Training your staff on ASQ

Training your staff on ASQ

Why training matters—and 6 options to fit any budget, schedule, or level of expertise.

The ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 are relatively simple for providers and families to use, regardless of education or level of expertise. However, there’s a big difference between simply getting questionnaires completed, and getting everything you can out of the tools. And that difference comes down to training.

We talked to two ASQ training experts about the importance of formal training and the different resources available that can help you and your staff use the tools to fidelity.

“A lot of people approach screening tools as another task they have to do, another required form. And without training, they end up missing the great potential ASQ has—to be a structure that helps promote developmental awareness and guide conversations about their children, helping to build relationships with families," says Jane Farrell, a long-time ASQ Trainer and Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Specialist at Early Childhood CARES in Lane County, Oregon. "However, we find that after a training, people are much more inspired to think creatively about implementation, and that they do a much better job engaging with parents."

Comprehensive training ensures the effectiveness of your screening program!

Quality of training is important, too, explains Carolyn Burke, Professional Development Manager for Brookes Publishing. She runs the Brookes professional development program, Brookes On Location, where she plans on-site and off-site ASQ trainings and coordinates various training opportunities directly with customers.

We offer training options to meet any program’s needs

There are different ways to train, so choose what makes sense for your program. In addition to how much time and money you can devote to training efforts, you should consider the size of your program, how many staff use the tools, how experienced they already are, and whether there are designated trainers on your team.

Learn more about each option:

ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 User's Guides

User's Guides are an essential how-to that gives step-by-step guidance on setting up a screening system, administering and scoring questionnaires, working with families effectively, and using ASQ across a range of settings.

Best for: Anyone who is new to ASQ should review the User's Guides. They are also great to keep on hand for users of any level to reference for fast answers, tips, and inspiration.

Time Required: Varies depending on need

Cost: Included in purchase of ASQ-3 or ASQ:SE-2 Starter Kits. Order additional copies for $55 each

We offer three training DVDs, each on a different topic. Use them on their own, or as a supplement to other training approaches, and show them as often as needed.

  1. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires on a Home Visit
    A home visitor guides a family through completing questionnaires for their two children. Viewers learn how to explain the ASQ screening process, create opportunities for child learning and development, and promote positive parent-child interaction.

  2. ASQ:SE-2 in Practice
    A concise and thorough overview of emotional and social development and how to use ASQ:SE-2. Learn what factors might affect screening results, how to score the questionnaires and make referrals, and key ideas for building trusting relationships with families.

  3. ASQ-3 Scoring and Referral
    Learn a variety of scoring-related skills, including how to: use the revised third edition scoring sheets, convert scoring.

Best for: Users at any level can benefit from this watch-and-learn approach.
Time Required: Each DVD is 20–25 minutes
Cost: $49.95 per DVD

Introductory Seminar on ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2

At this one-day seminar, ASQ trainers come to your site to present a basic overview on how to use both tools. Generally, a half a day is dedicated to each tool. Participants learn about the purpose of developmental screening and tool features, how to administer and score questionnaires, and how to interpret results. You'll also explore possible follow-up actions.

Best for: Groups of new or prospective users, or individuals and groups that already use one or both tools but need a refresher.

Time Required: 1 day (7 hours of training, plus time for lunch and a break)
Cost: $2,500

"Unlike the two or three-day seminars, this training relies on more direct instruction and less interactive activities, however, scoring exercises are always included. There's a lot of information coming at you in a short amount of time because there's so much to learn!" –Jane Farrell

Learn more: Details about the Introductory Seminar

Our Comprehensive Seminar is held on site at a location you choose, for either one or two days depending on whether you are training on one or both tools. It covers the same basic information that's included in our Introductory Seminar, plus it offers experiential activities that deepen familiarity with the tools and allows for far more interactive discussions.

Best for: Groups of new, intermediate, and advanced users.

Cost: $2,500 (1 day); $3,500 (2 days)

"Since we can spend a while day on one tool, we have time for a wide variety of hands-on experiential exercises, and we're able to go into much more depth on things like research and cultural considerations." –Jane Farrell

Learn more: Details about the Comprehensive Seminar

Training of Trainers Seminar

You've probably heard of our three-day Training of Trainers Institute, located in different cities a few times a year. This is the same training, except we come to your team, at a site of your choosing. You can host a two- or three-day seminar, depending on whether you are training on one or both tools.

Training of Trainers covers everything that our Comprehensive Seminar does, but it incorporates training considerations and tips throughout. Participants also integrate and practice presenting ASQ-3 and/or ASQ:SE-2 content, discuss specific considerations for the audience you will train, and begin planning for your own future training.

After the successful completion of the seminar, all participants receive a thumb drive containing training materials you can use and modify for your own needs.

Best for: Groups of intermediate/advanced users, particularly those who are responsible for training others in their organization on ASQ.

Time Required: 2 days for 1 tool; 3 days for 2 tools (6 hours of training each day, plus time for lunch and breaks)
Cost: $3,500 (2 days); $5,175 (3 days) plus $150.00 per person (license and permission fee)

"This seminar is designed for people who already have experience using the ASQ tools and now need to take their knowledge to the next level so they can train others in their organization" –Carolyn Burke

Learn more: Details about the Training of Trainers Seminar

Attendees receive practice forms, case studies, and the Trainer's Handbook for conducting trainings within your organization. You'll also receive a certificate of attendance and a USB flash drive of training materials.

Best for: Intermediate/advanced users, particularly those who are responsible for training others in their organization on ASQ. A beginner user may also find attending the institute helpful if they have no other way to gain training.

Time Required: 3 days of training, plus travel time
Cost: $945 (early bird registration discount may be available) + travel and hotel costs. Meals are included throughout the training.

"Especially for small programs that cannot afford to hire us to come to them, the Institute is a great way for one or two people to get training to take back to their organization." –Carolyn Burke

"One of the biggest takeaways people get from the Institute is the networking opportunities. They love to hear how other people are implementing ASQ, and get ideas for their own programs." –Carolyn Burke

"The nice thing is when we host the Institute, we're doing the hosting, preparing all the documents, providing the meals. Attendees can just come, turn off their full-time job, sit down for three days, and learn." –Carolyn Burke

Learn more: Two more Training Institutes are coming up in 2019: June 24–26 in Salt Lake City and October 22–24 in New Orleans. Join us!

The learning doesn't have to end after you've read the User's Guide, watched the DVDs, or attended a seminar.

Brookes has a brand new library of presentations, games, hands-on activities, and handouts you can use to aid training efforts and keep your and your team's skills up to date.

Explore more ways to learn in the ASQ Training Portal.