As a Positive Discipline Associate in Training (PDAIT), actively seeking certification, you pay full price for both workshops when you attend them the first time. After that, you may repeat any of the Positive Discipline Workshops for $125 (as long as you are actively seeking certification and IF the workshop facilitator has met his or her basic enrollment requirements) –and free (except for the cost of materials) as a CPDA with the permission of the CPDA facilitator. It can be advantageous to see how other CPDAs facilitate a workshop, plus will give you experience and insight from the perspective of a participant.
Actively implement what you are learning in a classroom, at home, with a parenting group, in the workplace, or in other settings. The more you apply and experience the results of using Positive Discipline in your life and work, the more deeply you will understand and internalize it. Ultimately, this will make you a more effective CPDA.
STEP THREE – Declare Your Intent to Become a CPDA:
Complete the "
Application to Become a Certified Positive Discipline Associate,” including a description of your intent. (Click on this title to link to this form and more details.) Email your completed form to posdis@satx.rr.com. (Note: This application/letter of intent will be used when introducing you to the Certified Positive Discipline e-mail list.)
Mail a signed paper copy of your application with your annual membership dues to:
Kathy Rinehart
Executive Director
The Positive Discipline Association
9417 Remuda Path
San Antonio, TX 78254
Upon receipt and approval of your Application/Letter of Intent and annual fee, you will receive a copy of the Positive Discipline Facilitator’s Training Manual. You will also be placed on the Positive Discipline Associate email list serve and will be officially considered a Positive Discipline Associate in Training (PDAIT).
Membership is on a calendar year basis. The membership fee for PDAITs who join the organization during the last quarter of the year (between Sept. and Dec.) is reduced. Please contact the PDA office for information on the schedule and fees.
STEP FOUR – Complete Implementation Requirements:
As part of the certification process, it is required that you practice what you will be teaching. In general, you are being asked to dig deeper into the use of Positive Discipline at home, at work, or in other settings. It is hoped that you develop a strong working knowledge of both theory and practice.
To be eligible to attend the Advanced PDAIT Training (APT), you will need to meet the Training and Implementation Requirements for Positive Discipline in the Classroom, Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way, or both. (Click on the link above Guidelines for detailed information.) You are encouraged to work with PDA office staff to ensure that all neccessary requirements are complete and documentation submitted. Your CPDA mentor, the CPDA Facilitator’s Manual, and the List Serve can provide many resources for effectively implementing this process.
IMPORTANT -- Until You Are Certified:
Please identify yourself as a Positive Discipline Associate in Training (PDAIT) and work with a CPDA and/or the CPDA list serve for questions and support when presenting Positive Discipline material. This is especially important when working in schools.
STEP FIVE – Participate in Advanced PDAIT Training (APT):
Attend a 3 - 4 day Advanced PDAIT Training (limited to 12 PDAITs) that will cost approximately $600 plus expenses.
During this training you will have an opportunity to:
- Co-facilitate the Parents Helping Parents Problem-Solving Steps (PHPPSS) with a Lead Trainer providing guidance and support (as necessary).
- Lead an activity, warm-up, and/or introductory session. Choices will be offered where possible.
- You will have a copy of the evaluation form (from the CPDA Manual, Section 1.4.2) in advance. You will be encouraged to use that to monitor your own progress and evaluate your own needs periodically throughout the training.
- Group discussions and LOTS of feedback will provide opportunities for growth and learning as the training proceeds.
- You will gain/enhance facilitation, marketing, and other skills that will support your work as a CPDA.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Taking the Advanced PDAIT Training does not guarantee that you will become certified. You will need to attend as many of these trainings as it takes until both you and the Lead Trainers (LTs) determine you are ready. At the conclusion of each workshop, you and the LTs with whom you are working will evaluate your facilitation skills. You will receive a written summary for your records.
The Positive Discipline Association Administrative Office, c/o Kathy Rinehart, 9417 Remuda Path, San Antonio, TX 78254 will also get a copy of the completed form. When you and the LT decide you are well enough trained to lead your own workshops, you will be recommended for Board endorsement as a Certified Positive Discipline Associate.
You may schedule 2-Day Workshops (Teaching Parenting and Positive Discipline in the Classroom) and have them listed on the posdis.com website as soon as you are certified. You are eligible to apply to be part of the PDA Speaker’s Bureau, as well as many other benefits.