Education for Children With Autism and Other

Developmental Disabilities

Trainer of Trainer Model Program

Contracted with Central Texas Autism Center (CTAC)

The Trainer of Trainer (TOT) model program for school districts provides training to assist teachers and other school personnel in learning teaching strategies that are based on peer reviewed, research-based practices for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  This training also includes:    

• Year long training in Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior for selected staff members.
• Small group learning to assist school districts in training teachers to effectively work with children on the Autism Spectrum. 
• Providing educators with hands on experience utilizing scientifically based teaching techniques and strategies proven to be effective with this population.
• Full day lecture, handouts, and video models.
• Staff assigned application homework of data collection and videotaping themselves working with students
• Staff presents their assignment and receives feedback
• Collaboration between behavior analyst and administration to choose staff that will co-train for the next year (TOT Level 2) or move on to TOT Level 1 Advanced

Goal: Participants will have knowledge of the research of ABA and Verbal Behavior.  Participants will be able to apply the science in the field of Autism to: analyzing the function of problem behavior, reducing problem behaviors, teaching replacement behaviors, assessing language and other skills, teaching skill acquisition, effective classroom data systems, analyzing data, effective scheduling and program management. 

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBAs) and/or Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts (BCABAs) from Central Texas Autism Center (CTAC) will provide 8 monthly workshops during the school year.  POAC TX will organize the trainings and make provisions for the consultants (travel expenses, etc).

 *The option of bringing in additional training or classroom consultation for an additional charge is available throughout the program.  Some of the additional services that are offered by CTAC are “Staff development and program reviews by qualified behavior analysts with public school backgrounds, conduct Functional Behavior Assessments and develop Behavior Intervention Plans, ABLLS assessments to develop accurate, measurable IEP objectives, and staff that would work directly in classrooms with students and teachers for modeling and coaching.  Please contact CTAC at 512-328-5599 to make arrangements for any additional consultations or you may contact POAC and we can help make the arrangements.

Program timeline:

Year 1 – TOT Level 1

• Year long training in Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior for selected staff members chosen by school district.  **Will require homework that includes video presentation of skills acquired and data to support the findings during the training.**

Year 2 – TOT Level 1 Advanced  

·    Year 2 – This Advanced program places an emphasis on analytical skills as well as fluency in the application of the procedures discussed.  With completion of this program the participants can be utilized as a resource in their district assisting others with the application of the procedures.  The participants will review some of the literature that supports the topics we discuss and will be required to complete assigned application homework of data collection and video taping themselves working with students. Participating in Level 1 is a prerequisite.  OR…

Year 2 – TOT Level 2

• Year 2 - Selected School staff Co-train a Level 1 workshop to a new group of participants with BCBA and/or BCABA.  In addition the participants will be expected to present a case study with appropriate data to support their findings during the 4 preparatory workshops with the BCABA/BCBA.  This person will become the school districts resource and be trained to present the information to small groups within the school district. The selection of school staff that will co-train will be a collaborative decision between CTAC staff and school district administration.  Participating in Level 1 is a prerequisite.  Participating in Level 1 Advanced is encouraged but not required.

Optional:  Chosen school staff could become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  The selection of the school staff to be supervised will be a collaborative decision between CTAC staff, school district administration and/or school staff.  All cost involved will be the sole responsibility of the school district and/or school staff.  The requirements for becoming a board certified behavior analyst are very specific and can be found at the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website at www.bacb.com under becoming certified.   Certification is offered at two levels:  Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA).  Please look through the website thoroughly to see the requirements.  There are degree requirements, coursework that has to be taken, and supervision requirements by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  The supervision hours will require an individualized supervision agreement between the BCBA and the person meeting the requirements and approved by the BCBA.  Coursework has to be started before supervision hours start.  Look at BACB website thoroughly for details and requirements. 

Year 3 – Staff train school district personnel alone with Consultation from BCBA and/or BCABA

 ·   Year 3 – Year 2 staff train new groups alone, with their own video library they have gathered from the previous 2 years of training, with consultation from BCBA and/or BCABA.   Classroom consultations from CTAC staff on half a day or full day basis are available. 

Year 4 – District has own Autism Specialist or BCBA and/or BCABA

FACT 

• Everyday 50 families in America will find out their child has autism. This neurological disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability in the country and more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis combined. While the debate continues as to the cause of the epidemic, more research for treatment is needed for children with autism, and additional training for parents and educators is critical. Source U.S. Department of Education  
• One in every 150 children born today has autism. Source Centers for Disease Control
• A new case is diagnosed every 28 minutes
• Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism cost the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade