Learning Independence from CA
Learning Independence from CA There’s so much I have grasped over the years of being…
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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.
ADOS-2 is the latest version of what was already considered the gold standard for observational assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ADOS-2 can be used to evaluate almost anyone suspected of having ASD, from non-verbal toddlers to verbally fluent adults.
CA offers this new, progressive approach of teaching clinical professionals to diagnose autism using Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) through virtual workshops. 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. Because of the hands-on, interactive nature of these workshops, participation is limited.
View our Training Calendar to register for the next available workshop.
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
Learning Management System
The Virtual Learning Institute is a great option for professionals who want the flexibility of remote training. As a BACB Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Provider, CA is able to offer access to CEU’s through our Talent LMS Virtual Training Platform. We offer a variety of article reviews and video modules.
Preschool Inclusion Program
CA (formerly Commonwealth Autism) enables Preschools across Virginia to provide sustainable, inclusive, early intervention programs for children with autism and other developmental disabilities alongside their neurotypical peers.
For many years Commonwealth Autism ran our own highly successful inclusive preschool program with 5 sites across the Richmond area. Our vision at CA is to create a more inclusive Virginia by eradicating gaps in services for the neurodiverse. We created the Preschool Inclusion Program to fulfill this mission by teaching childcare centers around regardless of where they are located in the state, how to incorporate our inclusive intervention module.
Why? Because there is a great need for inclusive, sustainable preschools:
- 1 in 44 children have autism spectrum disorder – the need for sustainable, inclusive preschools exist
- Research shows that early interventions for autism are more likely to have major, long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills
- Finding quality, affordable childcare is even more difficult for families with children who have a disability
- Preschools run on already tight margins and hiring specialists and additional staff to care for children with autism is costly
- Navigating how to create this integrated Programming can be confusing, costly, and time consuming
CA provides consultative services to breakdown barriers and help preschools tap into additional funding sources that not only cover the additional costs, but are financially supportive to the center as a whole.
- No need to raise tuition rates – you can still stay competitive while offering diverse programming
- No need to cut staff or wages or benefits
- When implemented, these services provide enough funds to cover the programming costs, additional staffing, training, and more
- It’s another sustainable source of revenue
- Unique because it is inclusive – all neuros – no exclusion, they are placed in the same room, the same space for learning and play
- We also have limited grant funding to help qualified centers get started
“With the funding from Community Foundation, CA is able to partner with preschools on a project that has the potential to change the landscape of Early Education in the Commonwealth. The concept of having Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBAs) as a part of the learning environment is becoming more apparent every day. The Commonwealth is already making movement in public schools via Guidelines for the Provision of Behavior Analysis in Public Schools which is in response to Code of Virginia §22.1-273.4 (House Bill No. 1722). Since early intervention is key, it’s time to start this same initiative in our preschools.”
Tammy Bowen, Director of Mission, Commonwealth Autism
CA Shared Services
Shared Services are membership organizations that allow members to share back-office services such as accounting and human resources. The goal of Shared Service is to allow members to focus more on their mission or business and 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 Services offer may include:
Payroll & Benefits
Receivables
Procurement
Tech Support
Recruiting
Hiring
Benefits of CA Shared Services
- 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 staff retention as a result of better benefits and more development opportunities
Membership Costs
We customize packages and prices based on the scope of shared services you choose to use. Over time, your membership 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. Members also do a better job of keeping their programs fully enrolled and collect more revenue.
Shared Services in Virginia
Membership is open to legally operating licensed (or licensing-exempted) non-profits and for-profit organizations that share a commitment to the mission and vision of shared services.
Shared services enable center directors to spend more time engaging with teachers, children and families.
The best part of being a member of a Shared Services 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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