BHSI-Professional Development provides training and technical assistance to individuals working with children and youth who have special needs. We develop and deliver high quality interactive, strength based training, curriculum to public school administrators, teaching staff and mental health agencies. Trainings cover many pertinent topics and are customized to meet the needs of specific audiences. In its first four years, BHSI provided training in over 100 schools, and 2000 participants. BHSI provides all participants with contact hours or CEU certificates.
BHSI provides technical assistance services to educational and mental health service providers. These services are conducted in a collaborative manner, working with educators and providers to establish what questions or challenges are to be addressed and developing a plan of action to support professional development.
The Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the assessment of students challenging behaviors and the development of behavior intervention plan to address these behaviors. PBS is an approach to work with students who might exhibit challenging behavior is school settings. PBS is based on evidence based practice and focuses on three main components: PREVENTION-changing the circumstances before challenging behaviors begin, INTERVENTION-replacing challenging behaviors with new skills and RESOLUTION-planning and implementing effective and safe responses to challenging and sometimes violent behavior. The curriculum is divided into modules: Understanding Behavior, Understanding the Needs of Children and Youth, Self-Awareness, Prevention Strategies, Behavioral Interventions, Communication and Conflict Resolution.
The PBS for Early Care provides Early Care Facilities with information and strategies to enable them to utilize the principles of positive behavioral supports. This one or two day training will address understanding behavior, trauma and crisis, self-awareness and developmental needs of pre-school children. The PBS for Early Care is been approved by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Division of Licensing & Regulatory Service and counts for up to 14 contact hours.
Other Trainings that we offer include:
A one-day training program that provides participants with an understanding of verbal & non-verbal interviewing skills; how to apply a strengths-based perspective and how an assessment translates into an ITP.
A half-day training that examines the typical stages of human development, including cognitive, sensory, intellectual and emotional functioning touching on self-esteem and motivation. In addition non-traditional family structures are discussed.
A half-day training program discussing neglect and various types of abuse; addresses observable indicators and appropriate reposes for staff working with children Supervision and Consultation-call for more information.
Bullying is the largest under reported issue that schools face. This one day training examines the problem of bullying and teasing in the school setting and explores best practice techniques for impacting the problem. In addition to the one day program, on-going consultation services are available for school-wide application of evidenced based practice, including student-based workshops.
A half-day in-service that provides bus drivers with an understanding of Positive Behavior Support, behavior management strategies for the school transportation setting.
A one-day training program that explores the characteristics of resiliency and focusing on how to positively impact student’s locus of control, building awareness of individual resources, and encouraging protective factors.
Ed Techs are often dealing with a multitude of behaviors which can lead to burn out and a lack of understanding. Ongoing supervision and coaching is offered for Ed. Techs who are interested in gaining support and to increase their knowledge base in order to facilitate a positive educational experience.
Please call for more information.
Registration Form (PDF)
Bullying Outline (PDF)
Comprehensive Interviewing Outline
Positive Behavor Supports (PBS) Outline (PDF)
Supervision and Coaching Description (PDF)
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) (PDF)