Project ACCESS has developed bold new teacher training initiative, designed with the goal of improving services and outcomes for children who have autism. For several years, we have been collecting feedback from Missouri educators and administrators and carefully considered recent research regarding best practices in teacher professional development. The “sit-and-get” professional development model doesn’t always translate into the classroom changes we believe are important. After much reflection, the time has arrived for us to expand our repertoire of teacher training in a bold new way.

A rewarding, true partnership – School District, Teacher, Project ACCESS
This new partnership-based initiative is a two-year program whose primary component features classroom coaching with teachers, providing feedback and guidance as the teachers learn skills to fidelity.  Individuals who complete the initiative will the Project ACCESS Autism Credential (PAAC) and included on a list published by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

The initiative includes: 

• A flipped instructional model, including online “content knowledge” and active learning/useful product-creating “live” sessions
• Lessons are competency-based, applicable to the classroom and aligned with evidence-based interventions in the Missouri Autism Guidelines Initiative. A strong foundation in ABA skills is included.  
• The trainings will be held in chosen cohort schools twice per month and without disruption to the educational day
• Up to 12 hours of graduate credit and a graduate certificate will be available as an option for participants
• While there is a $250 per semester, per teacher, fee to recover costs for materials, Autism Coach travel expenses and participants’ attendance at statewide meetings, the training and coaching components are free.

View our announcement flyer at the following link: PAAC and find out more by contacting Project ACCESS at 866-481-3841. 
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