Managing Challenging Behaviors
Written by: Danielle Kessinger, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA Challenging behavior can be described as an individual’s…
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Learning & Development for Professionals
Continuing education and professional development foster engagement and drive results. In order to improve the quality of direct services and advance systems level work, we offer everything from embedded coaching and public training to virtual learning and an annual conference. All of these offerings aim to increase awareness, enhance knowledge and evolve practices.
ADOS-2 Training Program
Due to COVID-19, all in-person trainings have been put on hold.
This program offers a new, progressive approach to teaching clinical professionals to diagnose autism using Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). We recognize that confidence and expertise come from practice and experience, so in addition to a three-day workshop, this program includes three follow-up coaching sessions, live webinars and peer support.
ADOS-2 is the latest version of what was already considered the gold standard for observational assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You can use ADOS-2 to evaluate almost anyone suspected of having ASD, from non-verbal toddlers to verbally fluent adults. Because of the hands-on, interactive nature of these workshops, participation is limited.
Embedded Coaching
Organizations that focus on the future thrive.
We know that in order to achieve large-scale systems change, organizations must not only build, but also sustain, their capacity to serve. Training is key to that effort, but it shouldn’t be confined to the classroom.
We help organizations perform better with embedded coaching. After conducting a thorough needs assessment, we identify strengths and gaps, establish goals, and work with you to create a strategic plan to help you reach those goals. To that end, we deploy coaches from our staff to educate, train and support your staff in their environment. The coaches use a teams and systems approach for every aspect of program and staff development.
Individual & Team Training
Throughout the year we offer a variety of open enrollment learning experiences. Most of these sessions allow you to earn continuing education units (CEUs).
We can also train your entire team on evidence-based support strategies for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and Positive Behavior Support. We offer standard courses and can also create custom learning experiences. If we don’t have the training expertise you need, we’ll connect you to someone who does.
In the past, we’ve offered the following training:
- ADOS-2 Module Training
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training Academy
- Behavioral Support and Skill Building Academy
- Overview of Developmental Disabilities
- The Basics of Autism: A training for childcare providers
- HB 325 Training: For autism spectrum paraprofessionals
- Overview of Autism and Support Strategies for Medical Personnel
- Autism Awareness for Law Enforcement (plus Train the Instructor training)
- Introduction to Autism and Co-occurring Conditions
- Ethical Considerations in Behavior Analysis and Autism Intervention
- Evidence Based Strategies for Assessment and Intervention of Challenging Behavior
ABA Certification and Credential-Based Supervision
We offer support to professionals who are interested in becoming certified in behavior analysis. Research shows that ABA is an effective treatment, so it is referred to as being “evidence-based.” ABA works for children, adolescents and adults. ABA uses techniques and principles such as reinforcement to address socially important problems and effect meaningful behavior change.
There are three levels of certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Each certification level requires a specific amount of coursework and supervision to sit for the certification exam. To learn more about this process, visit the “Become Certified” page of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BCBA) website. To find colleges and universities offering ABA coursework near you or to explore remote learning (“distance education”) opportunities, visit the “Verified Course Sequences page of the BCBA website.
CA can also provide supervision required for certification.
CA's Annual Conference
2021: Vision for the Future
Due to COVID-19, all in person trainings have been put on hold. CA’s 19th Annual Conference will be post-poned until 2021.
Established in 2001, our annual conference is Virginia’s original statewide conference for the latest information on autism and evidence-based interventions. In this, our 19th year, we will incorporate a broader array of disabilities and mental health needs.
Shared Service Alliances
Shared Service Alliances are membership organizations that allow childcare providers to share back-office services such as accounting and human resources. The goal of Shared Service Alliances is to enable educators to focus more on high-quality childcare and instruction by focusing less on business functions. Doing so helps them save time, effort and money that they can redirect to employee salaries and benefits, professional training, classroom supplies, etc. The back-office functions Shared Service Alliance offer may include:
Payroll & Benefits
Receivables
Procurement
Tech Support
Recruiting
Hiring
Benefits of Shared Service Alliances
- Less paperwork for you and your staff means more time for planning, preparation and reflection
- Improved revenue collection through stronger fiscal management
- Better data collection and analysis, fundraising support, and automation
- Lower vacancy rates as a result of stronger enrollment management and more robust marketing
- Reduced costs allow you to reinvest in employee raises, increased medical benefits, and retirement funds.
- Higher rates of teacher retention as a result of better benefits and more development opportunities
Membership Costs
We customize membership packages and prices based on the scope of shared services you choose to use. Over time, your membership in the alliance dramatically lowers your administrative and overhead expenses. So, ultimately, the cost of a membership will be lower than the cost of your own staff providing these same business functions. Alliance members also do a better job of keeping their programs fully enrolled and collect more revenue.
Shared Service Alliances in Virginia
Alliance participation is open to legally operating licensed (or licensing-exempted) childcare programs that share a commitment to the mission and vision of shared service alliances. We currently offer two shared service alliances in Virginia: Richmond Area Shared Service Alliance (RASA) and Hampton Roads Shared Service Alliance (HRSSA).
Shared service alliances enable center directors to spend more time engaging with teachers, children and families.
The best part of being a member of a Shared Services Alliance is that I am now able to get into the classroom several times a week, helping teachers identify goals that we can work on together. It’s been life-changing for our center.
Debbie Lickey, Retired Director, St. James’s Children’s Center
Autism Resource Database
We’ve partnered with No Wrong Door Virginia, a statewide network of shared resources that streamlines access to long-term services and supports, to create our resource directory. To learn more about this statewide network, visit the No Wrong Door website Our Autism Resource Database includes everything from camps for children with ASD to training opportunities for ABAs.
- Click on the “Search by category” drop down menu to see the various categories and subcategories you can use to search.
- You can also search by geographic region (e.g., Hampton Roads or Central Virginia) or by age group (note: “child” resources may serve individuals through age 21, particularly if they are education-based resources).
- Alternatively, use keywords (e.g., after-school activities, college prep, or newly diagnosed) to find the resources you are looking for.
Having trouble finding the resource(s) you’re looking for? Would you prefer speaking directly with someone on our team?
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