Unlock the Power of ESDM

Create meaningful connections to maximize learning for young autistic children

If you're committed to helping young autistic children in their growth, communication, and social connections, brace yourself for a journey that will reshape your professional approach. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) intervention is pivotal in fostering meaningful connections and maximizing developmental progress. These 8.5-hour supplemental modules are designed to support professionals enrolled in the ESDM Advanced Workshop. Tailored specifically for professionals supporting young children, these lessons will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to have a lasting impact on the lives of these remarkable children.

Formal Training

ESDM Advanced Workshops

The goal of the ESDM Advanced Workshop is to enhance the delivery of early intervention services to young children with ASD through high implementation of the ESDM. This workshop is available through SAGE Learning Systems and is offered either in person, or through video conferencing technology (i.e., Zoom). We regularly offer ESDM Advanced workshops throughout the year. Click on the button below to learn more and register.
Click HERE to Sign Up

Early Start Denver Model

Unlocking Potential, Igniting Possibilities

By fostering social communication, play, and positive interactions, the ESDM equips children with the skills needed for a more inclusive and fulfilling life. In the world of autism intervention, the ESDM stands out as a beacon of hope and progress. Its evidence-based, comprehensive, and individualized approach makes it the best intervention for young children with autism, offering not just treatment but a pathway to brighter, more connected futures.

What You'll Gain

After completing the ESDM supplemental advanced workshop lessons, participants will be able to:

  • Explain how the ESDM facilitates optimal outcomes for young autistic children

  • Accurately administer and score the ESDM Curriculum Checklist

  • Identify the essential components of ESDM learning objectives

  • Utilize a 5-part framework for writing learning objectives

  • Identify the three essential components of each developmental teaching steps

  • Identify how joint activity routines are used as the framework for teaching in the ESDM

  • Describe the four-part framework of joint activity routines (JARs)

  • Identify challenges to establishing effective JARs

  • Develop teaching plans for sensory social, object-focused, and daily routines

  • Review and code the 13 ESDM fidelity rating system items

Bonus Material

The supplemental modules also include downloadable materials.

  • Resource Guide

    Participants will receive access to the ESDM Resource Guide, which includes over 125 pages of actionable advice, resources, and course downloads to support their learning. This is designed to help them put into practice what they learned in the ESDM advanced workshop.

  • Activity Book

    Participants will be given a 25-page activity book containing a variety of songs, activities, and games. This resource is designed to assist them in enhancing their interactions with the child, emphasizing communication, play, and fostering fun and meaningful connections with others.

Course curriculum

  1. 1

    • Overview of the Supplemental Modules

    • About Your ESDM Instructor

    • ESDM Advanced Remote Course Syllabus

    • Course Learning Objectives

    • Supplemental Lesson Resource Guide

    • Activity Book to Create Connections and Support Communication
  2. 2

    • Session 1a. Module Overview

    • Lesson 1. Foundations of the ESDM

    • Lesson 2. ESDM Essential Elements

    • Lesson 3. Empirical Support for the ESDM

    • Lesson 4. Social Motivation, Autism, and the ESDM

    • Lesson 5. How the ESDM Facilitates Optimal Outcomes
  3. 3

    • Session 1b. Module Overview

    • Lesson 1. What is the ESDM Curriculum Checklist?

    • Lesson 2. Gathering Parent and Caregiver Input

    • Lesson 3. Preparing the Environment for Assessment

    • Lesson 4. Administering the Assessment

    • Lesson 5. Troubleshooting Solutions for Administration Issues

    • Lesson 6. Scoring the ESDM Curriculum Checklist

    • Lesson 7. Let’s Practice Scoring!

    • Lesson 8. Summarizing and Interpreting the CC Data

    • Session 1. Applied Activities
  4. 4

    • Session 2a. Module Overview

    • Lesson 1. Considerations for Identifying Goals & Objectives

    • Lesson 2. Case Study to Identify Learner Profile

    • Lesson 3. Essential Components of ESDM Learning Objectives

    • ESDM Learning Objective Components

    • Lesson 4. Using a 5-Part Framework for Writing Learning Objectives

    • Lesson 5. Let’s Practice!

    • Lesson 6. Maximize Learning by Bundling items

    • Lesson 7. Considerations for Prerequisite & Collateral Skills
  5. 5

    • Session 2b. Module Overview

    • Lesson 1. The Importance of Teaching Steps

    • Lesson 2. Developing ESDM Teaching Steps

    • Lesson 3. The Three Essential Components of Each Teaching Step

    • Lesson 4. Let's Practice!

    • Lesson 5. Arranging The Teaching Steps Onto Data Sheets

    • Session 2. Applied Activities

  6. 6

    • Session 3. Module Overview

    • Lesson 1. What Are Joint Activity Routines?

    • Lesson 2. The Benefits of Learning Within JARs

    • Lesson 3. The 4-Part Framework of JARs

    • Lesson 4. A Proposed Sequence for Supporting Engagement During JARs

    • Lesson 5. Teaching Inside Joint Activity Routines

    • Lesson 6. Sensory Social Routines

    • Lesson 7. Object-Focused Routines

    • Lesson 8. How To Create Effective JARs

    • Lesson 9. Challenges to Establishing Effective JARs

    • Lesson 10. Troubleshooting Tips

    • Lesson 11. Let's Watch!

    • Session 3. Applied Activities
  7. 7

    • Session 4a. Module Overview

    • Lesson 1. Why Do I Need a Teaching Plan?

    • Lesson 2. Key Components of Teaching Plans

    • Lesson 3. Creating Teaching Plans for Sensory Social Routines

    • Lesson 4. Creating Teaching Plans for Object-Focused Routines

    • Lesson 5. Creating Teaching Plans for Other Types of Routines
  8. 8

    • Session 4b. Module Overview

    • Lesson 1. The Importance of Embedding Objectives During Activities

    • Lesson 2. ‘Layer in Learning’ Opportunities During Routines

    • Lesson 3. Review JAR Examples with Embedded Objectives

    • Lesson 4. Connecting Learning Links to Support Dyadic Engagement

    • Lesson 5. Troubleshooting Tips

    • Lesson 6. Shared Control Strategies

    • Session 4. Applied Activities
  9. 9

    • Session 5. Module Overview

    • Lesson 1. The Importance of Fidelity Rating Systems

    • Lesson 2. Overview of the 13 ESDM Fidelity Items

    • Lesson 2A. Management of Child Attention

    • Lesson 2B. ABC Format - Quality of Behavioral Teaching

    • Lesson 2C. Instructional Techniques Application

    • Lesson 2D. Adult Ability to Modulate Child Affect and Arousal

    • Lesson 2E. Management of Unwanted Behavior

    • Lesson 2F. Quality of Dyadic Engagement

    • Lesson 2G. Adult Optimizes Child Motivation for Participating in the Activity

    • Lesson 2H. Adult Use of Positive Affect

    • Lesson 2I. Adult Sensitivity and Responsivity to Child Communicative Cues

    • Lesson 2J. Multiple & Varied Communicative Opportunities Occur in the Activity

    • Lesson 2K. Appropriateness of Adult Language for Child’s Language Level

    • Lesson 2L. Joint Activity Structure and Elaboration

    • Lesson 2M. Transitions

    • Lesson 3. Procedures for Coding Fidelity Items

    • Lesson 4. Considerations for Weighted Fidelity Items

    • Lesson 5. Coding Abandoned Activities

    • Lesson 6. Self-Evaluation, Self-Monitoring, & Fidelity Action Plans

    • Session 5. Applied Activities
  10. 10

    • ESDM Fidelity Video 1

    • ESDM Fidelity Video 2

    • ESDM Fidelity Video 3

    • ESDM Fidelity Video 4
  11. 11

    • Session 6. Module Overview

    • Lesson 1. That's a Wrap!

    • Lesson 2. ESDM Certification Program

    • Lesson 3. SAGE's Support System

    • Course Quiz

    • Course Eval

Continuing Education

8.5 CEUs For Professional Development

SAGE Learning Systems is an approved continuing education provider for the BACB, QABA, and IBAO. If you do not need continuing education credits, you will still receive a certificate of completion upon successfully completing the ESDM Advanced Workshop supplemental modules.

Elevate Your Expertise

Deepen your understanding of the ESDM model and refine your skills in implementing advanced strategies by attending our ESDM Advanced Workshop.

  • Expert-Led Learning: Benefit from insights shared by seasoned professionals who specialize in the ESDM

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Our meticulously curated curriculum covers the essentials of implementing ESDM

  • Practical Application: Gain actionable insights and strategies to implement immediately in your work

  • Interactive Experience: Engage in dynamic discussions, group reflection, and practical exercises for hands-on learning

  • Instructional Videos: Access a variety of videos showcasing ESDM strategies and intervention

  • Flexible Learning: Supplemental modules are tailored to enable learning at your own pace, providing additional support for the workshop

  • Certificate of Completion: Complete the supplemental course modules and earn CEUs