The Lionhearted Way Educational Training

At Arizona Lionhearts, we believe that exceptional care begins with exceptional preparation. As a Direct Care Worker (DCW), you play a vital role in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live their best lives. To ensure you're equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide outstanding service, both the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Arizona Lionhearts are committed to your ongoing professional development.

The Division of Developmental Disabilities mandates that all Direct Care Workers complete 6 hours of Continuing Education annually from October 1st to September 30th. This requirement isn't just a regulatory checkbox—it's an investment in your professional growth and the quality of care you provide to our members.

Important: Non-compliance with continuing education requirements results in immediate suspension from work starting October 1st. You can only resume providing services after completing the full 6-hour requirement.

We've made it easy for you to fulfill your continuing education requirements with multiple flexible options, including online videos, workshops, self-study materials, and formal training programs. Whether you prefer visual learning through documentaries, hands-on training sessions, or independent reading, we have resources that fit your learning style and schedule.

Remember, every hour you invest in learning is an hour invested in providing better support, advocacy, and care for the individuals who depend on us. Your commitment to professional growth directly impacts the lives of our members and their families.

Important Note: Certifications and training programs completed as part of the hiring process automatically count toward your annual CEU requirements.  The following certifications and training programs count toward your CEUs when completed within the current CEU year:

• Article 9 certification
• Direct Care Worker Fundamentals of Caregiving training
• Direct Care Worker Developmental Disabilities training
• Prevention and Support training
• Seizure Prevention training
• Medication Management training
• Any other training required to work with members

Ready to get started? Explore the continuing education options below and take the next step in your professional journey with Arizona Lionhearts.

The Lionhearted Way teaches us that cultural competency isn't a destination but a journey. Through practical steps and real stories, we learned how to create truly inclusive spaces by addressing systemic barriers, honoring cultural differences, and supporting diverse needs. 

Building language during daily living skills is a video series dedicated to helping teens and adults with developmental disabilities.  

Fifty years ago, Willowbrook State School became infamous for its abuse and neglect of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While progress has been made, challenges in care persist. 

In this informative training video, we highlight essential safety tips to prevent slip, trip, and fall accidents in the workplace. 

This Lionhearted Way training video provides training on member rights and advocacy for those working with individuals served by Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities. 

This Lionhearted Way training video explore how understanding behavior as communication can transform support strategies for individuals with developmental disabilities.

We're breaking down these terms, explaining what it might look like if your child is experiencing sensory overload, and of course, you'll find our 5 favorite strategies to try in this video as well.

Dr. Mary Barbera talks about some autism ABA strategies that can help parents and professionals understand how to stop a child with autism from hitting. 👉👉 

This webinar is designed to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the IEP process successfully. "IEP Ready: Your Back-to-School Action Plan" provides comprehensive guidance on unpacking an IEP and understanding your procedural safeguards as you prepare for the new school year.

Learn how to make the most of Arizona DDD's HCBS services in this online training.  Learn tips, tricks, and insights of utilizing the DDD/ALTCS services.