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.
✓ 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 Approved
Meets compliance requirements for Maryland DDA providers and behavioral health organizations. Blended format approved by The Mandt System.
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
This format is approved by The Mandt System and fully satisfies DDA training requirements for Direct Support Professional staff certification. COMAR 10.22.02.11 compliance is maintained.
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)
DDA Approved: Yes
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)
DDA Approved: Yes
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. This format is approved by The Mandt System and meets all DDA compliance 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?
Yes. The blended Mandt training format is approved by The Mandt System and fully satisfies DDA training requirements for Direct Support Professional staff certification. COMAR 10.22.02.11 compliance is maintained with the in-person component covering the required hands-on technical skills (Chapters 3 and 4).
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’s the difference between initial certification and recertification?
Initial certification is the full program for new participants. Recertification is a shorter refresher course for those who already hold a Mandt certificate and need to renew before it expires. Check the Arlo catalog for both options.
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
Ready to Get Your Team Certified?
Browse public class dates in Arlo, or contact CLI if your team needs a private onsite or in-home blended Mandt class.