504 Behavior Change Procedures - EDC-X757Y

Course Description

Credit Validation for Optimus Education Participants Only

This course explores behavior change procedures grounded in the principles of behavior analysis and supported by research. Participants will learn to identify ultimate outcomes for individuals, determine sequential or concurrent intermediate outcomes, and define target behaviors in observable and measurable terms. The course covers selecting effective interventions based on behavioral assessment data, ensuring alignment with established principles and research, and considering the competencies of those implementing the program. Emphasis is placed on developing behavior replacement plans using the least restrictive, function-based interventions to promote positive behavioral change while fostering meaningful interpersonal relationships.

Learner Outcomes

• Recognize setting events and contextual or ecological variables
• Select and apply incidental teaching techniques to support learning
• Implement consequence-based interventions, including reinforcement and punishment strategies
• Assess and adjust reinforcement parameters, schedules, and effectiveness to maximize behavior change
• Develop and implement extinction, stimulus control strategies, shaping, chaining, token economies, and self-management procedures

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.5 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Optimus Education Participants.

Course Materials:

• Text, Applied Behavior Analysis by John Cooper, Timothy Heron, William Heward available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
• Text, Behavior Analysis for Lasting Change 4/E by G. Roy Mayer, Beth Sulzer-Azaroff, Michele Wallace available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways. These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

• Home Page: Optimus Ed - Rethinking Education
• Sign up to enroll: Behavior Change Procedures

2. Complete all course work with Optimus Ed.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

3. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

4. Submit your Certificate of Completion by email to pce-cv@sandiego.edu after enrolling for credit and completing the course.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

• Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports Certificate : Register for All 6 Course & Add Certificate Fee For Certificate
• Online Credit Validation Courses for Educators : Courses - Choose One or More