Mandt Training Without the Scheduling Headache
Blended Mandt certification for Maryland DDA providers, DSP teams, adult day programs, and community living agencies. Staff complete the foundational course online, then attend one in-person day. Private blended classes can run for small teams, and we can come onsite when that makes scheduling easier.
Private Maryland agency groups of 4–20 | $244 per participant | No separate onsite or travel charge in the pilot service area.
Pilot service area: Howard, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties.
Built for Maryland DDA agency teams
Private blended Mandt training is designed for agency teams across community living and group homes, supported or shared living, day and community development, personal supports, employment, behavioral supports, and agencies delivering multiple services.
Training requirements can vary by role, service, and agency. Confirm the applicable DDA training matrix and your organization’s requirements before enrolling.
✓ One In-Person Day
Complete foundational chapters online at your own pace, then attend one in-person day — or choose the traditional two-day format.
✓ $244 Per Student
All-inclusive pricing for either format. Materials, certification, and all training included. No hidden fees.
Maryland DDA Matrix Names Mandt
Designed for Maryland teams evaluating Mandt against DDA training requirements. Applicability depends on the current matrix, staff role, selected interventions, behavior plan, and provider documentation. CLI’s blended format is approved by The Mandt System.
Looking for Relational-only training outside Maryland? Review our South Carolina Mandt Relational training guidance and online enrollment option.
Only need the Mandt Relational portion?
Choose the self-paced Relational-only online course when Technical self-protection and holding skills are not required. No scheduled class: $103 per learner, approximately 4–6 hours, with individual and team checkout.
Relational-only training is separate from the full Relational + Technical pathway described on this page.
Cancellation, Transfer, and Refund Policy
Registration is $244 per student and includes training, materials, and certification processing.
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to Doug@CompassionateLearningInstitute.com. Cancellations received at least 30 calendar days before the course start may be eligible for a refund or credit. Cancellations received less than 30 calendar days before the course start but before the event starts are eligible for credit only. Cancellations after the event starts, no-shows, and partial attendance are not eligible for refunds or credits.
If CLI cancels or reschedules a course, registrants may choose a transfer to a future session, a credit valid for one year, or a refund.
Why Choose Compassionate Learning Institute?
Built on Real-World Experience
Our trainers come from direct care backgrounds in behavioral health and adult services — not from a lecture hall. Every lesson is grounded in practical experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors.
Small Class Sizes
We cap classes at 20 students to ensure every participant gets hands-on practice, individual feedback, and the personal attention they need to build real skills — not just check a compliance box.
Relationship-First Approach
The Mandt System is about prevention through connection. We teach your staff how to build trust, de-escalate with dignity, and use physical intervention only as a true last resort.
Two Ways to Train
Blended Certification (Recommended)
The blended format lets staff complete foundational coursework at their own pace online, then attend one in-person day for hands-on skills training. Agencies save on coverage costs — staff are only physically absent for one day instead of two.
Day 1 — E-Learning (Self-Paced)
- Chapter 1: Primary Prevention — Building and maintaining healthy relationships
- Chapter 2: De-Escalation Skills — Self-regulation and co-regulation
- Complete online before attending the in-person session
- Students move at their own pace through the foundational material
Day 2 — In-Person
- Chapter 3: Technical Self-Protection Skills
- Chapter 4: Technical Holding Skills
- Scenario-based practice with live instructor feedback
- Certification assessment
The current DDA Provider Training Matrix names Mandt and specifies minimum legacy chapter content, timing, and in-person test-out conditions. Providers should verify how the current Mandt 3.0 course maps to those requirements before relying on it for compliance.
Standard Two-Day In-Person Certification
Prefer a traditional classroom setting? The full two-day, in-person format covers all four chapters across two consecutive days.
Day One — Relational Foundation
- Understanding behavior as communication
- Building trust and rapport with the people you serve
- Verbal de-escalation strategies
- Recognizing signs of escalating stress
- Trauma-informed approaches to support
Day Two — Applied Skills
- Scenario-based practice with live feedback
- Supportive physical intervention techniques (last resort only)
- Documentation and compliance requirements
- Certification assessment
- Renewal and recertification pathways
Who Should Attend
Mandt certification is designed for any professional whose work involves direct contact with individuals who may exhibit challenging or crisis behaviors:
- Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) — Working in residential, community-based, or day program settings
- Behavioral Health Technicians & Staff — Providing care for individuals with developmental disabilities
- Special Education Teachers & Paraprofessionals — Supporting students with behavioral needs in school settings
- Residential Facility & Group Home Staff — Managing daily care in group living environments
- Case Managers & Community Support Workers — Providing field-based services and crisis response
- Supervisors & Program Directors — Leading teams in human services and behavioral health settings
No prior training is required. The program is designed to be accessible to new and experienced staff alike.
Training Details
Blended Format
Format: E-learning + 1 in-person day
Duration: Self-paced online + 1 day (9 AM – 5 PM)
Cost: $244 per student (all-inclusive)
Certification: Valid for 1 year
Class Size: Up to 20 students
Location: Online + Maryland (see schedule)
Maryland DDA pathway: Mandt is named in the Provider Training Matrix; provider verification required.
Standard In-Person Format
Format: 2 in-person days, instructor-led
Duration: 2 full days (9 AM – 5 PM)
Cost: $244 per student (all-inclusive)
Certification: Valid for 1 year
Class Size: Up to 20 students
Location: Maryland (see upcoming classes)
Maryland DDA pathway: Mandt is named in the Provider Training Matrix; provider verification required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the blended Mandt training format?
The blended format splits the four-chapter Mandt curriculum across two delivery methods. Chapters 1 and 2 (relational foundations and de-escalation) are completed online through self-paced e-learning. Chapters 3 and 4 (technical skills) are completed during one in-person training day. The blended format is approved by The Mandt System. Maryland DDA providers should separately verify the current matrix, required content, staff role, behavior plan, competency, and documentation requirements.
Why should I choose blended over the standard two-day class?
The blended format reduces the time your staff need to be physically away from their duties. Foundational material is completed online at each person’s own pace, and only the hands-on technical skills require an in-person day. Agencies save on coverage costs while maintaining the same certification quality.
Is the blended format approved for Maryland DDA compliance?
The Maryland DDA Provider Training Matrix names Mandt, but required content and delivery depend on the applicable pathway, staff role, and behavior plan. Providers should verify how Mandt 3.0 maps to the current matrix and their documentation obligations before relying on the course for compliance.
How long is the Mandt training?
For the blended format, students complete Chapters 1 and 2 online at their own pace, then attend one full in-person day (9 AM to 5 PM) for Chapters 3 and 4. For the standard format, training runs across two consecutive in-person days, typically from 9 AM to 5 PM each day. Both formats result in the same Mandt certification.
How much does Mandt training cost?
The training costs $244 per student for either format. This is an all-inclusive price covering all training, materials, and your certification. No hidden fees.
Do you offer group or organization-wide training?
Yes. If you need to train a full team, we can schedule a dedicated class for your organization. Private blended classes are available for small teams, including groups as small as four, and may be held onsite at your agency or in a family home when that makes scheduling easier. Contact us directly to discuss scheduling and group logistics.
What should our agency provide when requesting a private class?
Tell us your group size, preferred timing, Maryland location, and any curriculum or technical needs. CLI will confirm the appropriate training pathway and available options before anything is scheduled.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Contact Doug@CompassionateLearningInstitute.com as soon as possible. Cancellations received at least 30 calendar days before the course start may be eligible for a refund or credit. Cancellations received less than 30 calendar days before the course start but before the event starts are eligible for credit only. Cancellations after the event starts, no-shows, and partial attendance are not eligible for refunds or credits.
Have Questions? Get in Touch
Phone: (410) 404-4020 | Email: Doug@CompassionateLearningInstitute.com
Request Private Mandt Class Options
For Maryland agencies planning a private blended Mandt class for four or more staff. Submitting this request does not commit your agency or schedule a class.
Ready to Plan Your Private Mandt Class?
Request private-class options for your Maryland agency team, or browse public dates if individual registration is a better fit.