Testimonials
“I think your program is amazing!” “It’s so specific and detail oriented.” -Counselor, Irvine Unified School District
"Great program!" -Counselor, LAUSD
"I wished that I would have done my Master's at Loyola with you. You are awesome!" -Family Community Liaison, Orange County Department of Education
"Before LMU, "I've never met with (CWA) instructors.” -Counselor, Antelope Valley Union High School District
"I really appreciated that LMU provided a CWA program because it allowed me to approach school counseling from a different perspective. The classes put more of an emphasis on issues relating to attendance, which I feel like, since COVID, are pressing and relevant issues that are currently affecting schools. The CWA faculty are very experienced and helpful, and it's not too difficult to complete your CWA hours along with your regular fieldwork hours! Also, the extra authorization and units give you a leg up in the application process." -Sami Leung (she/her/hers), M.A. Counseling, PPS, CWA
"The LMU CWA Add-On Authorization Program is highly beneficial for current practitioners in the field who desire to advance their knowledge in pupil personnel services, networking with other like-minded professionals and engaging in meaningful coursework with well-rounded and related Professors who will go the extra mile to ensure your success in this program. Not to mention the availability of funds offer through the California Golden State Teacher (CGST) Grant to assist with defraying your educational costs. The value exceeds the value!" -Allisonne Crawford, LMU CWA Candidate, Community Member
"Enrolling in the CWA Certificate Program at LMU is considered by me to be a personal and pivotal decision I have made that has positively impacting my professional career as a School Counselor. The CWA program has contributed to my growth as an already employed School Counselor in terms of mastering the professional standards of school counseling. It supplemented my understanding of the school counseling profession in terms of mastering state standards along with understanding the big picture of the role of school counselors and how the role impacts the lives of students. The LMU CWA Program added a hands-on approach that has built stronger relationships between myself and student service agencies throughout the community of my school site.
"The Child Welfare and Attendance program at LMU is an amazing program that prioritizes teaching its students the fundamentals towards dismantling barriers for their scholars to be able to successfully attend school. Using a culturally competent and trauma-informed approach, this program prepares its students to be effective agents of change to successfully support students from all backgrounds. Catered to the working professional, this the CWA program has been instrumental in my role as a School Counselor and has prepared me to tackle the various challenges students from all walks of life face on a daily basis. I highly recommend anyone interested in gaining new skills to better the lives of their scholars, to apply to this program. You will not regret it." -Kendrick Jones, School Counselor at Barack Obama Charter Elementary School
"As a student, I’ve had the privilege of attending Loyola Marymount University, for the Child Welfare Attendance (CWA) program and I can honestly say that it has truly exceeded my expectations. The curriculum is well-structured, and the instructor is not only knowledgeable but passionate about teaching. I particularly appreciate the hands-on learning opportunities and the individualized support I received throughout the program. The skills and knowledge I've gained have already made a significant impact on my career, and I feel much more confident in my abilities. I highly recommend the CWA program to anyone looking to advance their education/career and take the next step in their professional journey!" -Lavina Sanchez, LMU CWA Candidate, Community Member
"As an elementary school counselor, I had a great experience completing the Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization Program at Loyola Marymount University. The program was well-organized and easy to follow, with clear guidance that made learning both meaningful and manageable. Communication between the professors and students was excellent, and I always felt supported. The knowledge I gained has been so useful in my work, and I’ve been able to apply it right away to better support students and families.
One of the things I really appreciated was how doable the program was while working full-time. The balance between the coursework and my job made it possible to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. I also had the chance to work with an amazing group of peers, which made the experience even better.
Dr. Blanco was absolutely phenomenal. Her passion, expertise, and encouragement made such a difference. She really brought the program to life and inspired me throughout the journey. I’m so thankful for this experience and highly recommend it to anyone looking to make a bigger impact in child welfare and attendance." -Tricia Humbles, LMU CWA Candidate, Community Member
Commitment to Diversity and Student Success:
The LMU School of Education trains future teachers, administrators, counselors, school psychologists, and other professionals to deliver an excellent educational experience at any type of school to all students, regardless of race, ethnic identity, gender, ability, socio-economic standing, sexual orientation, and other factors. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren't just buzzwords to us—they form the very foundation of our identity.
"Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) is a specialized student support service that covers compliance with compulsory education laws, student admission and enrollment procedures, student discipline procedures, transfers to alternative programs, and school climate and safety. Child welfare and attendance combines the knowledge and skill of counseling with knowledge of education and the law to resolve complicated situations involving school choice, student discipline, campus safety, and programs for high-risk youth." ~ California Department of Education.
Increasingly, schools and districts are requiring CWA Authorization or enrollment in a CWA program for their PPS employees in order to improve ADA, school attendance cultures, and pupil well-being.
LMU is widely respected for school counseling and school psychology training, with expert research and practitioner faculty combined to provide a well rounded fully integrated educational experience for all candidates. We draw from our strength in the greater diversity of Los Angeles to provide opportunities in developing skills and competencies to lead. Our rich candidate population ensures peer support alongside diversity of thought in class and in field experiences.
*All LMU School of Education credential programs meet the California state requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The institution has not made a determination as to whether the credential program meets the requirement of states outside of California.