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Implementing Identity Support Plans for Elementary and Secondary Grade Level
Transgender, Gender Non-conforming and Non-binary Students


Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Two training sessions available


An Identity Support Plan (IDSP) provides the opportunity for school staff to work together with gender diverse students, and potentially their caregivers, to understand and identify ways in which the student’s identity is respected at school. This IDSP process fosters an educational environment that is safe and supportive for ALL students and serves as an effective tool to help guide school staff through conversations with families, other caregivers, and children.

Is your school ready with tools and systems in place to accommodate the needs of transgender and gender diverse students and to be compliant with:

AB 1266, also known as the “School Success and Opportunity Act”?
(View FAQ page)

This state law requires school districts to provide equity and access to transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) students at school. Support for TGNC students is rooted in the state’s Education Code, and the California Department of Education has also provided guidance on how districts should support their TGNC students.

Orange County Resource Directory team specialists have designed an Identity Support Planning (IDSP) tool to help elementary and secondary grade level school administrators and leadership staff to support their TGNC students. IDSPs facilitate school safety and academic achievement for TGNC students. 

Join us for either of these trainings: the first is dedicated to elementary level schools and the second is dedicated to secondary school staff. In both sessions, field experts Lindsey Etheridge and Heidi Cisneros will share their custom designed IDSP tools (for both grade levels). Both webinars will provide implementation guidance for the plan, advocacy skills, and other strategies for supporting TGNC students. The session will hold space for Q&A and discussion. 

See registration links below and sign up for the webinars by Monday, August 29th!


When are these training sessions? 

  • LGBTQ + Equity for Elementary: 
    Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – Midday Training- 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., Q&A 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
  • LGBTQ + Equity for Secondary:
    Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – Afternoon Training- 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., Q&A 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Register for Identity Support Plan for Elementary
Register for the Identity Support Plan for Secondary

Who is this series for?

We invite school administrators and school teams of 2-4 people to participate. They can include: 

  • School District/County Leaders (e.g., Superintendent, School Board) & School Administrators (e.g., Principal, Assistant Principal), school site leaders (instructional coaches, MTSS teams)
  • District Mental Health Director or Student Services Supervisor (e.g., Director of Student Services, District Supervisor School Psychologists/Social Workers/Counselors
  • And any other school or mental health professional supporting transgender, non-binary, and nonconforming students

Two Continuing Education Units are available through full participation in the training. Attendance will be verified. 

Please note the CEU certificate has a $25 fee and applies to the following licenses: CCAPP #4N-08-923-0722, CA Board of Registered Nurses #CEP16303, and CAMFT #131736.


Learning Objectives

The purpose of these webinars is to support school districts’ ability to understand the  IDSP tool for elementary or secondary students and how to successfully implement it. This session will cover the process from the initial assessment to the identity support planning meeting and initial implementation. Case examples will be included.

Outcome – Participants will obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate Identity Support Plans with students.


Meet the Facilitators in these Trainings

Heidi Cisneros, MSW, PPSC, ASC 

Heidi has held several leadership roles in Student Support Services in school districts and county offices of education for over 25 years. During this time, she was responsible for developing an extensive array of pivotal programs and systems such as student safety, mental health support, and crisis response. Throughout her career, she has been on the cutting edge and forefront of promoting equity and access for vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ, foster, homeless and other struggling students. Currently, in her role at ASCIP, she supports districts with the implementation of safeguards targeting the prevention of child sexual assault. As a Lead Consultant for Kinder Future, Ms. Cisneros has developed resources and provided technical assistance for educational initiatives promoting educational outcomes for LGBTQ students for almost 8 years. Ms. Cisneros also has over 11 years of experience as an adjunct professor in the areas of social work, leadership, and policy at USC.


Lindsey Etheridge, MSW, PPSC

Lindsey is a school social worker and the Founder and Director at Kinder Future, which specializes in partnerships with school districts, non-profits and cause-based organizations working to address the unique needs of gender and sexual minority/LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Her accomplishments include an Emmy-nominated, bilingual series for PBS, an international anti-stigma campaign with the United Nations, and a Community Impact Award from the National Educational Telecommunications Association.

Lindsey received her Master of Social Work, with highest honors, from the University of Southern California. She earned her Child, Welfare, and Attendance and Pupil Support Services credentials from San Jose State University.

The NAMI OC Warmline is a free and confidential telephone service providing emotional support and resources to Orange County residents.

If you, a family member, or a loved one are experiencing mental health concerns, substance abuse, loneliness, or are in need of community resources, The WarmLine is for you!

Call or Text: (714) 991-6412

Start an OC Warmline Chat

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