Session 1: Spring 2026 - March-May

Application Deadline: December 1

Wednesdays 12:30-2:00pm ET starting March 4th

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Tuesdays 11:00am-12:30pm ET starting March 3rd

Instructions

Prepare to have a recorded Plan B conversation with someone who has exhibited undesired behaviors. In advance of the completing your application, please review the fidelity rubric in detail.  Prior to the conversation complete a CPS APT, a Plan B Organizer, and have an authorized adult sign a consent form. You must also sign a provider consent form giving Think:Kids permission to review the application materials.

Note: These conversations can be had with anyone (adult, child, supervisee, spouse, neighbor, etc.) and they must be authentic Plan B conversations - no role plays. Additionally, upon acceptance, learners will be required to have more authentic Plan B conversations as part of the coursework so they should be thinking about who they are going to reach out to to meet the course expectations. Again, no role plays. If there are barriers, please contact thinkkidsinfo@mgb.org to brainstorm.

Once you have recorded your conversation, complete the fidelity rubric to reflect on your submission and then upload all materials with your application.

How to complete your application

1. Submit your Application Fee ($150 USD)
2. Download the required documents to complete
3. Conduct and record a Plan B conversation
4. Complete a self-reflection using the provided Fidelity Rubric
5. Upload upload all required documentation and submit for review

Start Your Application

* Be sure to review our Policies tab here and our full Policies on the application system.

• Plan B Assignments: Learners will complete two to three Plan B assignments. Each Plan B assignment consists of a recorded Plan B interaction and completed supporting documentation (CPS APT, Plan B Organizer, Consent Forms, and Self-Reflection). The Plan B recording should be no longer than 20 minutes. Learners’ Self-Reflections will be a crucial component in these assignments. Instructors are looking to see if learners can identify where things did/didn’t go well and what steps the learner plans to take to improve future Plan B Assignments.
• Record Common Questions Responses: Learners will video record themselves responding to provided common questions. Recorded responses are submitted to the Instructor for review and the Instructor will provide feedback during the Common Questions Review Session.
• Group Sessions (90 mins): Learners will participate in 12 Group Sessions. The Group Sessions aim to hone learners’ understanding of CPS to the expert level, to practice communicating CPS to others, and supporting others in learning and practicing CPS. Each session will begin with a general check-in, followed by a main topic activity or discussion, and conclude with a case presentation.
• Case Presentations (45-60 mins): Each learner will present a case during a Group Session. The case presentation provides an opportunity for peer learning. It enables the presenter to demonstrate their skills by sharing their Plan B Assignment and receiving peer feedback. Learners complete a planning worksheet before their presentation and share it with their Instructor.
• Individual Instructor Meetings (60 mins): These sessions allow learners to meet one-on-one with the Instructor to discuss their Plan B submissions. Learners will share important context surrounding their Plan B Assignment and any reflections they may have. The Instructors will share their feedback and suggestions for areas to work on in future assignments.
• Common Questions Review Session (60 mins): This session provides the opportunity to meet individually with the Instructor to discuss their Responding to Common Questions video assignment. The Instructors will share feedback and suggestions for areas to work on.

• The $150 application fee is nonrefundable/non-transferrable.
• The application fee must be paid before the application submission can be reviewed.
• Applications must include all required materials to be considered. We cannot review an application if it is missing materials.
• If an applicant is not accepted and is invited to reapply, they must wait till the next application review cycle to submit another application. It is our hope that the applicant will take the feedback provided into consideration before completing another application.
• Applications are due by 11:59 pm ET on the indicated due date, any submission received after the due date will be considered in the next application review cycle for the next session.
• Tuition must be paid to secure a spot in a desired cohort.
• If a learner needs to extend the deadline to complete the course, they must communicate with their Instructor, and there will be an administrative fee of $150 to extend the deadline by two months.
• Learners are required to attend all scheduled Live Group Sessions.

Collaborative Problem Solving Certified Community

Graduates of the Certification course and Certified Trainer course join our international Community of Collaborative Problem Solving Certified professionals. Certification/Trainer Certification is maintained through annual membership renewal.

The Certified Community receives several benefits including ongoing professional development, support from Think:Kids, and an invitation to the annual CPS Certification conference. Members are given access to a vast array of CPS resources and materials, recognized as Certified/Certified Trainers in Collaborative Problem Solving through our
website and the Certified Seal they may display with their professional credentials.

Beginning October 2024:

• Annual Certified Renewal: $645
• Annual Certified Trainer Renewal: $995

Membership Highlights

• Annual Conference: The annual CPS Conference provides opportunities to practice and explore the nuances of CPS, hear the latest developments in the approach, and network with other community members from around the world.
• Guest Speakers: The Certified Community is invited to join private Community webinars featuring presentations and Q&As with leaders in child development, mental health, and innovative thought leadership.
• CPS Materials: Exclusive and early access to the latest CPS materials, an extensive video library, and CPS research articles.
• Evaluation and Support: Quarterly training evaluation reports are available to help inform members’ practice and teaching of CPS. The opportunity to connect with a Think:Kids staff member to discuss their personal evaluation data and areas for further growth is available upon request.