Positive Practices in Behavioral Support Training (PPBS)

Grounded in more than four decades of evidence-informed, person-centred practice from IABA’s founders, Dr. Gary LaVigna and Dr. Tom Willis, this training is the gold standard in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) education. Rooted in our research-proven Multi-Element Behavior Support (MEBS) model, this course gives you the skills, strategies, and confidence to reduce restrictive practices, improve service quality, and create meaningful, lasting change. 

Available in In-Person, Virtual-Live, On-Demand, and Refresher formats, PPBS blends evidence-based science with real-world application, so you can build safer, more effective, and more fulfilling support environments for the people you serve.

Register for an Upcoming Training

Who This Training is For

  • Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

  • Behavioral Professionals

  • Educators, Aides & Other Specialists

  • Agency Leadership & Supervisors

  • Anyone supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities 

  • Professionals involved with any facet of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs)

  • Learning Disability Nurses and other healthcare professionals 

  • Law enforcement and corrections professionals 

What You Will Learn

  • Conducting comprehensive functional assessments that illuminate effective support & interventions

  • Designing Multi-Element Positive Behavior Support Plans that resonate with those you support

  • Developing non-aversive reactive approaches for emergencies that align with a Positive Practices framework  

  • Implementing methods to ensure the fidelity of a comprehensive, co-produced plan with clarity on quality-of-life outcomes. 

Training Formats

Foundational and evidence-based Multi-Element Behavior Support (MEBS).

Format Best For Includes Pricing
On‑Demand Flexible, self‑paced learning for individuals or teams
  • Recorded modules
  • Downloadable resources
  • Quizzes
$499 USD
Virtual Interactive, instructor-led virtual sessions
  • Six half-day seminars over three weeks
  • Role-plays & Q&A
  • CEUs for BCBAs
$499 USD
Live Interactive, instructor‑led sessions (in‑person or hybrid)
  • Three-day seminar
  • Role‑plays & Q&A
  • CEUs for BCBAs
$499 USD
Refresher Alumni of PPBS Level 1 who need skill updates
  • Condensed review
  • Latest best practices
  • Peer discussion
Coming Soon
Compare training formats

On‑Demand

Best ForFlexible, self‑paced learning for individuals or teams
Includes
  • Recorded modules
  • Downloadable resources
  • Quizzes
Pricing$499 USD

Virtual

Best ForInteractive, instructor-led virtual sessions
Includes
  • Six half-day seminars over three weeks
  • Role-plays & Q&A
  • CEUs for BCBAs
Pricing$499 USD

Live

Best ForInteractive, instructor‑led sessions (in‑person or hybrid)
Includes
  • Three-day seminar
  • Role‑plays & Q&A
  • CEUs for BCBAs
Pricing$499 USD

Refresher

Best ForAlumni of PPBS Level 1 who need skill updates
Includes
  • Condensed review
  • Latest best practices
  • Peer discussion
PricingComing Soon

Training Objectives & Practicum Outcomes

    • Understand what Applied Behavior Analysis is;

    • Identify and define behaviors of concern, aka challenging behavior;

    • Utilize the ABCs of behaviorism;

    • Understand the concepts of reinforcers;

    • Identify the reasons for function of behavior;

    • Understand the concept of Episodic Severity™;

    • Use Data-Based decision making.

    • Understand Positive Behavior Support;

    • Define all parts of the MEBS;

    • Identify Proactive Strategies;

    • Identify Focused Support Strategies;

    • Identify Replacement Skill Teaching procedures;

    • Identify Non-Aversive Reactive Strategies;

    • Identify alternatives to punishment.

    • Create Safe, Effective, and Enjoyable support strategies;

    • Implement various generic positive behavioral supports;

    • Link reasons for behavior(s) of concern with appropriate strategies;

    • Ensure staff consistency with program implementation using visual feedback;

    • Identify changes necessary to make supports maximally effective;

    • Operationally define expectations for staff

    • Individualize and implement the Periodic Service Review combining the principles of Total Quality Management and Organizational Behavior Management

    • Introduce a performance monitoring system that is acceptable to staff

    • Design and implement a proven system of staff training

    • Individualize and implement the Procedural Reliability System (a system to ensure service integrity)

    • Design and implement a combined quality assurance and quality improvement system

    • Produce sweeping improvements in service quality

Upcoming Trainings

On-Demand Trainings

  • PPBS Core Training (Self-paced) REGISTER

Virtual Trainings

  • Virtual PPBS | OCT 7 - 22, 2025 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | NOV 4 - 19, 2025 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | DEC 2 - 17, 2025 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | JAN 20 - Feb 4, 2026 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | FEB 10 - 25, 2026 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | MAR 3 - 18, 2026 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | APR 7 - 22, 2026 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | MAY 19 - JUN 3, 2026 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | AUG 11 - 26, 2026 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | SEP 8 - 23, 2026 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

  • Virtual PPBS | OCT 6 - 21, 2026 (TUES/WED) REGISTER

Live Trainings

  • Hobart, Tasmania, Australia | Oct 21–23, 2025 REGISTER

  • Devonport, Tasmania, Australia | Oct 28-30, 2025 REGISTER

  • Australia | NOV 10 - 13, 2026 COMING SOON

Refresher Trainings

  • PPBS Refresher (Virtual) | COMING SOON

Not sure which format is right for you?

Contact Us and we’ll help you choose the best path to your Level 1 MEBS Knowledge Certification.

Meet Our Trainers

Lizzie Hughes
Linda Hume
Lori Ann Dotson

Corporate & Group Training

We offer customized training packages for organizations, tailored to your schedule, format preferences, and staff needs. Get in touch with our team to learn more about these opportunities.

Contact Us
  • "They gave examples from preschool to elderly - varying diagnoses, settings, and varied intervention types. Really all bases were covered, everyone got their clinical needs met and questions answered."

    - Participant

  • "IABA has dramatically changed my life. I am pleased to be a part of the program"

    - Participant

  • "The writing plans practice where they could guide us step by step and then correct errors in real time was one of the most helpful training opportunities I have had in my entire career."

    - Participant