Skip To Main Content

California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN)

CAPTAIN is a multi-agency network developed to support the understanding and use of Evidence Based Practices for individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder across the state. CAPTAIN is dedicated to the following:

  • Providing statewide access to trainings and resources in Evidence Based Practices (EBPs) that are culturally sensitive, family centered, cost effective, and competency based.

  • Establishing supports that are locally based with trainer of trainers at the local level.

  • Emphasizing how to use EBPs to assist students in accessing the California Common Core State Standards and developing College and Career Readiness.

  • Providing ongoing training, support, and technical assistance to implement EBPs and ensure fidelity of implementation.

  • Supporting the development of local multiagency collaborations to support consistent use of EBPs.

  • Providing an annual training summit and a forum for collegial communication and support to CAPTAIN Cadre members.

  • Providing web based access to materials and resources that are vetted and align with current EBPs.

  • Providing information and outreach to other interested stakeholders and provider groups who could benefit from learning more about EBPs (E.g. Professional Organizations, Higher Education, Self Advocates, Allied Health Providers)

California Autism Professional Training And Information Network (CAPTAIN) Cadre members are nominated by SELPAs, Regional Centers, and Family Resource/Family Empowerment Centers. They receive training through our annual summit so that they can provide local training, implementation coaching, cross agency collaboration, and dissemination of the EBPs at the local level. Cadre members have access to the NPDC-ASD and CAPTAIN training materials and will assist with the statewide distribution of the EBPs by providing support and training locally.

The South East Consortium SELPA includes 4 cadre members committed to training/coaching/consulting within the SELPA. Cadre members regularly consult and/or train staff on evidenced based-practices in the area of behavior.  

Current SE SELPA Cadre Members:
Helen Huynh (Program Administrator,South East Consortium SELPA)
Michele Villarreal (Program Administrator,South East Consortium SELPA)
Kristine Taniguchi (Program Specialist, Berryessa Union School District)
Anthony D'Angelis (Program Specialist, Gilroy Unified School District)
Athaly Ramos-Marquez (Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Morgan Hill Unified School District)
 

The South East Consortium SELPA established a joint training project with CAPTAIN and PENT (see PENT tab for more information) Cadre members in 2015.  As a result, PENTAIN was established to provide a series of rigorous training workshops in the area of evidence-based practices for autism and behavior.  Each year, a select group of classroom professionals are nominated by district directors to attend a series of professional development opportunities to enhance skill sets though explicit instruction, hands on practice, collaboration, observational feedback and mentorship. 

For additional information or inquires, pelase contact Michele Villarreal at (408) 223-3772.

Additional information and resources are available on CAPTAIN WEBSITE.