NEW! Preservice Caseworker Academy

In October 2026, new caseworkers in Colorado will transition to the Preservice Caseworker Academy (PCA) to seek initial certification. 

Registration is available on the LMS. The first four cohorts start as follows:

  • October 21 in Pueblo
  • November 4 in Aurora
  • November 18 in Steamboat Springs
  • December 9 in Aurora

Want to learn more about what to expect? Browse the tabs below and join an upcoming PCA Information Session using the Zoom link provided. 

Description of PCA

The 8-week course combines in-person and virtual learning with a combination of cohort and flex learning. Cohort seminars and check-ins will be led by the assigned cohort facilitator and will maintain the same peer group through the 8 weeks. Web-based trainings will be assigned to the cohort in sequence so they can be discussed in cohort gatherings. Flex learning includes four seminars that will be taken by learners at their convenience in Weeks 2–8.

PCA comprises the following:

  • 4 Cohort seminars (First two are in-person, remaining two are virtual)
  • 4 Cohort check-ins (Virtual)
  • 15 Web-based trainings (independently completed outside of seminars)
  • 4 Flex seminars (Two are in-person, remaining two are virtual)
  • Learner portfolio review (Virtual meeting with learner, supervisor, and cohort facilitator)
  • County observations (in collaboration with supervisor)
  • Transfer of Learning (in collaboration with supervisor)

PCA employs a robust assessment of learning through multiple modalities. In the learner portfolio review, the cohort facilitator will share the results with the learner and their supervisor. Results will include the following:

  • Knowledge acquisition (pre- and post-test results)
  • Assignments completed by the learner
  • Skill gains from practice opportunities in class
  • Self-reflection on learning
  • Plan for support (plan developed by the learner to support their learning)

Preservice Caseworker Academy Structure

Week
Cohort Seminars
Facilitated learning with assigned cohort
Cohort Web-Based Trainings (WBTs)
Completed independently but in assigned cohort week
Flex Seminars
Completed flexibly after Cohort Seminar 1
Flex WBTs
Completed flexibly before seeking initial certification
Transfer of Learning Activities (TOLs)
Completed flexibly before seeking initial certification
Week 1
Cohort Seminar 1
(2 days, in-person, 9–4)

An Overview of Child Welfare

How Families Enter the CW System

The People We Serve

Preparing to Meet Families

None
Mandatory Reporter Training WBT
(2 hours)
TOL activities are overseen by the county supervisor and can be completed prior to or throughout the time when the worker is engaged in Preservice Caseworker Academy
Week 2
Check-In 1
(2.5 hours, virtual, 9–11:30)

Overview of Assessment

Types/Severity of Abuse and Neglect

Safety and Risk Assessments

Safety Planning

Culture & Identity Seminar
(1 day, virtual, 9–4)
Week 3
Cohort Seminar 2
(3 days, in-person, 9–4)
None
Interviewing & Communication Seminar
(2 days, in-person, 9–4)
Week 4
Check-In 2
(2.5 hours, virtual, 9–11:30)

Family Time Planning

Transition to Ongoing

Week 5
Check-In 3
(2.5 hours, virtual, 9–11:30)

Treatment Planning

Permanency Planning

Court Seminar (Rec. in Weeks 3–8)
(2 days, in-person, 9–4)
Week 6
Cohort Seminar 3
(2 days, virtual, 9–4)
None
Educational Rights for Students in Foster Care WBT
(1 hour)
TOLs include:
  • 11 Required activities
  • 4 Optional activities
Week 7
Check-In 4
(2.5 hours, virtual, 9–11:30)

Supporting Resource Caregivers

Working with Youth

Closure and Case Review

Trails Seminar (Rec. in Weeks 3–8)
(1 day, virtual, 9–4)
Week 8
Cohort Seminar 4
(1.5 days, virtual, 9–4, 9–12)
Learner Portfolio Review
(30 min, virtual)
None

Development Process

In fall 2024, the TSC agreed to move forward with redesigning the Fundamentals of Colorado Child Welfare Practice for initial caseworker certification. In 2025, CWTS worked closely with the TSC to gain consensus on essential content to be included and the most effective design for learners to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be initially certified as caseworkers. In 2026, with approval from SubPAC for the PCA outline, CWTS began developing the new curriculum, including input and review from subject matter experts.

CWTS will pilot the Preservice Caseworker Academy and evaluate learning achievement and satisfaction with the experience from both the caseworker and supervisor perspective. Results from the pilot evaluation will be shared with the Training Steering Committee to inform any future changes.

PCA Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit Frequently Asked Questions About Preservice Caseworker Academy (PCA) for more information

Supervisor Guide to Preservice Caseworker Academy

Please visit Supervisor Guide to Preservice Caseworker Academy for more information for Supervisors.