This comprehensive, highly interactive 13-hour workshop equips participants to confidently implement the Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®) to teach effective communication. Designed for professionals, educators, and caregivers, the training provides a clear and practical roadmap for supporting communication development across home, school, and community settings.
PECS is grounded in research on typical language development and established principles of communication and learning, helping participants connect practical strategies to meaningful, real-world outcomes.
Building the Foundation
The workshop begins with guidance on creating effective learning environments using The Pyramid Approach to Education®, highlighting how strong instructional foundations support communication success. Participants also explore considerations when introducing other communication modalities—such as speech, sign, or speech-generating devices—and how PECS supports the development of spontaneous, learner-initiated communication that works in everyday interactions.
Hands-On Implementation of the Six Phases
Through demonstrations, structured role-play, guided practice, and video examples, participants develop hands-on competence across all six phases of PECS. By the end of the training, attendees will be prepared to teach:
• Spontaneous requesting
• Picture discrimination
• Sentence construction
• Expanding language with attributes
• Flexible vocabulary use
• Responding to questions
• Commenting and social communication
Communication That Works in Real Life
A central focus of the workshop is teaching communication skills that are both effective and functional, allowing individuals to express wants, needs, thoughts, and observations in real-life situations. These outcomes support independence, reduce frustration, and increase opportunities for meaningful social connection and participation.
Supporting Progress and Next Steps
The training includes practical strategies for teaching related communication skills, including persistence and tolerance for delayed or denied access (such as accepting “No”) along with guidance on transitioning to other communication options, such as speech, tablets with AAC apps, or dedicated speech-generating devices.
Designed for Immediate Application
Whether you are building foundational skills, refining your practice, or supporting communication at home, this workshop provides a structured, evidence-informed approach to teaching communication that is meaningful, durable, and immediately applicable.
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ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.
You can view our presenters’ financial and non-financial disclosure statements here.
Pyramid Educational Consultants is an approved BACB ACE Provider for Learning (Type 2) Continuing Education Credits. The BACB does not warrant, endorse, sponsor, approve, or partner with the event, organization, or instructor.
*BACB CEUs are offered for select training dates only; see training schedule for more information.
Pyramid Educational Consultants is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer professional development for school psychologists. Pyramid Educational Consultants maintains responsibility for the program.
