Spring 2026 Programs & Training Opportunities
Please review the registration requirements below before enrolling.
All credential and leadership certificate programs require separate registration, even if you are attending the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference.
Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course
A comprehensive, multi-module credential program for professionals, leaders, and parents seeking to deepen practice and leadership capacity.
• Starts prior to the conference
• Stand-alone credential program
• Separate registration required
Leadership Development Training Program
The OAR Leadership Institute™ focuses on leadership buy-in, organizational culture, accountability, and applied leadership tools.
• Conference add-on program
• Separate registration required
Registration available through the conference add-on system or on-site.
DiSC® Certification & Training of Trainers
FFCA’s DiSC® Model training supports individuals, teams, facilitators, and leadership development across organizations.
• Conference add-on program
• Separate registration required
Registration available through the conference add-on system or on-site.
QPR Suicide Prevention Certification
A nationally recognized suicide prevention certification equipping participants with life-saving intervention skills.
• Conference add-on program
• Separate registration required
Registration available through the conference add-on system or on-site.
Scroll down to review full program descriptions, schedules, faculty, investment details, and registration instructions.
Participant Voices — Real Impact. Real Change.
Join us in 2026 for FFCA’s Special Training Programs
Lead by Legacy™ | FFCA DiSC + Trauma-Informed Care
- 100% of respondents would recommend FFCA trainings
- 4.8–4.9 / 5.0 overall satisfaction across 2025 trainings
- High utility & engagement: clear majority rated “Extremely useful” with strong scenario practice participation
- ROI: average cost < $250 per person • 6.5–15 hours of guided instruction
Participant Voices
“The Program is exceptional. It allows us to understand concepts from both a personal and professional perspective. We can collaborate with others in the group to discuss and develop our knowledge of the topic.” — Dr. Wendy T. Talley, LCSW
“This is an intense training, but you learn a lot about yourself and the people around you. I highly recommend it.” — Louie Esquibel
The FFCA Training is an enlightening course that empowers you to discover the best of yourself by identifying your personality type, which helps you become aware of your strengths, limitations, and areas for growth, ultimately reaching your full potential. I highly recommend you allow yourself to take this course to gain valuable knowledge for your personal and professional growth. It's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment that will inspire and motivate you. — Suyapa Santos
Consistent Excellence
2025 trainings: 100% of respondents would recommend FFCA trainings to peers.
Our top-tier satisfaction speaks for itself: overall 5-point ratings 4.8–4.9 / 5.0 across FFCA trainings.
High utility & engagement: A clear majority rated the content “Extremely useful,” with high engagement across activities and scenario practice.
How We Compare Nationally
- Beating common benchmarks: A Level-1 satisfaction of ≥4.5/5 is a success threshold; FFCA’s 4.8–4.9/5.0 sits above that bar.
- Recommendation rate as a differentiator: Many reputable programs target a strong majority; a 100% would recommend across three trainings places FFCA at the top end of participant advocacy.
- Practice-first design: The combined DISC + Trauma-Informed Care pathway (communication + safety) plus scenario labs and coaching feedback aligns with best-in-class design for transfer to the job.
ROI Snapshot
- Accessible investment: Average training cost < $250 per person.
- Substantial contact hours: 6.5–15 hours of instruction and guided practice per learner.
- Value per learner-hour: ≈ $17–$38 per learner-hour, with returns realized through clearer communication, stronger client rapport, and more effective cross-team collaboration.
- Scales to your mission: Live cohort and on-demand reinforcement support sustained behavior change.
March 12, 19, 26 • April 2 & April 9, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
featuring rich, extensive workbook activities, reflective exercises, practical tools, quizzes,
and an end-of-course exam, with CEUs available.
this accredited program builds on over two decades of national training excellence,
evolving to meet today’s workforce, families, and communities.
children and families, seasoned leaders, and master’s & doctoral-level professionals alike.
Fridays • 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM PST
to enroll or share with participants as a professional development benefit.
A Transformative Experience for Professional Growth
Unlock Your Potential In 2026!
Advance Your Practice. Strengthen Families. Lead with Purpose.
Over the past several years, professionals across disciplines—behavioral health, child support services, education, mental health, social work, and fatherhood initiatives—have enrolled in the Advanced Practitioner Credential Course™, the DiSC FFCA Facilitator Training, and the OAR Leadership Institute™.
These trainings offer more than professional development—they provide a transformational experience designed to elevate leadership, cultivate emotional intelligence, and reinforce trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and effective practices.
Participants leave empowered with new tools, deeper insights, and a renewed commitment to serve families, children, and communities at a higher level.
“This credential has strengthened my ability to lead diverse teams while honoring cultural identity.”
– Licensed Mental Health Clinician, California
“The tools I gained help justice-involved parents rebuild family structures with dignity.”
– Deputy Administrator, Illinois Child Support Services
“This program reshaped how I approach leadership in both my career and family.”
– Behavioral Health Program Manager
These voices reflect what we’ve built at Fathers and Families Coalition of America—an unwavering commitment to building bridges that transform individuals, families, and systems. The journey to becoming an Advanced Practitioner™ is not easy—but it is necessary. And the time to begin is now.
Plan Your Journey
- APC Training rates starting at $139 per
- Recognition as a Certified Advanced Practitioner™
- Practical tools from trauma-informed and culturally responsive models
- Training in DiSC FFCA, PERMA, Motivational Interviewing, and Emotional Intelligence
- A framework to engage fathers, empower families, and improve outcomes
- A community of purpose-driven leaders to build lasting connections with
- A capstone demonstration to showcase your skills and apply them meaningfully
This partnership is designed to ensure your training experience is accessible, comfortable, and focused on your development.
Why This Course Matters Now More Than Ever
The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course™ has been redesigned for 2025 to reflect the emerging needs of professionals working with families and systems. Whether you are a new leader or a seasoned practitioner, this course challenges you to grow further. It offers viable, evidence-informed tools that are applicable in real-world settings and relevant across diverse communities.
What You Will Gain
Join the Movement
This is your invitation to rise.
To lead with love.
To invest in yourself and those you serve.
The Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course
Spring 2026 Cohort • Early Registration Now Open – Fees Start at $139
Unlock Potential. Elevate Impact. Lead Change.
The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course™, a signature program of the Fathers and Families Coalition of America, is an immersive credential designed to strengthen practice, leadership, and impact across systems serving children, families, and communities.
This Spring 2026 cohort is intentionally structured for depth—supporting parents, emerging professionals, experienced practitioners, and master’s and doctoral-level leaders alike, while meeting each participant exactly where they are in their professional journey.
Backed by evidence-based research and over two decades of national training delivery, this 17-hour program integrates trauma-informed care, emotional intelligence, cultural responsiveness, and family engagement strategies through real-world application and reflective practice.
Enrollment is now open for Spring 2026. Early registration is encouraged.
Spring 2026 Program Schedule
- Course Dates: Thursdays, March 12 – April 9, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
- Format: Live Virtual Sessions (Recorded for Playback)
- In-Person Final Session: April 9, 2026
FFCA Training Center – 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90045
Spring 2026 Specialty Training
The Spring 2026 cohort includes specialized training components designed to deepen application, reflection, and integration—building professional confidence and practical mastery across diverse roles and disciplines.
What’s Included
- Full 11-module credentialed training (17 hours)
- Extensive digital course workbook with applied activities
- Interactive workbook exercises, quizzes, and tools
- End-of-course exam and credential issuance
- Live instruction with recorded playback access
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available
Updated Registration Fee Structure – 2026
Our 2026 registration structure reflects FFCA’s commitment to accessibility, flexibility, and professional value:
| Registration Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| Early Registration | $139.00 |
| Standard Registration | $199.00 |
| Late Registration | $300.00 |
Important Notes
- All sessions are live and recorded for participants.
- Optional one-on-one mentoring sessions are available to support learning and integration.
- Group rates and agency billing options are available.
- Contact us at james.rodriguez@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org for additional information.
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Advanced Practitioner Credential Program™Spring 2026 Class Schedule & Training SupportAll sessions are conducted in Pacific Standard Time. Classes are live, interactive, recorded for playback, and supported by extensive workbook activities, assignments, and structured Training Support sessions to ensure successful integration.
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FFCA DiSC® Model Credential & Training of Trainers
A Flexible Gateway for Professionals, Leaders, and Teams
The FFCA DiSC® Model Training is designed for a diverse range of professionals— from first-time learners to experienced leaders, trainers, and management teams. Participants engage with the DiSC model as a powerful framework for communication, leadership development, team building, and organizational effectiveness.
You do not have to be a trainer to benefit from this program. The FFCA DiSC® Model offers multiple gateways and entry points. Some participants apply the model directly within their practice or leadership role, while others continue into facilitation and training with the support of the FFCA faculty.
Agencies and organizations frequently contract FFCA to support management teams, leadership development initiatives, and staff engagement. Upon completion, participants receive continued guidance and mentorship to responsibly apply and deliver DiSC-based learning.
For example, Dr. Wendy T. Talley, LCSW, DSW completed the FFCA DiSC® training and now serves as lead faculty—mirroring and applying the model with organizations nationally through FFCA-supported training.
Spring 2026 DiSC Cohort — Conference Add-On Experience
The first FFCA DiSC® Model Cohort of 2026 will launch as an exclusive add-on opportunity for attendees of the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference – “Next Generation”.
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Orientation & Live Launch:
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • In-Person at the Conference Host Hotel - Add-On Fee for Conference Attendees: $100
-
Four Live Virtual Classes:
April 22 • April 29 • May 6 • May 13, 2026 -
Final Exam & Completion:
May 20, 2026 -
Virtual Class Time:
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Pacific Standard Time
This cohort blends live experiential learning, reflective application, and guided instruction—supporting participants whether they intend to apply DiSC® internally or advance into facilitation and training roles.
Instructed By
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers and Families Coalition of America
International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health
Dr. Wendy Thelese Talley, LCSW, DSW
Corporate Wellness Strategist • Executive Leadership Coach • Federal Leadership Consultant
Certified Trainer, FFCA DiSC® Training Model • Leadership Institute Faculty Member
Registration Requirement
Participation in this DiSC® cohort requires conference registration. Once registered for the conference, attendees may add the FFCA DiSC® Model Credential & Training of Trainers Program during checkout.
Conference Exclusive Training Benefit
Save over 50% on the FFCA DiSC® Model Credential & Training of Trainers Program
By registering for the International Families and Fathers Conference, participants gain exclusive access to the FFCA DiSC® Model Credential Program at a significantly reduced investment—available only to conference attendees.
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Conference Add-On Investment: $100
(More than 50% savings when bundled with conference registration) - Live conference-based orientation plus post-conference virtual classes
- Ideal for professionals, leaders, teams, and aspiring facilitators
DiSC Training of Trainers Program
Spring 2026 Cohort • Conference-Integrated Learning Experience
The Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA) invites you to participate in the DiSC Training of Trainers Program—a dynamic professional development experience designed to strengthen communication, expand leadership capacity, and enhance team effectiveness across diverse professional and organizational settings.
This program serves a wide range of participants, including practitioners, managers, leadership teams, independent consultants, and professionals seeking to integrate the FFCA DiSC Model into their work. You do not need to be an experienced trainer to participate—this program offers multiple entry points based on your goals and role.
To date, FFCA has trained more than 1,000 individuals using this model, supporting workforce development, leadership alignment, and team cohesion nationwide.
Participants receive a digital copy of FFCA’s exclusive training manual: “Discovering The Best of You DiSC Course: A Guide for Helping Others Get to the Next Level™”— a practical, hands-on resource for coaching, mentoring, and facilitating meaningful conversations.
Program Format
- Conference-based orientation plus post-conference virtual instruction
- Total Instruction Time: 10 hours
- Live sessions only (no on-demand option)
- Interactive learning, applied practice, and guided facilitation
- Designed for individual professionals, agencies, and leadership teams
Spring 2026 Program Schedule
-
Orientation & Program Launch:
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
In-Person at the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference -
Live Virtual Training Sessions:
April 22 • April 29 • May 6 • May 13, 2026 - Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Pacific Standard Time
-
Final Exam & Completion:
May 20, 2026
Certification Benefits
- Authorized use of the FFCA DiSC Model within your organization
- Certification to facilitate DiSC-based trainings and learning experiences
- Eligibility to join the FFCA Faculty Network
- Ongoing support and guidance from FFCA leadership and trainers
DiSC Training of Trainers Program Schedule – Spring 2026 Cohort
Conference attendees who did not pre-register for the DiSC Training of Trainers Program may sign up on-site. The in-person orientation on April 15, 2026 will provide a focused course introduction and outline the full training pathway.
| Date | Session Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Conference Orientation & Course Introduction | In-person orientation held during the International Families and Fathers Conference. Includes a condensed introduction to the FFCA DiSC® Model, learning objectives, and an overview of the remaining virtual training sessions. |
| April 22, 2026 | Emotions, DiSC Styles & Trauma Awareness | Exploring how emotional patterns, trauma, and adaptive behaviors influence DiSC styles and professional interactions. |
| April 29, 2026 | Self-Awareness & Communication Environments | Understanding how lived experience, organizational culture, and environment shape communication, leadership, and team dynamics. |
| May 6, 2026 | Pedagogy, Facilitation & DiSC Integration | Applying adult learning principles and facilitation strategies to responsibly teach and integrate the FFCA DiSC® Model. |
| May 13, 2026 | Teaching Practicum Preparation & Review | Guided preparation for facilitation practice, application scenarios, and readiness for certification. |
| May 20, 2026 | Final Exam & Certification Completion | Participants complete the final assessment and demonstrate applied knowledge for DiSC® certification. |
QPR Suicide Prevention Certification
Nationally Recognized Certification • Conference Exclusive Add-On
Suicide remains one of the most preventable causes of death—yet prevention requires training, awareness, and confidence to act. At the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference, FFCA is proud to offer a powerful opportunity to become certified in the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training Program.
This national certification is available as a special conference add-on for just $50 and is ideal for professionals, parents, educators, advocates, and leaders committed to protecting life and strengthening mental health in their communities.
- National QPR Suicide Prevention Certification
- Certificate issued through FFCA’s partnership with Florida A&M University
- Evidence-based, culturally responsive suicide prevention framework
- Practical skills to recognize warning signs and intervene effectively
- Applicable across clinical, educational, community, and family settings
Instructed by a National Leader in Clinical Mental Health
Executive Fellow, Fathers and Families Coalition of America
Coordinator of Clinical Programs, Florida A&M University
Certified QPR Instructor • Psychologist • National Trainer
Dr. Jackson brings deep clinical expertise, academic leadership, and national training experience to this session—equipping participants with both the knowledge and confidence to respond when it matters most.
QPR Suicide Prevention Certification Program
A Nationally Recognized Certification Offered as a Special Add-On
to the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference
Suicide remains one of the most urgent—and most preventable—public health crises of our time. Every life matters. Every conversation matters. Every trained individual can make a difference.
The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Certification Program equips participants with life-saving skills to recognize warning signs, engage with compassion, and connect individuals in crisis to professional support. In approximately 2.5 hours, participants gain practical, evidence-based tools that can be used immediately in real-world settings.
This certification is offered as part of FFCA’s International Credential & Certification Programs and is available as a conference add-on investment, similar to other advanced training opportunities such as the DiSC® Model and Advanced Practitioner credentials.
Why This Certification Matters
QPR training prepares individuals to serve as Gatekeepers—people trained to recognize suicide risk and respond effectively. Participants include parents, educators, clinicians, first responders, advocates, faith leaders, and organizational professionals.
At the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), we are committed to advancing mental health awareness through high-quality, evidence-based, and culturally responsive training. As systems evolve, FFCA remains a trusted Continuous Quality Improvement International Resource—supporting communities in building resilience and saving lives.
What You Gain
- National QPR Suicide Prevention Certification
- Practical skills to recognize warning signs and intervene confidently
- Tools to support individuals, families, workplaces, and communities
- A certificate issued through FFCA’s academic partnership framework
- Eligibility to apply skills across professional and personal settings
This is more than a training—it is an investment in life, leadership, and community well-being.
OAR Leadership Institute™
A Transformational Leadership Experience — Open to the Public for the First Time Ever
Monday, April 13, 2026 • $129 Investment
Hybrid Access | Conference Add-On • On-Site Registration • Community Enrollment
For years, the OAR Leadership Institute™ has been delivered exclusively through contracted organizations, national conferences, and customized leadership engagements— reaching thousands of professionals, parents, managers, executives, and community leaders across the United States.
Portions of this institute have been featured in national venues, including leadership segments delivered for the National Federation of Families Conference and through customized contracts with agencies, universities, Head Start programs, and public-sector partners. However, it has never before been offered as a stand-alone leadership experience—until now.
In Spring 2026, FFCA is opening the doors for individuals, teams, and community members to participate directly in this powerful institute—either as part of the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference or as a local or virtual participant.
Why the OAR Leadership Institute™ Delivers Real ROI
- Built on proven leadership theories, applied models, and real-world practice
- Used successfully with parents, frontline staff, managers, executives, and doctoral-level professionals
- Designed to strengthen self-leadership, team leadership, and organizational culture
- Highly adaptable for human services, education, behavioral health, government, and nonprofit leadership
- Grounded in FFCA’s Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility (OAR) leadership philosophy
Spring 2026 Training Schedule
- Session One: Monday, April 13, 2026 (Live — Conference & Hybrid Access)
- Session Two: Monday, April 20, 2026 (Virtual)
- Session Three: Monday, April 27, 2026 (Virtual)
- Total instruction delivered across three structured sessions
The institute concludes with a hands-on, applied leadership activity designed to challenge participants to integrate insight, action, and accountability. Participants should come prepared to engage, reflect, and apply leadership principles to real-life scenarios.
Flexible Access & Enrollment Options
- Register as a conference add-on during the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference
- Sign up on-site if you decide to join during the conference
- Available to local community members and virtual participants not attending the conference
Exceptional leadership. Proven frameworks. Unmatched value.
Past Partner Agencies
Over the past several years, the following agencies and institutions have contracted the OAR Leadership Institute for full program delivery, selected modules, or customized leadership and capacity-building training.
FFCA works closely with each organization to tailor services that meet the unique needs of leadership teams, managers, supervisors, frontline staff, and community stakeholders. These examples reflect just a portion of the agencies we have supported through customized services in 2025 and 2026.
| Agency | Location |
|---|---|
| El Nido Family Centers | Los Angeles, California |
| Northeast Valley Best Start | Panorama City, California |
| Lassen County Child Support Services | Susanville, California |
| Madera County Child Services | Madera, California |
| Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Ponce | Puerto Rico |
| Kings County Child Support Services | Hanford, California |
| Randolph County Caring Community Partnership, Inc. | Moberly, Missouri |
| Madera County Behavioral Health Agency | Madera, California |
| Region II Head Start Association (Module One) | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Long Island Head Start, Inc. | Patchogue, New York |
| Catawba Nation Head Start | Rock Hill, South Carolina |
| Plaza de la Raza Head Start | Pico Rivera, California |
| St. Anne’s Family Services – Head Start | Los Angeles, California |
New for 2026: For the first time ever, participants can experience the OAR Leadership Institute live at the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference on Monday, April 13, 2026. This special conference offering provides direct access to FFCA’s leadership framework and applied tools used by organizations nationwide.
OAR Leadership Institute™
Where Leadership Buy-In, Culture, and Practice Come Together
One of the greatest challenges leaders face today is not a lack of vision or effort—it is leadership buy-in, culture alignment, and sustainable implementation. The OAR Leadership Institute™ was designed to directly address these challenges by equipping leaders at all levels with practical tools, shared language, and applied leadership frameworks that translate insight into action.
Developed by Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC , President & CEO of the Fathers and Families Coalition of America, the OAR Leadership Institute™ integrates proven leadership models, behavioral science, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven practice. Portions of this institute have been delivered nationally through conferences, federal and state contracts, and customized organizational trainings—reaching thousands of professionals, parents, and leaders.
For the first time ever, the OAR Leadership Institute™ is being offered as a stand-alone leadership experience in conjunction with the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference, providing an exceptional return on investment for individuals, teams, and organizations.
Lead Instructors & Faculty
Lead Instructor:
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, FFCA
International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health
Faculty Member:
Dr. Wendy Thelese Talley, LCSW, DSW
Corporate Wellness Strategist • Executive Leadership Coach • Federal Leadership Consultant
Certified Trainer, FFCA DiSC Training Model • Leadership Institute Faculty Member
Four Core Leadership Frameworks
- Leadership Through Personality & Culture (FFCA DiSC Model): Understanding behavior, communication, and team dynamics to strengthen organizational culture.
- Foundations of Leadership & Character: Grounded in the John R. Wooden Pyramid of Success and applied leadership principles.
- Emotional Intelligence, Resilience & Decision-Making: Integrating EQ, mindfulness, and trauma-informed leadership to lead effectively under pressure.
- Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility (OAR): Translating leadership insight into daily practice through applied leadership planning.
Applied Workbook & Leadership Activities
- Leadership Identity & Values Mapping
- FFCA DiSC Communication & Culture Mapping
- Meet Me in Ten Years Visioning (Ikigai-informed)
- Focus Mapping for 30-Day Leadership Action Plans
- Ten Relationship Values & Leadership Alignment
- GRIT, Satisfaction, and Leadership Readiness Assessments
Who Should Attend
This institute is intentionally designed to meet leaders where they are—whether you are a parent leader, frontline supervisor, program manager, executive, clinician, educator, or doctoral-level professional. It is especially impactful for organizations seeking to strengthen buy-in, consistency, and leadership culture.
Exceptional Value • Exceptional Return
Offered in conjunction with the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference, this leadership institute provides high-impact training at a fraction of the cost typically associated with executive leadership development.
Register for the OAR Leadership Institute™
For customized organizational training or group participation, contact:
Ms. Erica Burton, MA —
erica@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org