New Mexico Child & Adolescent Needs & Strengths (CANS) Train the Trainer
Training Description
The New Mexico CANS Train the Trainer is required for all those who will train others in the CANS in New Mexico. Trainers will guide participants through exercises, practice vignettes, small group work and interactive discussion. Train the Trainer will require additional work be completed outside of training.
Prior to attending the 2 day Trainer Workshop participants must have attended a live CANS Overview Training and passed the certification test.
Those already trained & certified may request an exemption from the CANS Overview training dates. Please note that a score of 80% or higher is required for trainers so you may wish to attend the training in preparation for re-taking the certification test.
This training is by invitation only.
This preregistration is used to compile a candidate roster for the New Mexico CANS Train the Trainer training. A preregistration confirmation will be sent to your email. After your preregistration has been processed, you will receive additional registration instructions and a calendar invitation approximately two weeks prior to the training dates.
Training Dates
All sessions are virtual
New Mexico CANS & TCOM Overview and Certification
This training is required for all those not already certified in the New Mexico CANS or those who would like a refresher before passing the certification exam with a score of at least 80%. 6.5 CEUs
May 26-27, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm each day
Brandon Howlett, M.S. Ed., is a Research Manager and TCOM Training & Certification Lead at the University of Chicago. He partners with jurisdictions worldwide to deliver training and support learning collaboratives. His work also focuses on implementing the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) and other TCOM tools. Brandon brings over 25 years of experience in the human services field, including a decade in community-based behavioral health programming for kids and families. Since Brandon has been training since the late 1990s, he leverages those experiences to train, coach, and support individuals and systems in effectively applying TCOM principles and practices today. Brandon is currently a doctoral candidate for a PhD. at the University of Kentucky - College of Education, he is scheduled to complete his PhD. in Educational Sciences and Leadership in 2027.
New Mexico CANS Train the Trainer
This two day intensive will prepare trainers to facilitate the live New Mexico CANS training and support participants through certification. Please be prepared to complete the entire training and additional course work to receive your trainer certification. You must have attended at least one live New Mexico CANS overview training and pass the New Mexico CANS certification with a score of at least 80%, so you may need to re-take certification test to achieve that score. 11 CEUs
June 22-23, 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day
Trainers: TCOM Training Team with the Praed Foundation
Training Resources
Visit the New Mexico CANS Resource Page and scroll to bottom for current copy of the CANS Guide and Rating Sheet.
Learning Objectives
- Articulate the context in which the CANS is being used in New Mexico.
- Describe the key principles of a communimetric tool and its application in rating the New Mexico CANS items.
- Demonstrate the understanding of core TCOM concepts through:
- Develop examples illustrating the Six key principles of a communimetric tool
- Develop CANS domain level vignettes providing practice on identifying specific domain items and application of the action levels based on vignette description
- Produce one training vignette for the CANS with recommended action levels and rationale
- Develop an action plan with a Theory of Change based on the trainer developed vignette and action levels.
- Provide a general overview training on the CANS that leads to reliable completion of the CANS and certification.
Funding
This training brought to you funding from the State of New Mexico Children Youth and Families Department, Children's Behavioral Health Services.
Preregistration
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