Positive Behavior Today
Class Outline

Helping the Behaviorally-Challenging Child
A 5 or 6-week course for parents, caregivers and educators of children and teens with difficult-to-manage behaviors.  Based in part upon the Collaborative Problem Solving method developed by Dr. Stuart Ablon and Dr. Ross Greene; course materials developed by Sara Gardner.

Class Description:

If you want to improve your relationship with a child while helping him or her learn flexibility, frustration tolerance and problem-solving skills, this is the class for you!

Based in part on the books, “The Explosive Child” , "Lost at School" by Ross Greene, Ph.D., and "Treating the Explosive Child" by Dr. Stuart Ablon and Dr. Ross Greene, this  course supports parents and educators through a variety of positive techniques. Participants will learn and practice Collaborative Problem Solving, a method described by Dr. Greene and Dr. Ablon in their books, which helps parents and educators understand how to best solve problems and reduce meltdowns. (For more information on the Collaborative Problem Solving Methods, please see www.ccps.info or www.thinkkids.org ) 

Increased cooperation and communication occur as families and schools incorporate the class methods into their every day life. The strategies taught are most helpful for children ages 4 through young adult who are able to communicate verbally. This course can be effective for all children, regardless of diagnosis – or even if there is no specific diagnosis.

Each participant will receive course materials and have access to the instructor via weekly email consultation.  

Five or Six-Week Class Series
Week One: Participants will learn what may be getting in the way for their child. They will discover how lagging skills can cause a child to melt down, or put on the brakes, and will learn to look at their child and their child’s behavior in a new way. They will learn to recognize how their child’s unique issues are standing in the way of success.

Week Two: Participants will look more closely at pathways to behavior problems. They will learn why popular behavioral methods are not working for their child and will learn how Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) will both reduce meltdowns and teach new skills in lagging areas. They will learn the three steps to using CPS and when to implement the Plan B strategy. They will also learn how using CPS will teach children skills needed for adult life.

Week Three: Class examines common roadblocks as well as those specific issues with which the participants are dealing. Participants will share success stories and role play using Plan B in typical situations. Participants will learn how to be sure they are following Plan B appropriately, and will learn the value of positive communication and declarative language and how to use both effectively in various situations.

Week Four: Participants learn what skills are needed to participate in Plan B, and what to do if their child is lacking those skills. They will learn about different types of Plan B. In-depth help focused upon difficulties participants are experiencing is offered. Participants will learn how outside influences and their own communication skills can affect their use of Plan B, and what to do about it. They will also learn when it may be necessary to seek outside help for counseling, language processing, sensory issues, medication, placement and other issues.

Week Five: Participants will learn what to do when setbacks occur. Role play will focus on relevant situations to improve skills. Implementing Plan B into a behavior plan at school will be discussed, as well as common triggers at school and what to do about them. (Note: in the Five-Week Series, participants will receive Certificates of Completion at this time.)

Week Six: The class will reflect upon what has been learned, and have an opportunity to ask any lingering questions and role play relevant situations. Participants share stories of the successes they have experienced during the past weeks. Participants will receive Certificate of Completion. 

Two-Saturdays Series
First Saturday: Collaborative Beginners

Participants will learn what may be getting in the way for their child. They will discover how lagging skills can cause a child to melt down, or put on the brakes, and will learn to look at their child and their child’s behavior in a new way. They will learn to recognize how their child’s unique issues are standing in the way of success. Participants will look more closely at pathways to behavior problems. They will learn why popular behavioral methods are not working for their child and will learn how Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) will both reduce meltdowns and teach new skills in lagging areas. They will learn the three plans to using CPS and when to implement the Plan B strategy. They will also learn how using CPS will teach children skills needed for adult life. Class examines common roadblocks. Participants will role play using Plan B in typical situations. Participants will learn how to be sure they are following Plan B appropriately. They will learn the value of positive communication and declarative language and how to use both effectively in various situations. Participants will receive Certificate of Completion.

Second Saturday: Advanced Collaboration
Participants will examine their past use of Collaborative Problem Solving, and role play to improve skills and overcome roadblocks. In-depth discussion and role play will focus on difficulties and successes participants are experiencing. They will learn what skills are needed to participate in Plan B, and what to do if their child is lacking those skills. They will learn how outside influences and their own communication skills and other issues can affect their use of Plan B, and what to do about it. They will also learn when it may be necessary to seek outside help for counseling, language processing, sensory issues, medication, placement and other issues. Participants will learn what to do when setbacks occur. Implementing Plan B into a behavior plan at school will be discussed, as well as common triggers at school and what to do about them. Participants will receive Certificate of Completion. 

To see current class dates and enroll please go here.

 Recommended Reading

The following books are complementary to course material and will help participants make the most of their investment of time and money. They are not necessary to course completion.

 “The Explosive Child” by Ross Greene, Ph.D., second or third edition

  "Lost at School" by Ross Greene, Ph.D.

  "Positive Discipline" by Jane Nelson, Ed.D.

 “How to Talk so Kids can Learn” by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish

  "The Optimistic Child" by Martin E. P. Seligman

 "Smart But Scattered" by  Peg Dawson, EdD and Richard Guare, PhD

 "All Children Flourishing - Igniting the Greatness of Our Children" by Howard Glasser

For Professionals: "Treating Explosive Kids" by Ross Greene, Ph.D. and Stuart Ablon, Ph.D.

Positive Behavior Today
Communication Facilitation and Education

Currently presenting classes in Orange County, CA and Seattle, WA
Phone: (425) 577-2351
Email: positivebehaviortoday@gmail.com

Content copyright . Sara Gardner. All rights reserved. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor, therapist or other professional. Since specific guidelines may vary, please consult with a professional to find out which guidelines are recommended for you. Sara Gardner disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on information found on this website.
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