Learning Independence from CA
Learning Independence from CA There’s so much I have grasped over the years of being…
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Learning & Development for Professionals
Continuing education and professional development foster engagement and drive results. In order to improve the quality of direct services and advance systems level work, we offer everything from public training to virtual learning and an annual conference. All of these offerings aim to increase awareness, enhance knowledge and evolve practices.
ADOS-2 Training Program
ADOS-2 is the latest version of what was already considered the gold standard for observational assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ADOS-2 can be used to evaluate almost anyone suspected of having ASD, from non-verbal toddlers to verbally fluent adults.
CA offers this new, progressive approach of teaching clinical professionals to diagnose autism using Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) through virtual workshops. We recognize that confidence and expertise come from practice and experience, so in addition to a three-day workshop, this program includes one follow-up coaching session. Because of the hands-on, interactive nature of these workshops, participation is limited.
View our Training Calendar to register for the next available workshop.
Learning Management System
The Virtual Learning Institute is a great option for professionals who want the flexibility of remote training. through our Talent LMS Virtual Training Platform. We offer a variety of video modules from Autism 101, Autism Paraprofessional training, and Life Skills training.
CA's Annual Autism Conference
2024 Conference Information Coming Soon
Established in 2001, our annual conference is Virginia’s original statewide conference for the latest information on autism and evidence-based interventions.
Preschool Inclusion Program
Commonwealth Autism enables Preschools across Virginia to provide sustainable, inclusive, early intervention programs for children with autism alongside their neurotypical peers.
For many years Commonwealth Autism ran our own highly successful preschool program with 5 sites across the Richmond area. Our vision at CA is to create a more inclusive Virginia by eradicating gaps in services for the neurodiverse. We created the Preschool Inclusion Program to fulfill this mission by teaching childcare centers across the Commonwealth how to incorporate our inclusive intervention module.
Why? Because there is a great need for inclusive, sustainable preschools:
- 1 in 36 children have autism – the need for sustainable, inclusive preschools exist
- Research shows that early interventions for autism are more likely to have major, long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills
- Finding quality, affordable childcare is even more difficult for families with children who have a disability
- Preschools run on already tight margins and hiring specialists and additional staff to care for children with autism is costly
- Navigating how to create this integrated programming can be confusing, costly, and time consuming
CA provides consultative services to breakdown barriers and help preschools tap into additional funding sources.
- No need to raise tuition rates – you can still stay competitive while offering diverse programming
- No need to cut staff or wages or benefits
- When implemented, these services provide enough funds to cover the programming costs, additional staffing, training, and more
- It’s another sustainable source of revenue
- Unique because it is inclusive – all neuros – no exclusion, they are placed in the same room, the same space for learning and play
- We also have limited grant funding to help qualified centers get started
“CA is able to partner with preschools on a project that has the potential to change the landscape of Early Education in the Commonwealth. The concept of having Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBAs) as a part of the learning environment is becoming more apparent every day. The Commonwealth is already making movement in public schools via Guidelines for the Provision of Behavior Analysis in Public Schools which is in response to Code of Virginia §22.1-273.4 (House Bill No. 1722). Since early intervention is key, it’s time to start this same initiative in our preschools.”
Tammy Bowen, Director of Mission, Commonwealth Autism
CA Shared Services
Shared Services are membership organizations that allow members to share back-office services such as accounting, payroll, and human resources. The goal of Shared Service is to allow organizations to focus more on their mission or business and by focusing less on business functions. Doing so helps them save time, effort and money that they can redirect to employee salaries and benefits, professional training, classroom supplies, etc. The services offer may include:
Payroll & Benefits
Receivables
Collections
Tech Support
Recruiting
Hiring
Benefits of CA Shared Services
- Less paperwork for you and your staff means more time for planning, preparation and reflection
- Improved cashflows, lower aging A/Rs and collections
- Lower vacancy rates as a result of stronger enrollment management and more robust marketing
- Reduced costs allow you to reinvest in employee raises, increased medical benefits, and retirement funds.
- Higher rates of staff retention as a result of better benefits and more development opportunities
Costs
We customize packages and prices based on the scope of shared services you choose to use. Over time, our services dramatically lower your administrative and overhead expenses. So, ultimately, our fee will be lower than the cost of your own staff providing these same business functions.
Shared Services in Virginia
Membership is open to legally operating licensed (or licensing-exempted) non-profits and for-profit organizations that share a commitment to the mission and vision of shared services.
Shared services enable center directors to spend more time engaging with teachers, children and families.
The best part of being apart of Shared Services is that I am now able to get into the classroom several times a week, helping teachers identify goals that we can work on together. It’s been life-changing for our center.
Debbie Lickey, Retired Director, St. James’s Children’s Center
Autism Resource Database
Our Autism Resource Database includes everything from camps and inclusive preschools for children with autism to training opportunities for licensed professionals.
- Click on the “Search by category” drop down menu to see the various categories and subcategories you can use to search.
- You can also search by geographic region (e.g., Hampton Roads or Central Virginia) or by age group (note: “child” resources may serve individuals through age 21, particularly if they are education-based resources).
- Alternatively, use keywords (e.g., after-school activities, college prep, or newly diagnosed) to find the resources you are looking for.
Having trouble finding the resource(s) you’re looking for? Would you prefer speaking directly with someone on our team?
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