Q. How do I become a certified ESDM Therapist?
A. Becoming a certified ESDM Therapist is a 3 step process Step 1: complete the Early Start Denver Model Introductory Workshop delivered online via UC Davis Mind institute Step 2: Complete the ESDM Advanced workshop with us by remote delivery Step 3: Complete the Certification process under our supervision and support. Steps 2 and 3 can both be done through us at ESDM Training and Support. Upon completion of certification, your name and contact will be registered on the Central UC Davis website for Certified Therapists and you can operate as an ESDM Certified Therapist.
Q. How is the Advanced workshop delivered?
A. The Advanced workshop is delivered remotely over live Zoom sessions so that it is accessible to participants nationally and worldwide. The workshops run for 2.5 hours per session over 6 weeks.
Q. What time zone will the trainers be delivering the workshop?
A. Courses are conducted online via Zoom by Certified ESDM Trainers who are based in Wollongong and Sydney, Australia. The time zone is Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) from the month of October, and changes to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) in the month of April. Please check your time zone convertor when zooming into workshops worldwide to ensure the timing will be convenient for you.
Q. What qualification do I need to participate in the Advanced training?
A. This is an advanced workshop for degree-qualified professionals in the areas of Education, Allied Health, Psychology and Medicine (including speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, behaviour therapists, medical professionals and psychologists) who work with children on the autism spectrum and other developmental disorders.
Q. Do I need to work with children to complete the ESDM Advanced Workshop?
A. Yes. It is a requirement that you work regularly with 12-60 month old autistic children or other developmental disorders. You will complete homework each week by recording a video clip of working with a child while embedding the learning from the workshop. Your homework will then be shared with the group for reflection and follow up.
Q. What happens if I miss a session? Are the workshops recorded?
A. Due to privacy and working with children, the workshops are not recorded. To complete the Advanced workshop you must be in attendance for 100% of the workshop. While we understand that you may be absent if unforeseen circumstances occur, you will
need to make up the session in the next round of workshops in order to complete the Advanced training.
Q. Is Certification part of the ESDM Advanced Workshop?
A. Following the Advanced workshop you will be eligible to commence the Certification process. This is independent learning as you master the teaching principles of the ESDM with the support and guidance of your trainer. Once your certification is completed, you will become a Certified ESDM Therapist where your name and contact details will be posted on the official ESDM.co website.
Q. Do I get any support during the Certification process?
A. Yes. We run regular fortnightly Booster sessions where all trainees are invited to attend. These are mentoring sessions within a supportive and positive community of practice. Each trainee brings a 3-5 minute video clip to reflect on, receive feedback of their progress and develop goals to support you move through each step of your certification. We may pair you with another trainee in a “buddy” system, so you can work outside of Booster sessions to code one another’s videos and general peer support while you learn the teaching principles of the ESDM.
Q. Will I receive credits for completing the Advanced or Educator workshops?
A. For Teachers in NSW, Australia the following credits will be awarded:
ESDM Advanced Workshop will contribute 18 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
ESDM Educator Workshop will contribute 12 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
Q. Are there payment plan options available?
A. Arrangements for a payment plan may be approved for trainees during the Certification process only. Before each step is submitted for the trainer to review, the trainee will make payment at steps 3, 4 and 5.