Group Parent Training Course
What is group parent training or coaching?
Struggling with meltdowns, defiance, or daily battles at home? We offer group parent training (also known as parent coaching,behavioral parent training, parent management training, or parent training in behavior management) using a RUBI (Research Units in Behavioral Intervention) curriculum, which is a structured 11-session parent training program that teaches practical, skills-based strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and strengthen daily routines. The 90-minute sessions are virtual and take place over Zoom.
The group is designed to be:
✅ Practical by allowing you to immediately implement tools
✅ Supportive by learning alongside other parents
✅ Structured by step-by-step skill building
Fact: RUBI is an evidence-based parent training program that has been studied in clinical research and shown to improve challenging behaviors in children. Click here for a study about RUBI.
Who is it for?
This group may be a good fit if your child is between the age of 3-14 and…
Has frequent meltdowns, aggression, refusal, or intense tantrums
Struggles with transitions, routines, or following directions
Has ADHD and behavior feels increasingly hard to manage
Has autism (or autistic traits) and needs more structured supports
Is bright and capable but “everything turns into a battle” at home
What will I learn?
Parents learn strategies such as:
Understanding why behaviors happen (the “function” of behavior)
Strengthening routines and preventing escalation
Using effective instructions and follow-through
Reinforcing positive behavior more effectively
Responding to challenging behavior with a clear plan
Building replacement skills (so behavior improves long-term)
This isn’t about blame or “being stricter.” It’s about skills, structure, and consistency.
Typical Course Schedule
Session 1: Behavior Principles
Introduce concepts of functions of behavior, antecedents, and consequences of behavior
Homework: ABC data collection on 1-2 target behaviors
Session 2: Prevention Strategies
Discuss antecedents to behavior problems and develop preventative strategies
Homework: Implement 1-2 prevention strategies or parents’ choosing
Session 3: Daily Schedules
Develop a daily schedule and identify points of intervention (including use of visual schedules) to decrease behavior problems)
Homework: Adjust child’s daily routine based
Session 4: Reinforcement 1
Introduce concept of reinforcers to promote compliance, strengthen desired behaviors, and teach new behaviors
Homework: Implement 1-2 behavior-reinforcement contingencies
Session 5: Reinforcement 2
Introduce “catching your child being good”; teach play and social skills through child-led play
Homework: Work on “catching child being good” and/or engage in structured play with child
Session 6: Mindful Attention (Planned Ignoring)
Explore systematic use of extinction (via planned ignoring) to reduce behavioral problems)
Homework: Implement planned ignoring
Session 7: Effective Instruction (Compliance Training)
Introduce effective parental requests
Homework: Use effective instruction strategies
Session 8: Functional Communication Training
Through systematic reinforcement, teach alternative communicative skills to replace problematic behaviors
Homework: Implement functional communication training for specific skill/alternative to challenging behavior
Session 9: Teaching Skills 1
Using task analysis and chaining, provide tools to replace problem behaviors with appropriate behaviors and how to promote new adaptive, coping, and leisure skills
Homework: Work on teaching skill using chaining
Session 10: Teaching Skills 2
Teach various prompting procedures to use while teaching skills
Homework: Work on teaching a skill using prompting procedures
Session 11: Generalization & Maintenance
Generate strategies to consolidate positive behavior changes and generalize newly learned skills
Homework: Implement plan for maintaining and generalizing skills learned in course
Supplemental Sessions
Optional sessions include Token Economy Systems, Feeding Problems, Imitation Skills, Sleep Problems, Time Out, Toilet Training, Crisis Management
What to Expect
-
Initial Call (Optional)
We offer an optional free 15-minute phone call to learn about your concerns, explain RUBI and the sessions, and determine if a group coaching services are a good fit for you and your family. It’s also a good opportunity to ask us questions.
-
11 Virtual Sessions
There are 11 weekly 90-minute Zoom sessions covering a range of topics including basic behavior principles, daily schedules, reinforcement strategies, planned ignoring, functional communication training, and more. Sessions are instructive, while also being interactive in a group format.
-
Applying Strategies
Parents will learn a new skill each session. In between sessions, parents are encouraged to apply the learned strategies. This is then discussed in subsequent sessions to ensure you not only have the knowledge, but also the ability to apply the skills effectively and confidently.
-
Supplemental Sessions
50-minute Zoom sessions are available for families seeking additional or individualized support. These can be scheduled during and/or after the RUBI course. Families also have the option of continuing with structured individualized parent coaching after the course.
Meet the RUBI-Trained Practitioner
Led by Melissa Jacques, MA, MEd, BCBA, LABA
Melissa is a RUBI-Trained Practitioner in the state of Maine. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 10 years of experience working with children with developmental disabilities. She has worked in both clinical and school settings and holds master’s degrees in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Melissa specializes in and is passionate about helping parents apply practical, evidence-based strategies to support their child’s behavior at home.
Program Details & Enrollment
Cohort Start Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Class Dates: April 8, 15, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27; June 3, 10, 17, 24
No class April 22 due to Maine school vacation week
Meeting Times: Wednesdays 6PM to 7:30PM
Location / Format: Virtual (live sessions conducted via Zoom)
Program Cost:
$995 for early registration by March 23
$1095 regular registration
If you would like to learn more, we invite you to schedule a brief 15-minute consultation call.
Enrollment is limited to keep the group small and interactive—register early to secure your spot.