Core 3.5 Sacramento October 2026 Cohort

Core for Social Workers provides a foundational understanding and skill set related to child welfare practice in California. The goal is to provide training that reflects real world application of knowledge and skill to daily child welfare practice. Additionally, Core for Social Workers allows participants to build a network of support with colleagues in Northern California as they work through the variety of key concepts and foundations of child welfare practice.  All classes will take place at Hyatt House Airport Natomas in Sacramento, CA.

Cohort Course Schedule  

This cohort will be held in-person at Hyatt House Airport Natomas in Sacramento, CA.

• Full day trainings: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 
• Half-day trainings: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

COURSE MAKE-UP REQUESTS: In order to be enrolled in select courses within this cohort for make-up, please email your request to [email protected]

Module 1

• Orientation to CA Child Welfare Practice Oct. 6, 2026
• Intro to Child Development Oct. 7, 2026
• Trauma-Informed Practice Oct. 8, 2026
• Fairness and Equity Oct. 9, 2026

Module 2

• Child and Family Teaming Dec. 1, 2026
• Legal Procedures Dec. 2, 2026
• Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Working with Native American Families and Tribes Dec. 3, 2026

Module 3

• Key Issues in Child Welfare Jan. 12-13, 2027
• Cultural Humility in Child Welfare Interviews Jan. 14, 2027
• Critical Thinking & Assessment Jan. 15, 2027 (1/2 day)

Module 4

• Engagement & Interviewing Feb. 2, 2027
• Interviewing Children Feb. 3, 2027
• Child Maltreatment Identification Skills Lab Feb. 4-5, 2027

Module 5

• Structured Tools & Assessment Skills Lab Mar. 2-3, 2027
• SOP Foundational Institute Mar. 4-5, 2027
  (The SOP Foundational Institute is not part of the statewide standardized Core requirements but is a regional addition. If students miss this class, they will still successfully complete Core.)

Module 6

• Teaming with Families to Develop Behavioral Case Plans Apr. 13, 2027
• Managing the Plan: Supporting Safety, Permanency and Well-Being Apr. 14, 2027
• Transition Practice Apr. 15, 2027

Please note: This schedule only lists the classroom requirements for the Core for Social Workers program. Please refer to the Core 3.5 Overview document for information on the full requirements of the program, including eLearnings and Field Activities.