Tools for Positive Behavior Change Program to Begin in Hillsborough

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 February 6th in Tampa, 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 Child Abuse Council, and The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. 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. This series is a research study and available free to families and professionals associated with The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, The Child Abuse Council, The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and other community partners. It is appropriate for parents of, or professionals working with, children between the ages of 2-8. The classes will begin Tuesday, February 6th, 2007 and continue weekly through April 10th, 2007 at the Children’s Board in Tampa, 1002 E. Palm Avenue. In addition to classes, parents and professionals will receive in-home or in-community consultation. Participants 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.

Amanda Keating, course trainer, is a consultant with The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at The University of South Florida. 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.

Kim Webb, co-trainer, is a consultant with The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at The University of South Florida. Ms. Webb has an M.A. in Special Education and is a certified behavior analyst.

Patricia Pead, co-trainer, is the program manager of Baby Bungalow, a program provided by The Child Abuse Council. Ms. Pead is a child development specialist in the field of early education.

Parents and professionals interested in registering for the Tools series can download an information flyer, as well as a registration form. For additional information, contact Ms. Keating at AKeating@fmhi.usf.edu or (813) 974-1263.