Adult Sensitivity Trainings

1) Ideal Trainings Designed for Parent Topic Meetings, Professional Development in Educational and Recreational Settings, and Coaches

  • Developing Sensitivity Part 1 - The Key to Understanding Special Needs:

    Pathways recognizes the overwhelming task that lies ahead as professionals in education struggle to include children with a broad array of disabilities in their classrooms. This class is an expansion of the "Mentor Training," providing more in-depth problem-solving techniques for classroom situations and ideas for modifications to provide a more successful educational experience. Professionals will gain a greater empathy and understanding of the obstacles faced by children with more severe tangible disabilities and how to promote understanding and inclusion of them amongst their peers. (2 hours - $200 for up to 25 adults)

  • Developing Sensitivity Part 2 - Understanding Hidden Disabilities:

    There are many children with disabilities that are "hidden" and often are misinterpreted as behaviors or an unwillingness to learn and cooperate. These children often build an aversion to things they know are their weaknesses and the cause of low self-esteem. They believe they "cannot" even before they try. This training offers a journey into the the realities children who have auditory processing, ADHD, Asperger's, learning disabilities, and sensory processing difficulties may face and how to promote success through understanding what the child can't communicate, and what we as professionals, may not be able to identify. (Prerequisite: Part 1 - 2 hours at $200 for up to 25 people)

  • Developing Sensitivity - Combined Part 1 & 2:

    This is a slightly abbreviated training that can be done all at once and combines both Parts 1 and 2 in two to three hours. This is an excellent program for universities, technical schools, and/or academies training those studying to be teachers, law students, police, EMS, fire, and/or other professionals where their understanding of people with disabilities and their families is critical. ($200 for 2 hours and $300 for 3 hours - for up to 25 people)

  • Recreation and After-School Program Sensitivity Training for Coaches and Other Community Based Instructors:

    The sensitivity training is designed to prepare coaches and instructors to include children with special needs into recreational and after school programs. The training discusses modifications in sports drills, changes to rules of the game that may increase participation, and how to understand the individual needs of children that may need extra support, while at the same time, building success for all children participating. The class will help participants to understand sensory issues that may create obstacles to participation and some ideas that will help everyone to increase comfort levels and the inclusion of all children in programs. (2 hours - $200 for up to 25 adults)

  • Building the Pyramid of Success:

    Melinda Jennis discusses how families, school systems, and communities must question old paradigms about disability and inclusion and get themselves caught up to the 21st century mindset. Melinda is an inspiring leader and speaker who has overcome many obstacles and displayed tremendous tenacity in keeping Pathways on track and achieving its purpose. She gives an overview about how Pathways has led the way in thinking "outside the box", building strong leadership that is focused on achieving outcomes, and outlines the following six steps that Pathways used to build the "Pyramid of Success":
    1) It Begins with Community
    2) Integrating Essential Key Skills into Innovative Programs
    3) The Children Teaching Children Model
    4) A Match Made for Success
    5) Creating a Backbone of Support & Collaboration
    6) The Dream it Forward Challenge - Duplicating the Model of Success
    (2 hours at $300 - number of attendees limited to facility space size)

Please Note the Fee Schedule Recommendations Below:

  • It is recommended towns and school districts combine personnel to share costs of those participating
  • A travel fee will be added to the total costs for any town over 30 minutes away from Montville Township, NJ. Please email at mvtpec@aol.com or call (973) 856-9587 for details or questions
  • Larger groups than 25 can be accommodated for "Sensitivity Trainings" but please contact Pathways to work out specific numbers of participants and revised fee schedule at the email and/or telephone number given above
  • Pathways for Exceptional Children is a registered New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development Provider. Teachers and professionals earn professional development hours for taking our classes.