HANDS in Autism® recently partnered with Perry County Head Start to provide a customized two-day professional development experience designed to strengthen staff knowledge and build practical skills for supporting young children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Recognizing that every program has unique strengths and needs, the training was tailored specifically for Perry County Head Start staff and focused on evidence-based practices that can be immediately implemented in early childhood classrooms and daily routines.
Throughout the two days, participants explored a wide range of topics, including Autism 101, developmental disabilities, physical and visual structure, schedules and work systems, team collaboration and advocacy, and informal assessment. Staff also gained practical strategies for developing individualized tasks and adaptations, supporting activities of daily living (ADLs), implementing effective prompting techniques, conducting behavioral assessment and intervention, teaching new skills, and fostering social skills and play.
Special attention was given to supporting children's independence through everyday routines, with discussions and activities focused on ADL skills related to toileting and sleeping. Participants also explored how thoughtful environmental design, visual supports, and individualized teaching strategies can increase engagement, communication, and success for young learners.
The interactive format encouraged collaboration, discussion, and problem-solving, allowing staff to apply concepts to real-life classroom situations while sharing experiences with colleagues. By combining research-based information with hands-on application, participants left with practical tools and strategies they can immediately incorporate into their classrooms and programs.
Participants praised both the content and delivery of the training. One attendee shared, "It was great, and I am excited to put these steps into action," while another commented, "Thank you so much for this training. I have truly learned so much and have plans on using some of the resources mentioned, especially the importance of having a 'man down plan' for staff absences." Others described the experience as "very informational," noting, "The presenters were awesome!" and "Great presentation! Presenters were informative and personable." One participant simply summed up the experience by saying, "I love today's session."
At HANDS in Autism®, we are committed to partnering with schools, early childhood programs, and community organizations to provide customized training that meets the unique needs of each team. Whether supporting a single classroom, an entire program, or a school district, our goal is to build local capacity and empower professionals with evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for children and families.
We thank the Perry County Head Start team for their enthusiasm, engagement, and dedication to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments for every child. Their willingness to learn, ask questions, and collaborate made this training a tremendous success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in support of high-quality early childhood education.
🔗 Learn more about our Collaborative Sites: Collaborative