Wyoming's staff training on preventing restraint and seclusion (W.S. 21-3-110(a)(xxxi) and WDE Rules Chapter 42): what the law asks, and where outside training fits
The short answer
Wyoming law requires each school district board to adopt a policy and training procedures on the use of seclusion and restraint, and the Wyoming Department of Education's Chapter 42 rules require district policies to provide that all staff receive training in evidence-based techniques shown to be effective in preventing physical restraint and seclusion. That training includes evidence-based skills training related to positive behavior supports, safe physical escort, conflict prevention, de-escalation and conflict management. The minimum training hours are those recommended by the school's selected evidence-based training program, and ongoing training follows that program's recommendations. We searched Wyoming Statutes Title 21 (Education) and found no provision requiring school staff to complete autism training.
What the law says
Wyoming Statutes § 21-3-110(a)(xxxi), a duty of each district board of trustees:
"Not later than December 31, 2011, adopt a policy and training procedures regarding the use of seclusion and restraint in schools."
The policy must require that a parent or legal guardian be notified each time seclusion or restraint is used for the student, must prohibit locked seclusion, and "shall not be limited to any specified group of students." The state superintendent sets requirements for these policies and training by rule and reviews each district's policy (W.S. 21-2-202(a)(xxxii)).
The Department of Education's Chapter 42 rules (effective July 13, 2017, the current version on the state's administrative rules site), Section 4(a):
"(i) All staff shall receive training in evidence-based techniques shown to be effective in preventing physical restraint and seclusion, including evidence-based skills training related to positive behavior supports, safe physical escort, conflict prevention, de-escalation, and conflict management."
"(A) The minimum amount of training required for all staff shall be the number of hours recommended by the evidence-based training program selected by the school."
Ongoing training for all staff follows the recommendations of the same program. The school must also determine a ratio of classified and non-classified staff, considering school size and the location of specialized programs, to receive training in evidence-based techniques for the safe use of physical restraint; these staff receive the hours needed for the program's certification and maintain certification as the program prescribes. Each school's annual professional development must include information on the district's seclusion and restraint policy. Our course does not teach restraint, seclusion, crisis intervention or de-escalation.
Source: Wyoming Statutes Title 21 (§§ 21-3-110(a)(xxxi) and 21-2-202(a)(xxxii)); WDE Rules Chapter 42, current rule (rules.wyo.gov).
Where outside training fits
The rule ties the training to an "Evidence Based Training Program," which it defines as a program that is externally developed, has "a record of successful implementation in a variety of settings," and at a minimum emphasizes training in de-escalation procedures, safe restraint techniques from the least to the most restrictive, and the safe reentry of the student into the educational environment. Our course is not that kind of program. We do not claim that our course satisfies Chapter 42 or any other Wyoming requirement, or that it counts toward a district's restraint and seclusion training or educator certificate renewal. Our course teaches basic ABA methods for daily practice. If your district wants to use outside training for a Wyoming requirement, ask your district or the Wyoming Department of Education how it evaluates outside courses.
What our Intro to ABA Level 1 course covers
The Intro to ABA Level 1 course teaches methods and techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for parents and caregivers, teachers, paraprofessionals and behavior technicians who work with a child every day. Topics include what autism is, what ABA is, pairing, errorless teaching and prompting, and active student responding. Complete the course and pass its 40-question final exam with a score of at least 80%. Completing this course earns a Special Learning certificate of completion. That certificate is not a continuing education (CE) certificate. It is basic training in ABA methods for daily practice, not a professional credential. We do not claim Wyoming state approval or continuing education credit for this course.
A paraprofessional who took it wrote: "I want to learn everything I can to help my student succeed in the public school system. I found Special Learning's ABA level 1 course so fascinating and inspiring."
Two ways to start
- For one person: try the first two sessions free for 7 days; account creation is required, with no payment information requested. The full course costs $199, paid once, with no subscription or recurring charge. Activate your license code within 90 days of purchase; the published completion window is 10 weeks after activation. You may request a later start date, no later than three months after purchase. Start the free sessions
- For your district's staff: tell us how many people need training and when, and we will send a quote; each participant who completes the course and passes its 40-question final exam with a score of at least 80% earns an individual certificate of completion. Ask for a school quote
Last reviewed: October 29, 2026.