FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about TACT2 / TBM Staff Training. (updated 2.16.24)

1. WHAT DOES THE TACT2 PROGRAM TEACH?

The TACT2 verbal program focuses upon:

(1) Understanding 2 different types of misbehavior, deliberate and emotional.

(2) Understanding learned misbehavior and how to manage it.

(3) Understanding the impact of trauma and ACEs on emotional behavior.

(4) Recognizing the effect of adult anger and ACEs during crisis.

(5) Using active listening skills to de-escalate emotional problems.

(6) Using behavior management skills to handle deliberate problems.

The TACT-2 physical program focuses upon:

(1) Understanding when to and when NOT to intervene physically.

(2) How to protect yourself (using minimum force) if attacked.

(3) How to remove a youth from an unsafe area, using teamwork and minimum force.

(4) How to restrain a dangerously unsafe youth, using teamwork and minimum force.

To download a detailed content outline and a view sample workbook, scroll to the bottom of the TACT2 page.

2. WHAT ABOUT THE TBM PROGRAMS?

The TBM verbal programs are based on TACT2, and teach many of the same core concepts. Because they are shorter (6, 8, & 10 hours), they cover somewhat less content, of course, and are each focused much more specifically upon the needs of their target population. To download a detailed content outline and a view sample workbook, scroll to the bottom of each TBM program's page.

3. HOW LONG IS THE TACT2 BASIC PROGRAM?

The TACT2 program is very structured, but allows plenty of room for personalizing as well. There are about 18 hours of instruction, with stories and activities, role plays and guided group discussions. Twelve (12) of these hours involve verbal skills, and 6+ hours involve physical skills, depending upon the needs of your agency.

4. HOW MUCH DOES IMPLEMENTATION COST?

Once your Trainers are certified, the only cost is consumable Staff Workbooks, which run from $7.00 - $8.00 each. Trainers are required to attend an annual recertification, which costs $250/person for the full recert, or $200/person for verbal only. This cost includes reproducible annually updated materials, tests, and trainer t-shirt. (Annual staff recertifications for staff are conducted by your own internal trainers using these reproducible materials, so there is no additional cost.)

5. HOW MANY STAFF CAN WE TRAIN AT ONCE?

There's a lot of interaction going on during the class. Groups should be big enough to encourage a good mix, but small enough to be sure everyone has a chance to get involved. The ideal size for verbal skills training is 10-15, but groups as small as 6 or as large as 20 could work. (The absolute maximum size for a class is 30 people.)

Because of the need for careful supervision, physical training requires a ratio of 1 trainer: 10 staff for self-protection techniques, and 1 trainer: 6 staff for escorts and restraints. Staff are certified when they complete the training and pass both written and physical tests of skills.

6. DO YOU REQUIRE STAFF TO BE RECERTIFIED?

Yes, annually. To maintain their certification in TACT2, staff must complete a 6-hour Staff Recert course at least once per year. This includes a minimum of 3 hours of verbal instruction, and 3 hours of physical instruction. The reproducible Staff Recert booklet is included with each year's Trainer Recert, so there's no additional cost for this.

FAQ's About Training of Trainers

1. WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE TO BECOME A TACT2 or TBM TRAINER?
You do NOT have to be an athlete or an accomplished public speaker to be a good trainer. The best TACT2 and TBM trainers are experienced staff who are comfortable in front of their peers, have good listening and teaching skills, and are reasonably physically fit. If you have mobility limitations or unhealed back/shoulder injuries, consider training as an instructor in the VERBAL program only, at least for the time being.

2. WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TRAINING OF TRAINERS?
There's a maximum of 18 participants per group, so the training is VERY interactive.

For all trainers: On the first two days, you'll master the verbal components of the program. You'll observe and interact while your Master Trainer teaches the first few lessons, then team up and deliver some of the other lessons to your peers. You'll get personalized assistance in preparing, and helpful feedback afterwards to enhance your training skills.

For full verbal + physical trainers: On the third and fourth days, you'll do the same thing with the physical skills. On day 3, your Master Trainer will teach all the physical techniques: self-protection, escorts, and restraints. Then on day 4, you'll team up and lead instruction in the same techniques, mastering not just content, but procedure as well. (Note: TBM/Schools trainers learn limited techniques.)

We'll close with instruction on monitoring safety during interventions, then have a discussion of implementation issues. By the time we're done, you'll have experienced the entire TACT2 or TBM program FIRSTHAND from beginning to end, and gotten individualized coaching on how best to deliver it. You'll leave with all the skills and materials you need to begin training your staff back home right away.

3. HOW MUCH DOES THE TRAINING OF TRAINERS COST?

For TACT2 or TBM verbal only: 2 days for $1,195/trainer*, including all materials listed below ($100 less for groups of 5+). Verbal trainers must recertify each year at a cost of $200/person to receive annually updated materials.
For TACT2 full (verbal + physical): 4 days for $1,695/trainer*, including all materials ($100 less for groups of 5+).
TBM Cross-Training: In about one hour, TACT2 and TBM Trainers may cross-train in any version of TBM for one-time fee of $250/person/program*, including a new trainer manual, one workbook, and PowerPoint access. TBM/Autism requires 4 hours with a one-time fee of $400.
For Trainer Recertification: All TACT2 and TBM trainers are required to recertify each year at a cost of $250/person* for full or $200/person* for verbal, which includes annually updated materials. (Trainers with multiple certifications are billed only one recert fee.)

*Rates guaranteed through at least Jan 1, 2028.

4. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST OF TRAINING?
The registration fee includes 2 days or 4 days of instruction in verbal and physical techniques PLUS all trainer materials (200-page scripted trainer's manual, PowerPoint flash drive, starter set of 10 Staff Workbooks, trainer t-shirt, and dozens of warm-up activities and supplements, including a reproducible annual Staff Recertification booklet. You'll also get regular newsletters, access to the Trainer's Only page on the website, and unlimited email support in the first year.
( Snacks and coffee are sometimes included, but not meals or lodging. )

5. HOW OFTEN DO YOU REQUIRE TRAINERS TO RECERTIFY?

Annually, either with Dr. Parese, a Master Trainer, or with an internal Senior Trainer. This includes a minimum of 3 hours of verbal and 2-3 hours of physical instruction. During their annual Trainer Recert, returning trainers are oriented to the new material, take a multiple choice test to re-establish their verbal knowledge, and complete a 2-3 hour physical techniques refresher.

To add value to your investment in TACT2/TBM training, each year, we create a brand new 12-page Staff Recertification booklet and PowerPoint drawn from topical issues such as transgender youth, sexual abuse, ACEs, or cyber-bullying. Trainers may reproduce this to recert their own staff, so there's no extra cost.

6. WHAT IF WE CAN'T TRAVEL? WILL YOU COME TO US?
Yes! With a minimum of 10 trainers, we will bring the training to your school or program, saving you time and travel costs. Email Dr. Steve Parese at SBParese@aol.com to request a proposal of available dates and current rates.

7. DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS?

Yes, if your organization registers and pays in advance for 5+ people for the same 2- or 4-day TOT training, you'll all receive a $100 discount off the regular registration. Choose the "Group Rate" option online or contact us directly at SBParese@aol.com for this rate. You must select this discount at the time of registration receive it.