Coaching Essentials in the ESDM

Overview
This three‑hour Zoom workshop is designed for early childhood professionals who want to build confidence and skill in caregiver coaching using the ESDM. Learners will explore the foundations of the ESDM and its influence on coaching, how coaching works in family‑based early intervention contexts, what helps—and what hinders—effective caregiver coaching, and the language, actions, and structure that define ESDM coaching, with practical strategies woven throughout to promote shared, active caregiver learning. This workshop is ideal for professionals curious about ESDM coaching and looking for a flexible entry point into deeper learning prior to enrolling in the Introductory ESDM Parent Coaching Workshop.

Eligibility
No previous experience or certification in the ESDM is required to attend. Please note that this workshop does not meet eligibility require to begin ESDM parent coaching certification but serves as a strong entry point for those exploring ESDM coaching or preparing for future training. 

Expectations
Learners will engage in interactive group learning with opportunities to apply coaching tools in practice. While the workshop emphasizes skill development and reflection, it does not require video submissions or direct family practice for workshop completion. Handout materials will be sent to the registration email the day before the workshop.

Group Size
Enrollment is limited to support an engaging and interactive online learning experience.

BACB CEUs
Learners earn 3.0 General Learning (Type‑2) CEUs, based on instructional time only (excluding breaks). Certificates are issued upon completion of mandatory attendance and workshop quiz and feedback survey.

Details

• Date: February 26, 2026
• Time: 12:00–3:00 PM Eastern Time
• Registration Fee: $85 USD
• Early Registration Bonus: Register by January 30 2026, to receive access to a bonus 1.5-hour group Zoom session for deeper reflection and practice with workshop topics.  

Introductory ESDM Parent Coaching Workshop for Certification 

Overview

This six‑session Zoom workshop provides early childhood professionals with comprehensive training in coaching families through the Early Start Denver Model. Through a blend of group learning and self‑guided activities, learners will build balanced partnerships with families, practice evidence‑based coaching tools, and apply fidelity measures to strengthen both parent and professional practice. Learners are expected to apply topics directly with families and share information and materials about their coaching experiences for expert guidance on integrating strategies.

Completion of this workshop meets the criteria for eligibility to start the certification program in ESDM Parent Coaching (or P-ESDM). Once certified, participants are added to the MIND ESDM Training Program registry.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold ESDM direct intervention certification for at least 6 months and provide proof of certificate.
• Actively coach a minimum of 2 families of children aged 12-60 months with autism and their primary caregivers during the workshop period.
• Film coaching sessions with the child and primary caregiver present. 
• Obtain written consent and a release of information from parents/legal guardians to share coaching session videos during the workshop.
• Demonstrate language proficiency sufficient to conduct sessions and submit translated materials when required.

Expectations

During the workshop, learners are required to engage in direct practice with families, share coaching videos and program materials with written parent consent, and reflect on their coaching experiences to integrate feedback into practice. Google Classroom invites will be sent to the registration email four weeks before the first workshop session to complete Independent Learning activities by the requested due date. 

Group Size

Enrollment is limited to support an engaging and interactive online learning experience.

BACB CEUs

Learners earn 18.0 General Learning (Type‑2) CEUs, based on instructional time only (excluding breaks). Certificates are issued upon completion of mandatory attendance and all practice activities.

ESDM Parent Coaching Certification Program

Overview

The ESDM Parent Coaching Certification Program (P‑ESDM) is designed for ESDM certified therapists who have completed the six-session Introductory ESDM Parent Coaching Workshop with Laurie or through the UC Davis MIND Institute ESDM Training Program (currently the only two certified agencies providing this training). Certification involves individualized work with Laurie to develop parent coaching materials directly with families, submit video and written documentation for review, and demonstrate fidelity standards through a structured feedback process. This process includes submission of video and written ESDM coaching program materials for Laurie to review and provide written feedback offline; self‑guided review, reflection, and practice of that feedback in ongoing coaching sessions; and one‑hour Zoom calls to revisit the feedback and additional materials if requested for live, real-time review and discussion. 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold ESDM direct intervention certification for at least 6 months and provide proof of certificate.
• Complete the updated Introductory ESDM Parent Coaching Workshop with Laurie or through the MIND ESDM Training Program. (Participants who completed an earlier version of the Introductory ESDM Parent Coaching Workshop with Laurie remain eligible to begin certification. However, they may be asked to submit additional practice materials as part of Step One of the P‑ESDM Certification Action Plan Summary at additional cost to confirm readiness. Depending on the review of these materials and the P‑ESDM Certification Request Form, participants may also be asked to book hourly professional development sessions with the number of sessions determined once the P-ESDM Certification Request Form is completed, reviewed, and approved.)
• Begin certification within 2 years of completing the Introductory ESDM Parent Coaching Workshop. 
• Complete certification within 14 months of starting.
• Actively coach a minimum of 3 families during the certification period.
• Film coaching sessions with the child and primary caregiver present.
• Obtain written consent from parents/legal guardians to share coaching session videos.
• Demonstrate language proficiency sufficient to conduct sessions and submit translated materials when required.

Expectations

Learners submit materials in defined steps as outlined in the P-ESDM Certification Action Plan Summary. For each step, Laurie provides written feedback offline for ongoing practice, followed by one-hour scheduled Zoom calls for review and discussion of the feedback and any additional video and/or written program materials if requested to meet fidelity.

Additional offline review of new materials beyond the defined steps will incur extra fees. A full version including evaluation criteria and submission timelines can be found in the P‑ESDM Certification Action Plan.

Successful completion of certification will result in the learner’s name and provided contact details added to the UC Davis MIND Institute ESDM Training Program registry of certified ESDM parent coaches. 

Group Size

Certification is conducted individually, with personalized scheduling and feedback.

BACB CEUs

Certification at this time does not qualify for BACB continuing education units.

Infant Start Workshop 

Overview

This five‑session Zoom workshop provides early childhood professionals with training in coaching families through the Infant Start model, an adaptation of the ESDM for infants with early social‑communication vulnerabilities. Through a combination of group learning and guided practice, learners will learn to support parents in recognizing infant cues, responding to early signs of disengagement, and building development across eight core infant characteristics.

Parents concerned about their infants are strongly encouraged to speak with their developmental pediatrician or family doctor. Consultation is also available to parents by clicking here.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Have completed the Introductory ESDM Parent Coaching Workshop.
• Work with families of infants 20 months of age or younger who present with social‑communication concerns or vulnerabilities. An autism diagnosis is not required for participation.
• Engage in direct parent–infant coaching during the workshop period to support weekly practice requirements.
• Demonstrate language proficiency sufficient to conduct sessions and complete workshop materials.

Expectations

During the workshop, learners will be expected to apply Infant Start topics directly with families, reflect on their coaching experiences, and share non‑identifying information about their coaching experiences for guidance on integrating strategies. Google Classroom invites will be sent to the registration email four weeks before the first workshop session to complete Independent Learning activities by the requested due date. 

Group Size

Enrollment is limited to support an engaging and interactive online learning experience.

BACB CEUs

Learners earn 14.5 General Learning (Type‑2) CEUs, based on instructional time only (excluding breaks). Certificates are issued upon completion of mandatory attendance and all practice activities.

Joint Activity Routines 

A five-session Zoom workshop for early childhood professionals to explore joint activity routines (JARs) as the interactive teaching framework of the ESDM assessment and intervention strategies. Through JARs, children and one or more partners come together to choose and set up an activity; carry out an initial play idea or routine of the activity called the theme; add on other materials, actions, or steps to vary and extend the activity, interaction, and learning opportunities; and reach an ending in the activity to put away related materials before choosing what to do next and repeating this framework. By doing activities together, whether it is toy play, books, social games, mealtime, getting dressed etc., JARs support children’s early attention, social, communicative, and critical thinking skills within the context of meaningful and rewarding exchanges and relationships. Combining group learning with self-guided activities, professionals will gain both knowledge and practical skills for using this framework characterized by joint engagement, shared positive affect, and spontaneous social learning with children and their families. Class size is limited to 10 to maximize the online learning experience. 

Learners completing this workshop will:

1. Define joint activity routines and its four phases.
2. Describe why joint activity routines are important to children’s development and relationships with others.
3. Name joint activity routine strategies that use child-preferred activities for intrinsic meaning, motivation, and engagement.
4. Self-evaluation, reflection, planning, and problem-solving resources for ongoing technique use of intervention strategies.