Workshops Overview

What are the benefits of attending a PECS Level 1 Training versus solely reading the PECS Training Manual?

The PECS Training Manual, 2nd Edition provides the theory behind the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and the steps for teaching the PECS protocol. The PECS Level 1 Training also provides the theory and the steps for teaching PECS, but there are great benefits to attending the training which include:

  • Hearing real-life stories and examples related to PECS implementation
  • Seeing PECS in action via videos
  • Seeing hands-on activities and lessons used for implementing PECS
  • Participating in group activities and discussions
  • Practicing and role-playing the phases of PECS with feedback from the presenter
  • Hearing about the most up-to-date implementation solutions
  • Hearing about the current research

When people leave the PECS Level 1 Training, they have the skills needed to begin PECS with their students/children or learners. The PECS Training Manual, 2nd Edition is a great supplemental resource, guide and reference tool when implementing the PECS protocol after attending a PECS Training.

Further information on how to register for a PECS Training workshop can be found here.

I've never been trained to implement PECS. Which workshop should I attend?

If you are interested in learning how to implement the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), PECS Level 1 Training is the one for you. It is a solid two days packed with interesting information presented in a dynamic manner. This workshop covers the following:

  • The key Pyramid components to designing effective educational environments
  • Strategies to create an abundance of opportunities for communication
  • The relationship between PECS and traditional communication training approaches
  • How to implement all six phases of PECS with target individuals using a behavior analytic orientation
  • The criteria for transitioning from PECS to other communication modalities

You will leave the training with all of the information you need to begin implementing the PECS protocol with your learners.

I've completed PECS Level 1 Training. I want to learn more about PECS. What should I attend next?

If you have already attended the PECS Level 1 Training, have been using PECS for at least three months and want to learn more about PECS and/or how to expand PECS throughout the day, then the PECS Level 2 Training is the perfect option.  The PECS Level 2 Training focuses on the following:

  • A review of each of the six phases of the PECS protocol
  • Practice and role-play PECS phases
  • Problem solve specific solutions for your learner
  • Identify strategies for implementing communicative opportunities within a variety of activities throughout the day
  • Discuss advanced language concepts such as adjectives, prepositions, verbs
  • Identify a variety of commenting lessons

This training combines lecture, group discussion and group activities as well role-play with direct feedback from the presenter. You will leave this training with a wealth of new ideas to create communication opportunities!

Registration and Cancellation

How do I register for a workshop?

You can register anytime online, or via email, fax, phone or postal mail.  Onsite registration is also available the morning of the workshop. It is recommended to register at least 10 days prior to the workshop start date(s), especially if you would like to order products and have them delivered to the training.

What is the cancellation policy?

Pyramid Hosted Workshop Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations must be received 21 days prior to workshop start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received within 21 days of the start date of the workshop are eligible to receive a credit voucher, which may be applied toward a future Pyramid Hosted Workshop. Cancellations received on or after day 1 of the workshop are not eligible for a refund or credit voucher.

Contact Information

How can I contact Pyramid with questions?

If you have a specific PECS/Pyramid question, please contact us here. You can also email us directly at canada@pecs.com. We will answer your question within 3 business days. If you have specific questions regarding hosting/attending a workshop or would like more information about consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at 1-888-732-7462.

What is your physical address?

The address for Pyramid Educational Consultants in Canada is as follows:

Pyramid Educational Consultants of Canada
PO Box 851
Smiths Falls PO Main, ON, K7A 4W7

Remote Training

Do I need a Zoom account in order to join Live Remote Training?

No, you do not need a Zoom account to join. Zoom is a cloud-based meeting software that you can access directly through your web browser (Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc.) or through the Zoom App. To join your session, click on the link provided within your training registration email and you will be directed to the Zoom website or app.  

Do I need to pay for a Zoom account?

No, you do not need to pay for an account. It is a cloud-based meeting software. Follow the training link sent to you to join the session

Do I need the Zoom app to join Live Remote Training?

No, you do not need the Zoom app to participate in Live Remote Training. The app is another option to join the session instead of your web browser.

What are the internet speeds needed to connect via the Zoom platform?

The following internet speeds are needed to connect via Zoom:

  • 800kbps/1.0Mbps (up/down) for high quality video
  • For gallery view and/or 720p HD video: 1.5Mbps/1.5Mbps (up/down)
  • Receiving 1080p HD video requires 2.5mbps (up/down)
How can I determine if my internet speed meets the necessary requirements to connect via the Zoom platform?

If you’re unsure if your internet speed meets the necessary requirements, test your internet speed here.

You can also try a test call on Zoom.

Where can I find a full list of system requirements for the Zoom platform?

More information about system requirements when using Zoom can be found here

Where can I find more information about the Zoom platform and how it works?

You can visit Zoom’s support page here

Is it possible to attend the training via my mobile phone or tablet?

Yes, it is possible to join the training using your mobile phone, tablet, or iPad.

If I lose internet connectivity and need to use the telephone numbers provided, does that telephone need to have the Zoom app installed?

No, it will work just like a normal telephone call. When you connect via telephone only, you will be able to hear the presenter. However, you will not be able to see the presenter or the presenter’s screen.

If I lose internet connectivity and need to dial in to the meeting via telephone, will I be charged for the call?

If and when possible, toll free numbers are provided. To determine if toll free call numbers are available, check your registration email.  Dial-in numbers that are toll-free will be marked with “Toll Free” in parentheses after the number.  If you decide to use a toll number to join the Live Remote Training session, you will be charged the standard call rates of your telephone service provider. Using a dial-in number within your country will be treated as a regular telephone call.  Using a dial-in number outside of your country will be treated as a long-distance call.

This link provides a list of all international dial-in number for the Zoom platform.

I can’t hear anything when I connect to Zoom. What should I do?

To troubleshoot start by looking at your device’s audio settings.  If you are using headphones or earphones to connect, please try the following steps:

  •  Try to remove your headphones or earphones and use the computer/device sound instead.
  • Try leaving the session and then re-joining to see if that resolves the issue.
  • Dial in via telephone using the telephone numbers provided within your registration email. Follow the prompts. You will need to enter the provided Zoom meeting ID and in some cases a password to connect to the training via telephone.
I cannot hear the meeting when using headphones or earphones. How can I fix this?
  • Locate the microphone icon on your screen, and click the small arrow icon found on the top right corner of the microphone icon.
  • You should see the option “select speaker and select microphone”. Click “test speaker and microphone”. 
  • If you do not hear the sound when testing your speaker, select the speaker which you are using (i.e. your headphones/earphones).
  • Once selected, test to see if you can hear the sound. If you do, you should be able to hear the meeting. Repeat the same process to test your microphone.
My presenter mentioned a “raised hand” icon during the session. Where is this located?

Go to the bottom of your screen, click on participant, and open the participant window. At the bottom of the participant window, you will find the option to raise hand.

What materials do I need for the workshop?

All materials for this workshop have been provided to you within the training registration email. A manual or other subset of materials, not needed for the actual training, may be provided to you after the training ends via post. All information and details regarding your training materials are located within the registration email.

Where were my additional training materials sent?

Additional training materials are mailed to the address provided during the registration process and/or you will receive a follow-up email from us requesting your mailing address. 

What should I do if I don’t have access to a printer and can’t print out the Pics for PECS pictures, PECS Communication Book page and additional materials?

These materials are for practicing during the training and after. If you are unable to print these materials, we recommend that you draw yourself a PECS Communication Book on a sheet of paper, cut out a Sentence Strip, and a couple of square symbols to use for practice. You can also draw simple pictures on sticky notes.

Do I need to register on Zoom for day two of the training?

No, the registration link provided in your registration email will work for both days as long as you use the same email address.

Can I use the same email address to login two (2) attendees?

No, each attendee needs their own email address in order to join the Live Remote Training session.