people who want to facilitate proactive restorative circles that strengthen connection, belonging, trust, and shared responsibility within their communities or organizations. To learn more, please visit the Tier 1 Circle Keeper Certification information page.

Contact: [email protected]

Restorative Justice Institute Training - Intro to Restorative Practices for K-12 Schools

Audience: Education leaders, School administrators, Educators

The Restorative Justice Institute is offering an introductory course on Restorative Practices for K-12 schools. Learn practical strategies to build relationships, prevent conflict, and respond to harm through restorative practices that foster accountability, belonging, and positive school culture. To learn more, please see the Intro to Restorative Practices for K-12 Schools information page.

Contact: [email protected]

The Vermont Agency of Education is hiring

Audience: All Administrators, Educators and communities

The Vermont Agency of Education is hiring. To support our ongoing recruitment efforts and keep the field informed, all current open positions at the Agency will now be shared in the Weekly Field Memo (WFM). We encourage you to review, share, and distribute these opportunities throughout your schools, districts, and professional networks. View current openings on the VT Careers website. Thank you for helping us spread the word and connect talented professionals with meaningful work in Vermont education!

The following positions have been posted: