Psychology-Autism Option

Students pursuing the Associates of Arts of Psychology-Autism Option have the benefit of obtaining the Behavior Technician Certificate in 2 semesters, then continuing in their coursework to complete the AA degree. The AA degree gives students additional training related to the field and prepares students seeking their Bachelor’s Degree to transfer to a 4-year university with many credits and admission requirements in hand.

The goal of each of the options is to greater prepare adults in our community, who will work with children or adults on the autism spectrum, developmental delays and individuals with behavior challenges. The suggested plans of study emphasizes the basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to investigate the context of behavior and implement positive interventions.

There are three options available at Crowder for course sequences focused on Autism and behavior strategies:

• 8-week course swquence for the Behavior Technician certificate
• 16-week course sequence for the Behavior Technician certificate
• Associate of Arts in Psychology – Autism Option

Diverse Career Opportunities

Graduates with an Associates of Psychology-Autism Option and/or Behavior Technician Certificate have many different public and private organization opportunities. Some of the unique and rewarding opportunities include:

• Paraprofessional/Teacher’s Aide
• Behavior Interventionist
• Personal Care Assistant
• DMH Direct-Care Provider
• Occupational Therapy Assistant

Both the AA degree and the Behavior Technician Certificate can serve students entering a new career or expand the knowledge of professionals already in their field of choice.  Those interested in increasing their understanding of autism and behavior analysis including, parents, teachers, speech-language implementers and case managers can add the degree or certificate to their current experience to increase their tools to serve individuals with disabilities and specifically individuals on the autism spectrum.

Crowder College students seeking the Behavior Technician Certificate commit to a 5-course sequence (see current catalog) which utilizes an online portal to offer a comprehensive training program and the exciting possibility of becoming a Registered Behavior Technician^™ (RBT^®), a nationally recognized professional credential through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The RBT^® is a professional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).  The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services.

Becoming A Registered Behavior Technician

The Behavior Technician Certificate course sequence utilizes an online Portal to match the RBT Task list and is designed to meet the 40-hour training requirement for the credential. Additional requirements not fulfilled through the course sequence, but are responsibility of the RBT candidate prior to applying with the BACB include:

• Complete a criminal background check
• Pass the RBT Competency Assessment completed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).
• Coordination of ongoing supervision provided by a BCBA or BCaBA
• Pass the RBT Exam
• Maintenance of the RBT credential through ongoing supervision, complying with Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) ethics requirements. RBTs must annually renew their credential, including passing the RBT Competency Assessment, and completing a renewal application.

For more information about the RBT credential, visit the BACB website at: https://www.bacb.com/rbt/

Benefits of Becoming A Registered Behavior Technician

• Increased job satisfaction by enriching the lives of students and families
• Opportunity to advance your career
• Enhanced understanding of the principles of applied behavior analysis

Field Experience 

Crowder College offers a unique opportunity for a hands-on learning experience for students enrolled in the Behavior Technician Certificate Program. Concepts introduced through the course sequence are brought to life through the field experience completed through PSYC 290. Students have two options to complete their experience hours:

• 16 weeks during the Fall or Spring Semester at Maddox Hill Center in Neosho
• June Summer Session at the Beacon Autism at Carthage (a partnership with Crowder College)

It is through these field experience sites that students gain practical understanding to implement strategies with students with autism, developmental delays and/or behavior challenges. Students enrolled in PYSC 290 will apply their knowledge through structured observations, coached sessions, data collection procedures and collaborative planning meetings.

MADDOX HILL BEHAVIOR SUPPORT CENTER AT CROWDER COLLEGE

NEOSHO, MO

Crowder College extended its reach to serve students with a field experience setting through the Maddox Hill Behavior Support Center beginning in 2013. The Center partners with public school educators in implementing evidence-based strategies to support students with autism, developmental delays and behavior challenges. The Maddox Hill Center aims to train current educators as well as professionals just entering the field, to make lasting impacts throughout their years of service. The Center empowers students and professionals through the training and application of positive behavior strategies, data collection procedures, behavior plan implementation and professional development.

The Maddox Hill Center houses LINC (Learning Initiative by Neosho School District and Crowder College). LINC and area partnership programs create a side-by-side approach to educating public school students through a collaborative process. District and Crowder staff join together to build effective programming to address social, communication, academic and adaptive needs in order to serve the mission of the Maddox Hill Center: to provide the most effective, evidenced-based interventions to foster the greatest growth in children.

Field experience is offered at MHC during the Fall and Spring Semesters.

CARTHAGE, MO

In 2017, Maddox Hill Behavior Support Center partnered with BEACON, a public school/day consortium consisting of 14 area school districts, to provide a northern location to further our mission.  Beacon Autism at Carthage mirrors the support and services available at the Maddox Hill Center in Neosho.

Field Experience is offered at BAC during a summer session (June) only.