Meet our Fair Futures Heroes!
Sign-Up for 1:1 Coaching & Support with Fair Futures!

Professional Development

The Center for Fair Futures is excited to announce the launch of our new Learning Management System (LMS), LearnUpon. LearnUpon is used by staff to access all learning opportunities.

Beginning this September, Fair Futures will use Canvas for:
Course Enrollment, Session Registration, Pre and Post Tests and Quizzes, Course Materials, Attendance Tracking, and Badges and Certifications.

Meet the Center for Fair Futures Team and our Partners

Learning Opportunities

Presented by the Center for Fair Futures

Required Training by Role

Menu Button Arrow Pointing Down

Required Trainings are learning opportunities you are automatically enrolled in based on your role within your agency.

Monthly Workshops

Menu Button Arrow Pointing Down

Monthly workshops are open to all staff.

Fair Futures workshops are designed to help increase knowledge and strengthen skills through engaging content and information sharing.

Technical Assistance

Menu Button Arrow Pointing Down

The Center for Fair Futures provides Technical Assistance, or TA, for support around specific issues or topic areas. TA is an opportunity to learn, while problem-solving an area you would like help with. TA sessions can be 1-on-1 or with however many people from your team that you'd like to invite.

Learning Communities

Menu Button Arrow Pointing Down

Monthly Fair Futures Learning Communities are organized by content area: Career Readiness, Post-Secondary Access, Education (Middle School & High School), and Housing.

These shared learning spaces are open to all Coaches and Specialists and were designed to provide staff with a place for sharing information and current updates, community building, discussion and open forum.

1-on-1 Coaching

Menu Button Arrow Pointing Down

If you are looking for a way to maximize your potential and take your work performance to the next level then 1-on-1 performance coaching is for you.

Performance coaching is now being offered to any Fair Futures staff. In these 30 or 60 minute sessions YOU get to focus on YOU. Benefits include, but are not limited to, sharpening your skills, identifying roadblocks in performance, gaining more clarity and focus, exploring your goals and aspirations and finding balance with work and life.

For more information on 1-on-1 Coaching, email our training team.

If you are not a Fair Futures staff member, but would like to participate in the learning opportunities listed above, please reach out to our training team.

Access Fair Futures Training and TA in LearnUpon

Download our LearnUpon FAQs for answers to common questions and help getting started.

LearnUpon Dashboard

Required Trainings, Workshops, & Learning Communities

Fair Futures Required Training by Role

Please refer to this handy guide: Fair Futures Training Requirements By Role for downloadable checklists.
The Center for Fair Futures Orientation
Self-paced
Required Training for all staff
This orientation will provide an overview of the Fair Futures model and background. You will learn about how your specific role and fits into the broader program and walk through the training, technical assistance, and professional development supports available to you.
Introduction to Canvas
Self-paced
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation and Core Training Series
Required Training for all staff
In this self-paced course, participants will learn the basic functionality of Canvas LMS, how to set account preferences, access training, resources and more. Participants gain an overview of the Canvas LMS platform and learn how to access Canvas, set-up account preferences, sign up for and complete Fair Futures training, and how to track training completion.
Care4 Training
Self-paced
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation and Introduction to Canvas
Required Training for all staff
In this self-paced course participants learn the basic functionality of Care4 software, set and close goals, pull reports, transfer and add youth and more.
Core Training Series
Mandatory Training
Enroll
This 8 module course must be completed within 60 days of start date.
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation
Required Training for all staff
This 8 Module Series will provide you with the foundation for better understanding your role, building your confidence and providing the knowledge needed to get started. Complete Module 1 before registering for Modules 2-8. All Modules should be completed within the first 60 days of your start date.
8 MODULES:
  • MODULE 1: Introduction to The Center for Fair Futures (self-paced)
  • MODULE 2: The Foundations of Powerful Coaching
  • MODULE 3: Understanding the Goals & Steps Framework
  • MODULE 4: Middle & High School Education
  • MODULE 5: College and Postsecondary Pathways
  • MODULE 6: Career Development & One Degree
  • MODULE 7: Housing 101
  • MODULE 8: Pulling It Together: Applying the Goals & Steps Framework
Foster Care: General Education Advocacy
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Foster Care Coaches, Education Specialists, and Supervisors
This training gives an overview of education policies that impact students in foster care. Participants learn about the importance of school stability, school enrollment, and transfers, how to make best interest determinations, and how to secure transportation for students. We also explain the NYC Department of Education’s attendance and promotion policies and share resources that can support students’ academic or English language learner needs.
Juvenile Justice: General Education Advocacy
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Juvenile Justice Coaches, Specialists, and Supervisors
This training gives an overview of education policies that impact students in foster care. Participants learn about the importance of school stability, school enrollment, and transfers, how to make best interest determinations, and how to secure transportation for students. We also explain the NYC Department of Education’s attendance and promotion policies and share resources that can support students’ academic or English language learner needs.
Foster Care: Serving Special Education Students
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Foster Care Coaches, Education Specialists, and Supervisors
This training equips participants to advocate for students with disabilities using Section 504 and special education law. We explain parental consent, how to refer students for evaluations, and what accommodations, placements, and services students can receive. Participants practice reading Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), gain tools for advocating at school meetings, and learn tips for escalating cases within the NYC Department of Education.
Juvenile Justice: Serving Special Education Students
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Juvenile Justice Coaches, Specialists, and Supervisors
This training equips participants to advocate for students with disabilities using Section 504 and special education law. We explain parental consent, how to refer students for evaluations, and what accommodations, placements, and services students can receive. Participants practice reading Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), gain tools for advocating at school meetings, and learn tips for escalating cases within the NYC Department of Education.
Foster Care: College Access and Success Series
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: At the Table
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Foster Care Coaches, Education Specialists, and Supervisors
This 3 part Fair Futures Intro College Access and Success Series covers the fundamentals of supporting students with lived experience in foster care as they pursue their college goals, focusing on general college access and success strategies as well as the specific programs and opportunities available to students who have been in foster care. This is a comprehensive course where we will discuss the college application process, opportunity programs, paying for college, and best practices for maintaining academic progress and academic standing when in college.
Juvenile Justice: College Access and Success Series
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Juvenile Justice Coaches, Specialists, and Supervisors
This 3 part Fair Futures Intro College Access and Success Series covers the fundamentals of supporting students with lived experience in the juvenile justice system as they pursue their college goals, focusing on general college access and success strategies as well as the specific programs and opportunities available. This is a comprehensive course where we will discuss the college application process, opportunity programs, paying for college, and best practices for maintaining academic progress and academic standing when in college.
Overview of Juvenile Justice in NYC
Self-paced
Enroll
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation and Fair Futures Core Training
Required Training for all MAAP and CTH Staff
This training will introduce you to the juvenile justice system in New York City by providing an overview of the Close to Home and MAAP programs. You will learn about entry points into the justice system and the continuum of care available to impacted youth, including coaching and mentorship, educational programming, and mental health services.
Transitions from Close to Home Placement
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation and Fair Futures Core Training
Mandatory Course for all CTH Program Directors, CTH Supervisors, CTH Coaches & CTH Specialists
From facility living to community living: navigating emotional undercurrents so they don't become riptides. How to coach young people as they confront and successfully manage the realities of living back in the community.
Know Your Educational Rights Series
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: Advocates for Children (AFC)
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation and Fair Futures Core Training
Mandatory Course for All MAAP and CTH Staff
In this course, you will find access to registration and resources for the following trainings:
Advocates for Children Training Refresher
This training is a refresher for those that participated in our June 2023 training series. We will provide an overview of Advocates for Children (what we do and who we serve), the special education process and timelines, graduation requirements, alternative programs and discipline rights. We will provide links to our guides that you can refer to as issues arise and links to where to find resources to help families.
High School Graduation Requirements
This training will give staff an overview of high school graduation requirements in New York State, the different types of high school diplomas and non-diploma credentials, the impact of Regents exemptions, multiple assessment pathways to graduation, and the options for students with disabilities to graduate with a local diploma.
Multiple Pathways to Graduation: Transfer Schools and Other Alternative Schools and Programs
This training will explore alternative options for receiving a high school diploma, by reviewing transfers and the ways a student may be granted a transfer, enrollment and what parents should know about family welcome centers; lastly, credit/CDOS and other portfolio-based requirements for each alternative setting. This training will also review internship options and other academic support options for students.
Behavior Supports and Navigating School Discipline
This training explores the NYC discipline code and types of school discipline. The training details the procedural rights of students facing discipline, including special protections for students with disabilities. Participants will work through a case example to gain hands-on experience and strengthen their ability to advocate for students facing classroom removal or suspension. This training also includes guidance on how to obtain behavioral and mental health supports for students with and without disabilities.
Special Education Process
This training provides an overview of Special Education laws and the rights of parents. The training goes over the entire special education process from referral for special education services through the creation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).  Participants will strengthen their ability to advocate for parents and students when the parent disagrees with the student’s school on special education matters.
Preparing Families for IEP Meetings
This training will help participants gain a better understanding of an IEP; participants will use a sample IEP to get familiarized with the parts of an IEP and what/where information is provided in an IEP. This training will also provide an overview of IEP meetings by exploring what to expect, how to prepare, and review advocacy tips for an IEP meeting.
Educational Context for Youth in Close to Home
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation and Fair Futures Core Training
Mandatory Course for CTH Program Directors, CTH Supervisors, CTH Coaches & CTH Specialists
Learn about the educational context of youth in Close to Home. Explore the academic needs of young people in placement, the supports available to young people while in care, and the opportunities for advocacy. Participants will develop their skills and confidence in order to better collaborate with key stakeholders to develop robust education plans and prepare young people for their return to a community-based schools and/or education program.
Obtaining Housing for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: City Living NY
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation and Fair Futures Core Training,
Mandatory Course for Coaches, Housing Specialists, Supervisors
This is the first session of a two-part housing workshop series. In this training we will explain the different types of housing available for youth aging out of foster care in New York City and how to apply for each. We will be joined by a panel of youth who have aged out of the foster care system who will present their opinions on the housing options available and share insights on how coaches can best support young people as they transition out of care.
Participants will learn about:
  • An overview of NYCHA development housing, supportive housing, and voucher programs.
  • An overview of the application process for each type of housing.
  • Pros and considerations for each type of housing.
  • Financial assistance programs ACS offers to assist in securing a new apartment.
Maintaining Housing for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: City Living NY
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation, Fair Futures Core Training, and Obtaining Housing for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Mandatory Course for Coaches, Housing Specialists, Supervisors
This is the second session of a two-part housing workshop series. In this training, participants will delve into the issues that can impact our young people maintaining their housing after care and an overview of Independent living skills coaches can work on with their young people as they transition out of care.
Participants will learn the following:
  • How to manage issues such as reducing monthly rent as income changes.
  • Applying for one-shot deals/managing rental arrears.
  • Independent living skills coaches can work with transitional-aged youth.
  • Handling apartment issues such as repairs.
  • Navigating eviction proceedings.
Obtaining and Maintaining HRA Benefits
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation and Fair Futures Core Training,
Mandatory Course for Coaches, Housing Specialists, Supervisors
This training will cover all facets of applying for and maintaining HRA/public assistance benefits.
Career Development: Real Talk, Real Solutions
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: the Center for Fair Futures
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation and Fair Futures Core Training
Mandatory Course for Coaches, Career Development Specialists & Supervisors
Learn about the various approaches you can take to support youth with career exploration and career development, no matter where they are in their career journey.
College Persistence Series
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: At the Table
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation, Fair Futures Core Training, & Introduction to College Access and Success
Mandatory Course for Coaches, Education Specialists, Supervisors
Join us for quarterly training sessions in August, October, January and March to learn how to support young people throughout their college experience.
  • August: Preparing Students for the Semester
    This workshop covers techniques and strategies to help students set themselves up for success, particularly focusing on 1st time college students. Topics include: scheduling classes, reading syllabi together, and navigating college transition hurdles.
  • October: Mid-Semester Check-In (Fall) / Admissions for High School Seniors
    We discuss in-progress course grades, common in-semester challenges and how to resolve them, how to navigate course withdrawal (both official and unofficial), and how to ensure that students are able to register for the next semester in a timely fashion.
    For High School seniors, we dive into college admissions, college cost of attendance, creating a strong portfolio of college options for each student, and application submission timeline.
  • January: Continuing Strong / Bouncing Back
    Learn how to support students in bouncing back from challenges during the Fall semester, including: writing appeal statements, lifting holds, navigating academic probation and dismissal, and making a holistic plan to address the root causes of a difficult semester/ challenges. We will discuss how to recognize and plan for sustained success among the students who did well! For High School seniors, we'll include reminders and updates on CUNY/SUNY admissions.
  • March: Mid-Semester Check-In (Spring) / College Offers and Timeline
    In this workshop we review some mid-semester check-in strategies we discussed in the Fall workshop, including reminders about course withdrawal, registration, and addressing common challenges in working with college professors. We also preview any policy changes we're hearing about for the upcoming semester. For High School seniors, we dive into accepting college offers and key college timeline items like financial aid, verification, and pre-college requirements like advisement and summer bridge programs.
High School Graduation Requirements & Alternative Programs
Mandatory Training
Enroll
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
Prerequisites: Fair Futures Orientation and Fair Futures Core Training
Mandatory Course for Coaches, Education Specialists, Supervisors
This training explains New York state graduation requirements, including the different diploma and non-diploma credentials, Regents exemptions, and safety nets for students learning English and students with disabilities. Participants practice reading high school transcripts and learn about alternative schools and programs in New York City. We also cover special education students’ right to transition services that support their post-high school goals.
Navigating School Suspensions and Discipline
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Coaches, Education Specialists, Supervisors
This training teaches participants about suspensions and classroom removals in New York state, including the procedures schools must follow when disciplining students. We review suspension notices and a suspension packet and practice using the Discipline Code to advocate for students in 2 New York City public schools. Participants also learn about legal protections and behavioral interventions for students with disabilities facing school suspensions.
Understanding the Middle & High School Admissions Process
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Coaches, Education Specialists, Supervisors
This training explains middle and high school admissions in New York City. Participants learn how to research schools online and explore strategies for supporting students as they apply to schools. We review the different types of high schools; discuss what makes a school a good “match” for a student and practice completing a high school application.
Obtaining and Maintaining Housing Series
Hosted by: City Living NY
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Coaches, Housing Specialists, Supervisors
This is a 3-part housing series hosted by City Living. In parts 1 and 2, participants will learn about the different types of housing available for young people in New York City. You will learn how to apply, considerations for each type of housing, and tips for Coaches and Specialists. In part 3, Maintaining Housing, participants will delve into the issues that can impact our young people maintaining their housing after care and an overview of independent living skills.
Obtaining and Maintaining HRA Benefits
Prerequisites: The Center for Fair Futures Orientation, Introduction to Canvas, Care4 Training and Core Training Series
Required Training for Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Coaches, Housing Specialists, Supervisors
This training will cover all facets of applying for and maintaining HRA/public assistance benefits.
Coach Certification
Only available to Coaches who have been with Fair Futures 1+ years
The Fair Futures Coach Certification includes 3 parts: a Care4 Assessment; a Coaching Assessment comprised of 10 sections, spanning the role of a Coach, coaching approaches, high school, college education, career development, and housing topics; and a Practical Exam.
The Center for Fair Futures Hub
All staff are automatically enrolled in this training.
All workshops and optional training opportunities are located in the Fair Futures Hub. This course also includes Canvas LMS Resources and Training materials.
All optional Fair Futures workshops are open to all Fair Futures staff. Previous workshops have invited speakers, practitioners, and young people, to broaden our understanding of New York City's foster care and juvenile justice systems and the young people impacted by these systems. These workshops are designed to help increase knowledge and strengthen skills.

Questions?

For questions related to training, please email training@fairfuturesny.org.

For questions related to the LMS, please email lms@fairfuturesny.org.

Thank you to The Foster Care Excellence Fund for supporting this work.

Thank you to our training/TA partners:
Advocates for Children, New Yorkers for Children, City Living NY, Children's Village, Workforce Professionals Training Institute, Goddard Options Institute, Youth Communication, At the Table, and the ACS Workforce Institute.

Enroll & RegisterEnroll & Register for an Upcoming Training
One Degree Training
Optional Training
Enroll
Optional training for All Staff
One Degree is a user-friendly, online resource directory and referral tool platform designed to help young people, caregivers, and professional staff find and access resources.
Participants will learn:
  • How to navigate the One Degree platform
  • How to this tool will improve your work with young people
  • About all of the new education and career resources that were added to One Degree