Association for Behavior Analysis International

Organizations providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities often face challenges when developing and implementing effective staff training. For instance, in some regions of the country, funders require direct care staff to hold certification as a Registered Behavior Technician™ (RBT®). Behavior Skills Training (BST) provides an evidence-based methodology that can be used to train a variety of skills necessary of a direct care staff member. Data collected during pre-service training (e.g., pre and post feedback surveys, competency assessment scores) offer a source of information regarding training practices that are best for an organization’s needs. For instance, training curriculum, format and duration can be modified based upon the information gathered from such assessments while still maintaining the integrity of BST. The focus of this panel will be a comparison of training models across four organizations (home-based, center-based and educational services) inclusive of a discussion regarding the utility of continual assessment during the training process to inform further development of a pre-service training program. Objectives: 1. Describe development of competency measures to meet the unique needs of an organization 2. Describe models that include training for required RBT certification. 3. Describe scaffolding of training for staff member pursuing advancement 4. Describe a variety of data collection methods that can be used throughout the training process to make informed decisions regarding future training directions.

BCBAs, LABAs, Business Owners, Training Coordinators