TRAINING/WORKSHOPS

Training for Advance Kids Employees

To ensure the highest quality programs for the children we serve, Advance Kids’ tutors will receive a minimum 24 total hours of lecture-based training on Applied Behavior Analysis and working with children diagnosed within the autism spectrum.  During each of the five initial days of lecture based training, each tutor will be required to successfully complete a written competency for each component of training.  Upon successful completion of these competency exams, the employee will then be placed in the field to receive field-based training from employees at the behavior consultant and lead tutor level.  Finally, tutors are required to meet hands-on competency exams at three, six, nine and twelve month milestones of their first year of employment in order to remain a part of the clinical team and receive pay increases.

The lecture topics include:

•    Science of Applied Behavior Analysis
•    Principles of Behavior.  
•    Discrete Trial Instruction
•    Incidental Teaching  
•    Task Analysis
•    Data Collection Methods
•    Teaching Communication (vocal behavior, sign language, PECS)
•    Generalization

Professional Training for Parents, Teachers and more!

Since opening our doors in January of 2001, we have offered training for parents, teachers and paraprofessionals in efforts to maximize the potential for learning with the children we serve and children beyond the doors of our company.  All training topics can be specialized for individual needs from introductory level understanding to intensive/advanced levels, and are offered throughout the year. Training topics are listed below:

Basic Behavior Principles

This one-day workshop introduces the participant to concepts such as the principles and schedules of reinforcement and their effects on rates of behavior, the functional analysis model (identifying the functions of behavior), various types of simple data collection including graphing, preventions strategies for behavior problems, and other effective strategies for managing behavior and increasing student participation in the classroom, in the home and in the community.

Discrete Trials Instruction and Generalization

Participants will be given a theoretical and practical training in discrete trials as a teaching technique. A brief review of the research and present implications of using discrete trials training will be given followed by several hours of hands-on practice. Training will also be provided to understand various types of lesson planning outlines and corresponding data forms.

Behavior Management in the Classroom

Learn to manage your classroom rather than simply manage behavior excesses. This is a workshop that will guide teachers in focusing on classroom design and structure in the prevention of behavior of problems.

Parent Education Classes

This twelve-hour course introduces parents to the process towards creating independence for children with autism. Topics cover range from the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis, effective teaching strategies, positive behavioral interventions and strategies to promote generalization. This workshop promotes interaction and discussion among the participants.


Joel Wenell- Director of Training

Joel Wenell has dedicated himself to the development of children diagnosed with autism since 1998.  Over the course of his career in this field, he has worked as a tutor and lead tutor, both in home and in the classroom.  Through these experiences, he has developed a passion for his work and a respect for the science of Behavior Analysis.  Joel was promoted to the Director of Training in 2004.