Arkansas PBSS Behavior Training

Training Opportunities from GoodLife's top behavior experts. Register to attend the PBSS certification training.

Positive Behavior Supports Specialist Certification

What is the Arkansas PBSS Certification Training?

The GoodLife University PBSS Certification Training is a comprehensive, three-day professional development initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of the direct support workforce serving individuals with challenging behaviors. The training equips professionals with practical, evidence-based strategies to promote Healthy Behavioral Practices (HBP) and develop high-quality, function-based Behavioral Support Plans (BSPs).

Who is this training series for?

Community and Employment Support Providers | Case Managers | Leadership Teams & Managers | Any Applicant Wishing To Become Certified

What Will You Learn?

Healthy Behavioral Practices:

Expert Training PLUS Intro to Behavior Support Plans

This presentation will include a description of the four key Healthy Behavioral practices, training on how to implement behavioral skills training (BST), training on delivering effective feedback, and an overview of competency check tools (including BST cheat sheet, job-aid posters, etc., which will be included with the training materials).

Trainer List Popelka speaks to a group of service providers

Behavior Support Plans:

A Writing Guide

Includes presentations/coursework plus a 2-hour interactive training that will cover how to conduct an indirect functional assessment, how to use the results to derive a BSP, best-practice prevention and intervention procedures, and procedures for implementation and ongoing monitoring.

Dr. Strouse presents the Keynote at the IAC Conference in New York City, 2024

Behavior Support Plan “Pyramidal Training”:

Using Behavior Skills Training (BST)

Will demonstrate how to utilize behavioral skills training techniques to facilitate effective teaching of developed behavior support plans to individual staff/providers, how to use a pyramidal training approach to train groups of providers to be trainers, how to navigate potential barriers to effective training, and how to implement a system of training oversight.

Training FAQ:

How much does training cost?

$1,100 per person. Discounted rate for company groups. Reach out arielnichols@mygoodlife.org for more information.

How long does training take?

Our training is a comprehensive 3-day, program designed to equip professionals with the tools and knowledge to effectively support individuals with challenging behaviors. Here is how the training is structured:
Day 1 – Healthy Behavioral Practices, Expert Training PLUS Intro to Behavior Support Plans
• 4 to 5 Hours
Day 2 – Behavior Support Plans: A Writing Guide
• 4 to 5 Hours
Day 3 – Behavior Support Plan “Train the Trainer”
• 5 to 6 Hours

Is there a virtual training option?

Not at this time, no. These robust trainings are best experienced in-person to gain the most impact and understanding.

Will my PBSS certification be recognized by Arkansas DDS?

Yes. Our curriculum meets the requirements for Community and Employment Support (CES) Agency Standards effective April 1, 2024 as outlined in the DDS regulations for the Certification of Positive Behavior Support Specialists.

How long does my Certification last?

Recertification is required every 2 years. Post-credit support includes access to a specialized peer review group that offers a quality review process for Case Managers and Community and Employment Service providers, ensuring Behavior Support Plans are written with as much efficacy as possible.

What resources are included in the training?

We will provide a Behavior Support Plan writing guide, an indirect assessment tool that aids in analyzing the assessment results, and resource templates (e.g., for behavior support plans and competency-check monitoring).

Can you help with our caseload?

Our behavior experts provide as-needed and ongoing consultation to Case Managers and other behavior analysts (BAs) regarding consumer severe problem behavior, complex cases, staff adherence to Behavior Support Plans, and development of meaningful skill-building programming.

Meet Our Trainers:

Lisa Popelka, MS., BCBA
Director of Clinical Services

Lisa Popelka is the Director of Clinical Services at GoodLife Innovations and a leader in advancing behavior analytic services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Avila University.

She has extensive experience delivering training across the Midwest, including agency-specific workshops, presentations for organizations and graduate programs, and virtual learning opportunities. Her work focuses on practical, person-centered strategies that support individuals, families, and direct support professionals in real-world settings.

In her role at GoodLife Innovations, Lisa oversees the Behavioral Services Department, leads statewide behavioral initiatives, manages the Training Department, and serves as the liaison to the University of Kansas Applied Behavioral Sciences program. She also serves on the Legislative Committee for the Kansas Association for Behavior Analysis.

Lisa is passionate about expanding access to high-quality behavioral supports and equipping professionals with tools that promote independence, dignity, and positive outcomes.

Thank you for your interest. This training registration is currently closed. For inquiries about future PBSS Training dates or to request a group training for your organization, please reach out to Consultants@mygoodlife.org. Thank you, The GoodLife University Team

How does Registering for training work?

1. Register for the training: Fill out the registration form to join.

2. Keep an eye on your inbox (and your SPAM folder): We will send you a confirmation that you’re on the list. After 24 hours, if you still haven’t received confirmation, please reach out to Ariel Nichols (arielnichols@mygoodlife.org)

Who is GoodLife University?

GoodLife University is a nearly 50-year collaboration between GoodLife Innovations, Inc, a not-for-profit disability services provider started in Kansas in 1977, and the University of Kansas Department of Applied Behavioral Science (KU/ABS). This partnership has pioneered the development and dissemination of best-practice and award-winning strategies & service approaches. Our strategies are peer-reviewed & published, and have been disseminated to over 110 providers nationally.

We invite you to join us.

GoodLife’s trainings are always intended to be fully accessible events. Any disability-related, dietary, or additional accommodations needed can be requested by contacting Ariel Nichols.

If you have any questions about scheduling a training, feel free to reach out directly to:

Ariel Nichols, GoodLife Development and Administrative Associate

arielnichols@mygoodlife.org | 913-206-1240