Get help and learn specific strategies on how to help your child be mentally well at school and home.

SPS University is an event for the entire Springfield community. Part resource fair, part conference, SPS U is designed to connect you with resources and information to help support your child.

• Mental Health Workshops on various topics to help support your family:  
  • Online Safety for Students in K-12: Online safety is a community-wide issue. This presentation, led by Micki Lane, Training Education Director/Forensic Interviewer at the Child Advocacy Center is designed to improve caregivers' knowledge and understanding of the risks their student may face online. Practical strategies and advice to help adults support students online, access to other resources and how to report concerns will be discussed.
  • Building Resilience In Children: Strategies for Success: Join as we explore the opportunities, services, and programs available within SPS to help students develop skills and mindsets that protect mental health and build resilience. 
  • Reducing Risks for Youth with Suicide Prevention: This breakout is being led by Chris Davis, VP of Prevention and Youth Support at the Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO). During this session, information will be shared about the prevalence and related risks of youth suicide, as well as resources to decrease those risks and help prevent death by suicide.
  • Healthy Relationships & Dating Violence Awareness for Teens: The Rebound Foundation teaches young people the importance of understanding and practicing healthy relationship behaviors. In addition, parents learn how to talk to young people about identifying unhealthy relationship behaviors and teen dating violence prevention.  
• A resource fair to connect you with more than 50 community partners offering programs that benefit your family
• A free meal
• Free childcare for ages 4 to 8
• Featuring a Mental Health Panel Discussion led by top local experts in child behavior, mental health and wellness