Course Description

The Missouri Safety Center’s Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals (DITEP) course equips school administrators, educators, and nurses with essential skills to recognize and evaluate drug impairment in students, creating a safer and more supportive academic environment. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of drug use trends, the observable effects of various drug categories, and systematic methods for assessment and early intervention. By learning to identify and document potential drug impairment, educational professionals can effectively contribute to student well-being and ensure a focused and healthy learning community.

Course Objectives and Outcomes

Recognizing and Understanding Drug Impairment in Schools

Gain critical insights into the impact of drug use within educational settings and develop a comprehensive understanding of drug impairment. This course will explore current drug trends and statistics related to adolescent drug use, empowering you to recognize the scope of the issue in schools. You will also learn about the definition of “drugs” within an academic context and understand the overall goals and systematic approach of the DITEP program for early intervention and a safer learning environment.

Exploring Drug Impairment Identification Techniques

Develop proficiency in utilizing key assessment techniques to effectively identify potential drug impairment. Learn to recognize the observable effects across the seven major drug categories, enabling you to differentiate between various types of substance use. Master practical skills in conducting eye examinations – including Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Vertical Gaze Nystagmus (VGN), and Lack of Convergence (LOC) tests – to gather crucial indicators. You will also learn to interpret vital signs and understand how drug combinations can complicate impairment assessments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to identification.

Effective Response and Support Strategies

Learn to implement effective responses and access essential resources when addressing drug impairment. Understand your role within a school team for awareness and intervention as well as explore best practices for communicating concerns to parents in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. You will also gain knowledge of relevant school policies and procedures, ensuring you can navigate drug-related situations confidently and ethically. Furthermore, the course will equip you to differentiate between overdose symptoms and mimicking medical conditions as well as provide access to valuable resources for continued learning and support within your school and community.

Other Information

This course is approved by Missouri P.O.S.T. and provides the following Continuing Education Hours: total of 16 hours.

• Technical Studies: 9 hours
• Interpersonal Skills: 1 hour
• Skill Development: 6 hours

Tuition is waived for qualified Missouri Law Enforcement Officers through funding by MoDOT grants. Agencies are responsible for lodging and other expenses unless otherwise noted.