Tools for Positive Behavior Change Program to Begin in Hardee

A 30 hour course based on the work of Dr. Glenn Latham, author of the highly acclaimed book “The Power of Positive Parenting” will begin September 6th in Wauchula Florida. The course, Tools for Positive Behavior Change, is being offered by The University of South Florida’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and Behavior Analysis Service Project, in partnership with The Agency for Persons with Disabilities- District 14, Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource Center- Sunrise, and The Hardee County School District.

Strategies taught in this course are based on solid behavioral principles that originated in research conducted over the past 60 years and have been proven to be effective. Parents and professionals who want to understand how to foster appropriate behavior and maintain a positive encouraging relationship should consider participating in this valuable series. The principles and strategies taught apply to individuals of all ages, with or without disabilities, and in a variety of settings.

The Positive Behavior Change Program series is a 30 hour, 10 week course which meets once a week for 3 hours. Class will begin Tuesday, September 6th 2005 and continue weekly through November 8th 2005 from 9am-12noon at the Best Western Heritage Inn and Suites in Wauchula. Although the Positive Behavior Change curriculum typically costs between 250-500 dollars a person to attend, participation is free for families and professionals associated with Hardee County schools, Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource Center-Sunrise, The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, The Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and other community partners.

Participants will be provided a copy of the course text: The Power of Positive Parenting: A Wonderful Way to Raise Children by Glenn Latham. Parents and professionals are expected to attend each class and complete readings and/or assignments. Certificates of participation and/or competency will be awarded upon completion of the course.

A 300 dollar stipend is available to parents of children enrolled in Hardee County schools who attend all sessions and become competency trained. Those interested should contact Teresa Hall at 863-773-2600 ext. 260.

Amanda Keating, course trainer, is a consultant with The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at The University of South Florida. Previously, she worked with the Florida Department of Children and Families, District 14, Developmental Disabilities Program, where she was the Human Services Program Supervisor for Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. Ms. Keating has a Master's Degree in Counseling and is currently completing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. She has specialized training in the areas of developmental disabilities, Adlerian psychotherapy, and applied behavior analysis.

Kathleen Rossetter, co-trainer, is the senior psychologist for The Agency for Persons with Disabilities-District 14. Dr. Rossetter has a doctoral degree in Psychology and extensive experience in the field of behavior analysis. She is chair of the Local Review Committee for Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. Parents and professionals interested in registering for the Tools series should contact Ms. Keating at AKeating@fmhi.usf.edu or (813) 974-1263