Soar Autism Center Unveils Free RBT Training to Boost ESDM Workforce

DENVER, CO – February 23, 2026 – Soar Autism Center today announced a significant initiative aimed at expanding the autism care workforce by launching a free, 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training program. The online, self-paced course is uniquely rooted in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a developmental therapy that blends the science of learning with the power of play and relationships. This move is designed to lower entry barriers for aspiring professionals and empower caregivers with evidence-based skills.

The program, developed by Soar’s team of ESDM-certified clinicians, introduces foundational Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts through the specific lens of ESDM's relationship-centered principles. It aims to equip participants with the tools to foster communication, social, and cognitive skills in young children within a positive, developmentally appropriate framework.

"Soar was founded to transform early autism intervention by integrating developmental and behavioral sciences," said Will Martin, Head of ESDM Implementation at Soar Autism Center. "Our new training series reflects that same philosophy, empowering caregivers and future RBTs with both the technical skills and a compassionate, relationship focused mindset that drive meaningful progress for children."

Bridging the Gap in Autism Care

The launch comes at a critical time. The demand for qualified RBTs, who are essential for delivering autism therapy, is surging across the United States. Projections indicate job growth for behavior technicians could be as high as 31% over the next decade, a rate far exceeding the average for all occupations. This demand is fueled by a confluence of factors: an increasing prevalence of autism diagnoses, which now stand at approximately 1 in 44 children; expanded insurance coverage for ABA services; and a persistent shortage of trained professionals to meet the need.

By offering its comprehensive training program at no cost, Soar Autism Center directly addresses the financial barriers that often prevent individuals from pursuing a career in behavioral health. This strategy is poised to significantly widen the talent pipeline, potentially bringing a new wave of skilled technicians into the field. The initiative also extends a valuable resource to parents and caregivers, providing them with professional-grade knowledge to support their children’s development at home, regardless of whether they pursue official certification.

Furthermore, the training is designed to meet the updated 2026 requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This ensures that graduates of the program will have completed the necessary 40-hour training component required for RBT certification, a crucial first step in a professional career. The alignment with the new BACB standards, which include a shift to a two-year recertification cycle and new professional development requirements, positions the program as a timely and relevant resource for the industry.

Beyond Traditional ABA: The ESDM Philosophy

While several organizations offer free RBT training, Soar’s program is distinguished by its deep integration of the Early Start Denver Model. ESDM is an evidence-based approach developed specifically for young children with autism, typically between 12 and 48 months old. While grounded in the principles of ABA, its methodology represents a significant evolution from more traditional, structured forms of therapy.

Unlike approaches that may rely on highly structured, adult-led drills in a clinical setting, ESDM is fundamentally play-based and child-led. Therapy is embedded within natural routines and enjoyable activities, leveraging the child's own interests to foster motivation and engagement. A core tenet of ESDM is the emphasis on building a strong, positive, and reciprocal relationship between the child, therapist, and caregivers. This focus on emotional connection and social rewards—like praise and shared enjoyment—is used to build intrinsic motivation for learning and communication.

Research has validated ESDM's efficacy. A landmark randomized controlled trial demonstrated that children who received ESDM intervention showed significant improvements in IQ, language, and adaptive behavior compared to those receiving standard community interventions. This focus on a relationship-based, developmental framework is what Soar aims to instill in its new cohort of trainees, cultivating a workforce skilled in a more naturalistic and child-centered application of behavioral science.

A Strategic Play for Growth and Quality

This initiative is not merely an act of public service; it is also a shrewd strategic move for the rapidly expanding Soar Autism Center. Founded in 2021, the company has secured over $38 million in funding and has grown to more than 25 interdisciplinary centers across Colorado and Arizona. By offering free, high-quality training, Soar positions itself as an educational leader in the field and creates a powerful talent pipeline to fuel its own growth.

The program allows the organization to cultivate a pool of potential employees who are already trained in its specific, ESDM-focused philosophy. This reduces internal training costs and ensures new hires are philosophically aligned with Soar’s care model from day one. In a competitive market for skilled RBTs, having a direct pipeline of pre-vetted, well-trained candidates provides a significant operational advantage.

Moreover, by championing the ESDM model through accessible education, Soar reinforces its brand as a premier provider of this specialized therapy. While other free RBT programs exist, Soar's focus on this specific, research-backed model differentiates its offering and attracts individuals specifically interested in a more developmental, play-based approach. This helps solidify its market position and reputation for quality and innovation.

"Our clinical leaders at Soar have trained hundreds of RBTs within our centers, and this program allows us to share that expertise more broadly," Martin added. "By aligning RBT training with ESDM principles, we're helping raise the standard of care for children with autism everywhere."

The training is available immediately through the Soar Autism Center website. Upon finishing the course, participants receive a certificate of completion, verifying they have fulfilled the 40-hour training requirement necessary to proceed with the RBT certification process, which includes a competency assessment and final exam administered by the BACB.