Pre-Service Workshop Overview

The Pre-Service workshop is the initial training provided to Practitioners (including foster parents and other direct care workers) to provide the fundamental philosophies and strategies associated with the implementation of the Teaching-Family Model. It is required that practitioners complete this training prior to working with the youth placed in a Teaching-Family Model program. During the first year, a TFM consultant offers support and professional development opportunities for the Teaching Parents (and other direct care workers and practitioners) as they implement the entire curriculum. At the end of this year the Teaching Parents are eligible for certification.

The workshop usually lasts a minimum of 3 days for foster care and 5 days for group homes. There is the possibility that more than one workshop will be needed during the program start-up, depending on the size of the group of direct care workers being trained. Along with the Pre-Service workshop, there are monthly in-service training workshops available to be presented by representatives of Innovative Teaching Systems.

At the end of each workshop there will be an evaluation of the workshop by the participants, which helps Innovative Teaching Systems understand the progress participants have made, as well as, helps ITS refine the workshop for future sessions. Over the years, ITS has been revising Teaching-Family Model materials and strategies based on this feedback. The goal being to meet the ever-changing needs of children and families. Visit our online store to review the Pre-Service Workshop materials available for purchase.

Teaching Parents have the ability to be fully certified in the Teaching-Family Model at 1 year. With that said, certification of the entire agency usually takes up to 3 years depending on the size of the facility.

For more information about the Pre-Service Workshop, please contact us.

Pre-Service Workshop Goals

Provide workshop participants with…

  1. Theoretical information upon which components and procedures of the Teaching-Family Model are based
  2. Technical information concerning the characteristics and implementation of the Teaching-Family Model
  3. Technical skills in the application of specific teaching and intervention procedures for working with youth
  4. Professional skills in working with families, colleagues, and other community consumers