MESA Professional Development Opportunities
PECS LEVEL 1 TRAINING
This intensive 13-hour interactive workshop is designed to teach educational and caregiver teams the theory and protocol for the Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®), an evidence-based practice based on Applied Behavior Analysis, typical language development, and B.F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior.
Objectives
• Identify learners who will benefit from PECS
• Describe 9 key components of creating effective learning environments using the Pyramid Approach to Education
• Explain differences between prerequisites for and long-term outcomes for PECS and other modalities such as speech, sign language, picture pointing, or speech generating devices
• Identify strategies to create communication opportunities during routines and functional daily activities
• Implement the 6 phases of the PECS protocol
• Name strategies for successfully saying, “No!”
• Discuss the evidence for PECS and speech development
• Examine the criteria for transitioning from PECS to other communication modalities
1.3 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Professional Area); 13.0 BACB CEUs; 13.0 IBA CEUs; 1.3 AOTA CEUs (Intermediate Level, OT Service Delivery/Foundational Knowledge); 13.0 NASP Approved continuing professional development (CPD) hours. Satisfactory completion of this course requires participants to be present for the duration of the course and to participate in all student responding activities (e.g. questions, role play, quizzes, and surveys).
*District invoiced after training
*Approved under Project 613
October 28-29, 2025
8:00am – 4 PM
Oklahoma City
Registration: $400
TRANSITIONING FROM PECS TO SGDS
Learn how to assess current PECS skills, analyze the features of available apps and SGDs in order to make the selection best suited to your learner’s needs, and develop detailed lesson plans necessary to teach use of the new device as a functional communication system to ensure SGD users maintain effective communication skills.
Please bring a SGD or a tablet with an AAC app.
The PECSTalk™ Lite app is available for free.
*District invoiced after training
*Approved under Project 613
*CEUs: AHSA, BACB, NASP, AOTA
October 30, 2025
8:00am – 4 PM
Oklahoma City
Registration: $200
AUTISM: FOUNDATION TRAINING FOR SCHOOL TEAMS
This two-day interactive workshop is designed for school teams—including teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals—to learn together how to effectively support students with autism.
Participants will learn to recognize characteristics of autism in the classroom, collaborate with their team, determine effective supports, and rehearse evidence-based strategies through role-play with feedback.
Registration: $325/person
Approved under Project 613
October 8-9
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Owasso
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November 12-13
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
OKC
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February 4-5
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
OKC
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REDUCING CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
This workshop is designed for school teams working with students with autism who demonstrate challenging behavior. Participants will learn to identify the functions of behavior, implement preventative strategies and supports, and teach replacement skills to reduce challenging behavior.
Registration: $200
Approved under Project 613
September 18
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
OKC
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December 4
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Owasso
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February 26
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Virtual
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CONDUCTING FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENTS &
WRITING BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION PLANS
This workshop has been updated to a 2-day format to provide a more in-depth learning experience.
Participants will learn how to effectively conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) to support students with challenging behavior. Participants will engage in guided practice, collaborative analysis, and meaningful discussion to strengthen their skills and confidence in addressing challenging behaviors in students.
Registration: $325
Approved under Project 613
September 23-24
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
OKC
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December 9-10
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Owasso
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SCHOOL-BASED AUTISM ASSESSMENT TEAM COURSE
This training focuses on interdisciplinary, evidence-based practices for identifying children with autism. Sessions include instruction and interactive application of evidence-based practices for identifying children with Autism. The course requires a time commitment of five total days (outlined below) for all team members, including a school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, and special education teacher.
Training Dates:
Days 1 & 2 October 28-29, 2025 (OKC) – Comprehensive Evaluation
Days 3 & 4 January 29-30, 2026 (OKC) – ADOS-2 Training
Day 5 March 6, 2026 (virtual) – Wrap-Up
Registration: $600/team
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Approved under Project 613
OKLAHOMA AUTISM CENTER SUMMER INTERNSHIP
This 4-day intensive, hands-on experience is designed to enhance your skills in supporting students with autism. Oklahoma Autism Center’s Educational Consultants will guide you through evidence-based strategies and supports for children enrolled in the Early Foundations Model & Demonstration site, serving ages 18 months to 4 years.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Autism Center offer this training at no cost, and it is approved for Project 613 funds.
For more information about the Summer Internship, email Marisa-Singletary@ouhsc.edu.
Dyads of school staff are recommended, and spots will be limited!
June 1-4
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daily
Early Foundations, Oklahoma City
GUIDED OBSERVATION
Bring a small group for a guided observation of evidence-based practices at Early Foundations, a developmentally appropriate, early intervention program for young children with autism in Oklahoma City.
Approved under Project 613
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VIRTUAL TRAININGS
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON
