Positive Practices in Behavioral Support Training (PPBS)
Grounded in more than four decades of evidence-informed, person-centered 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 person-centered and nonlinear Multi-Element Behavior Support (MEBS) model, this course gives you the skills, strategies, and confidence to reduce restrictive practices, deliver high quality services, create meaningful, lasting change, and ultimately improve quality of life.
Available in an In-Person, Virtual-Live, On-Demand, and Refresher formats to support the schedules of our dynamic field, 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.
Who This Training is For
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
Behavioral Professionals
Educators, Aides & Other Specialists
Agency Leadership & Supervisors
Roles supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
Professionals involved with any facet of Behavior Support Plans
Learning Disability Nurses and other healthcare professionals
Law enforcement and corrections professionals
What You Will Learn
Learn about the principles of positive, non-aversive behavioral support within the MEBS framework
Discover how ecology, environment, reinforcement, and context influence behavior
Learn about functional assessment methods to better understand challenging behaviors
Discover strategies for supporting skill development and sustainable behavior change
Learn about data-informed decision-making to guide and improve behavioral supports
Training Formats
Designed with flexibility in mind, we offer a range of trainings formats for this foundational and evidence-based Multi-Element Behavior Support (MEBS) training, making it accessible for every career stage and schedule.
| Format | Best For | Includes | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| On‑Demand | Flexible, self‑paced learning for individuals or teams |
|
$499 USD |
| Virtual | Interactive, instructor-led sessions delivered virtually |
|
$499 USD |
| Live In-Person | Interactive, instructor‑led sessions (in‑person or hybrid) |
|
$499 USD |
On‑Demand | |
| Best For | Flexible, self‑paced learning for individuals or teams |
|---|---|
| Includes |
|
| Pricing | $499 USD |
Virtual | |
| Best For | Interactive, instructor-led virtual sessions |
| Includes |
|
| Pricing | $499 USD |
Live | |
| Best For | Interactive, instructor‑led sessions (in‑person or hybrid) |
| Includes |
|
| Pricing | $499 USD |
Refresher | |
| Best For | Alumni of PPBS Level 1 who need skill updates |
| Includes |
|
| Pricing | Coming Soon |
Training Objectives & Expected Outcomes
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The rationale for nonaversive, positive behavioral supports
An introduction to the multi-element model for providing nonaversive person-centered behavioral supports
Environmental / ecological change in support of behavior change
Positive programming: Its role in and methods of supporting behavior change
Reinforcement / motivational strategies to promote rapid behavior change
Differential reinforcement in support of behavior change
Stimulus control and stimulus satiation strategies
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An introduction to the Multi-Element Behavor Support (MEBS) model for providing nonaversive person-centered behavioral supports
Behavioral assessment
Purposes of behavioral assessment
Levels of behavioral assessment
Methods used when conducting a behavioral assessment
Overview of information gathered during a behavioral assessment
Overview of the Behavior Assessment Guide
Functional analysis of behavior
Mediator analysis
Motivational analysis
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The context of emergency management: a good support plan is more than just reacting to the problem
Antecedent control: a description of strategies for preventing crises
How to react when a problem arises: Proximity strategies, Instructional strategies, Facilitative, Problem solving strategies, Stimulus change strategies
Interpositioning or geographical containment and how to use the physical environment to prevent injury
Recognizing and meeting the emotional needs of staff
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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
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 Expert MEBS Training Team
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.