Incredible Years: Parents, Teachers, and Children Training Series (IY)

It is highly recommended that those planning to use the Incredible Years intervention participate in an "authorized workshop" by a certified trainer. Workshops are offered one to three times a year in Seattle and are restricted to 25 participants. On-site workshops are available by contract (contact The Incredible Years for more information). Group leaders and mentors come from many disciplines, including counseling, social work, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, and education. Prospective leaders and mentors should have training in child development, behavior management, and group process. In order to ensure that the Incredible Years Program is delivered in faithful alignment with the program principles, there is a four-level, hierarchical certification process. The first level begins with the completion of Group Leader Training that enables one to run an Incredible Years program. After demonstrated success with their first two groups, Group Leaders may progress to Certified Group Leader (1 level up from Group Leader), Certified Group Mentor, and finally Certified Incredible Years Trainer. Only the initial group leader training is required for certification as group leader in any Incredible Years Program, but leaders are encouraged to participate in a series of workshops and mentoring sessions while continuing to lead the program. Separate training and certification processes are required for each branch of the Incredible Years program: Parent, Teacher, and Child Training. Certified trainers are available for on-going consulting. New group leaders can submit videotapes for review and feedback from the Incredible Years certified trainers as part of their certification process.