Legislature makes changes to verification of youth suicide awareness and prevention training

During the 2024 legislative session, changes were made to the codified law (SDCL 13-42-71) that requires educators to participate in at least one clock hour of youth suicide awareness and prevention training. As of July 1, 2024, the verification that training has been completed will be conducted through district accreditation reviews rather than through educator certification.

This means that while certified educators must continue to complete an approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years, they will not be required to show proof of the training by submitting their certificate of completion to the Department of Education when they apply for initial or renewal certification. Instead, educators should submit their suicide prevention training certificate of completion to an official at their district. The district will then save the copy to show proof that teachers in the district are meeting the training requirement.

Learn more about these important trainings on the Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training page.