Specialized Training Opportunities

AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD)
It is estimated that Autistic Spectrum Disorders effect 1 in every 150 individuals. In order to support public schools in programming for these students the Out-Reach Support Program specializes in providing:

•  Staff training related to understanding the educational and social/emotional needs of this population of students.
•  Creation of behavior management programs including assistance with production of visual supports and cues.
• Educational Technician training
•  In-service training on a variety of topics relating to ASD and school systems.

THE EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Externship program is a 2-day experience open to teachers and school based mental health clinicians. The main goal of this program is to expand participants' knowledge about the management of complex behavior within the school setting. This goal is accomplished through the following activities:

•  Observing in classrooms at the Collaborative School .
•  Reading the book Beyond Time Out to gain a better sense of how to understand and work with students with emotional and behavioral difficulties.
•  Viewing video related to understanding and working with this population of students.
•  Reviewing classroom and individual behavior plans.
•  Discussing topics related to specific areas of interest with Collaborative educators and clinicians.

Specific objectives of the externship program include:
• Imparting to participants a useful framework for organizing their work with students with emotional and behavioral difficulties.
•  Increasing the participants' knowledge of the specific ways in which structure, relationships, and behavior management techniques serve to increase one's ability to manage difficult behaviors in the classroom.
• Increasing participants' knowledge of psychiatric disorders and how they impact a student's ability to learn and participate in the classroom community.
• Allowing participants an opportunity to assess their own/ their program's strengths and weaknesses in terms of working with students with emotional disabilities and making an action plan to address areas for growth.

PRESCHOOL TRAININGS
Training for preschools and Head Start programs is also available through the Out-Reach Support Program. This training focuses on the creation of environments that support learning and social emotional development for “at-risk” children.