Region II of the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) is offering scholarships for individuals to attend a virtual Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS) Level I training.

According to Region II CSPD Coordinator, Aileen Couch, the CSPD will consider individual agency/district requests for CSPD funds to participate in this intensive, 13-hour interactive, virtual workshop. An evidence-based practice with foundational ties to Applied Behavior Analysis, typical language development, and B.F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior research, PECS is designed to teach educational and caregiver teams the theory and protocol for implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System. Because the amount of funds is limited, Region II CSPD can only support a limited number of participants. All requests must be submitted in writing, and applicants can satisfy this requirement by completing the Request for Region II Scholarship form accessible from the CSPD tab at http://www.blueponyk12.com.

When asked on March 29 about an application deadline, Couch responded, “There really is no deadline. We committed to offering twenty scholarships. At this time, we have awarded ten.”

These virtual workshops begin with an introduction to creating the most effective learning environment for implementing PECS via The Pyramid Approach to Education. Included is a discussion of the limitations of teaching other communication modalities (speech, sign, speech generated devices) as an initial communication strategy. Using presenter demonstrations, role-play opportunities, and video examples, participants will gain a thorough understanding and hands-on experience of each of the six phases of PECS. Participants will leave the training with the skills necessary to teach spontaneous requesting, picture discrimination, sentence structure, attributes for expanding language, extended vocabulary, responding to questions, and commenting. The workshop concludes with a review of the extensive literature supporting the PECS protocol as an evidence-based practice, tips to teach learners to accept being told, “No,” and information related to transitioning from PECS to other communication modalities, such as speech, tablets with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps or speech generating devices (SGDs).

When an individual has a communication disorder, AAC strategies may assist with improving communication. AAC strategies range from low-tech solutions like picture communication boards to high-tech communication systems with speech output and a variety of access methods.

“For those who wish to successfully teach their learners functional communication, whether they have used PECS for some time or are new to the field, this workshop is an essential part of their development,” Couch explained.

This spring, the PECS company is hosting multiple Level I trainings every week in April, May, and June. Participants can choose to attend the training that best fits their schedules. Individual cost is $299.00 for parents and $399.00 for professionals. For a full schedule of training dates or for a more detailed description of the services offered by Pyramid Educational Consultants and the research they have archived, interested individuals can visit https://pecsusa.com/.

Any questions about this scholarship opportunity can be directed to Couch by calling (406) 395-8550, extension 6714 or emailing cspd@blueponyk12.com. The CSPD coordinates personnel development to meet the diverse needs of all children and youth in our unique region.