OUR SCHOOL-BASED TRAININGS
We believe in one environment for all. Children and adults with disabilities and those without should learn, work, and play together. This kind of inclusivity cuts across societal boundaries. It requires education to realize. With education; cultures, beliefs, behaviors, and standard practices can be changed. As a group of multidisciplinary experts, we teach, serve, and support persons with disabilities and those who support them. We practice inclusivity daily, and we work with everyone — families, caregivers, teachers, employers, friends, beneficiaries!
Number of days/hours: 3 days; 4½ hours/day
Description: This training explores problem behaviors and introduces effective behavior management strategies. We recommend this training to teachers and any professional/para-professional working in the field of education and/or child protection.
Certification: Certification will be awarded to those who attend each day of training and score a minimum of 80% on the final test.
MAC's psychologists offer free consultations to Georgian public schools on how to design, develop, and equip their special education resource room. We'll work with special education teachers and school administrators to consider student needs and then offer recommendations on materials and strategies for creating a room that is conducive to learning and growth.
Number of day/hours: 5 days; 4½ hours/day
Description: This training provides an overview of disabilities, special educational needs, and effective intervention strategies to anyone interested in the field. It explores topics on developmental disorders, special educational needs, sensory and physical disabilities, emotional issues, teaching of basic academic skills, individual educational plans, and behavior management strategies.
Certification: Certification will be provided to those who attend a minimum of 90% of the total training and score of at least 80% on the final exam.
Number of day/ hours: 4 days; 4½ hours/day
Description: Similar to our Inclusive Education training, this course is modified to address the specific needs of children, ages 0-7, and is thus ideal for kindergarten and early intervention professionals. Beyond the standard Inclusive Education curriculum, this training addresses developmental norms and disorders, play and child development, emotional issues, and behavior management strategies.
Certification: Certification will be awarded to those who attend each day of training and score a minimum of 80% on the final test.
Number of days/hours: 2 days; 4½ hours/day
Description: The first day of training focuses on sensory integration theory, sensory integration dysfunction, and general strategies/recommendations when working with children who have sensory issues. The second day focuses on teaching attendees how to make sensory toys from various second-hand materials and discussing how these toys can be used in activities. This is a basic course designed for pediatric day center staff and other direct-care providers.
Certification: Certification will be provided to those who attend a minimum of 90% of the total training and score at least 80% on the final exam.
Number of days/hours: 1 day; 4½ hours
Description: This training provides an overview of the purpose and importance of play and the effective intervention strategies for professionals working with children. This hands-on training teaches professionals the types of play, intervention strategies to encourage and foster creative play, and how to develop play activities.
Certification: Certification will be awarded to those who attend a minimum of 90% of the total training and score at leat 80% on the final exam.
Number of days/hours: 2 days; 4½ hours/day
Description: This course is designed for pediatric daycare professionals and other direct-care providers. It focuses on the importance of promoting independence and functional skill development in children who have disabilities. The goal is to strengthen a care provider's skills/knowledge, so that he or she is better equipped to improve a child's participation in everyday activities. Topics include:
- Occupational therapy,
- Rehabilitation,
- Posture,
- Play,
- Independent living skills,
- Activities of daily living,
- Range of motion,
- Functional transfers.
Certification: Certification will be provided to those who attend a minimum of 90% of the total training and score at least 80% on the final exam.
Number of days/hours: 3 days; 4½ hours/day
Description: Designed specifically for teachers and other educational professionals, this training focuses on writing and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in accordance with school regulations. During the course, we focus on both theoretical and practical components. Trainees are first provided with background information on special education needs and inclusive education before being introduced to the fundamental principles of developing an IEP. We then offer hands-on, guided experience as we work with each participant in creating an effective IEP, followed by a discussion on how best to implement it.
Certification: Certification will be awarded to those who attend each day of training and score a minimum of 80% on the final test.
Number of days/hours: 2 days; 4½ hours/day
Description: This two-day training is designed to teach participants the theory behind the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and the protocols for appropriately implementing its six phases. Classes are very hands-on and interactive and are designed for professionals who are working with nonverbal children or children who have limited speech communication skills.
Certification: Certification will be awarded to those who attend the full training and score a minimum of 80% on the post-training exam.
Number of days/hours: 4 days; 4½ hours/day
Description: Designed to present evidence-based classroom teaching strategies, this course also dedicates time towards the development of individual educational plans (IEPs). Focusing primarily on reading, writing, and arithmetic; the course assists trainees to better assess the learning level of their students, regardless of ability, and then to create and implement an effective individual learning plan as needed. This training is for both special education teachers and mainstream elementary school teachers.
Certification: Certification will be awarded to those who attend each day of training and score a minimum of 80% on the final test.
Number of days/hours: 1 day; 4½ hours
Description: This training is for pediatric day center staff, and other direct-care providers. It focuses on teaching the skills to determine appropriate wheelchair size/fit for a child or an adult. It reviews the basics of wheelchairs, how to measure a person for a wheelchair, optimal positioning, and general wheelchair adaptations.