Family Teaching couples are certified. Each couple is required to complete a certification program which features intensive training in all aspects of caregiving, ongoing consultation with clinical and program experts (including health-care and behavioral professionals), and regular, quality evaluations and feedback designed to improve quality of life of the men and women we serve. Family teachers must be re-certified annually as a condition of employment.     

The Family Teaching Model is a highly successful way of providing community support services for people with developmental disabilities. 

Typically, in a Family Teaching home three people with developmental disabilities live on one side of a duplex or other attached home living arrangement. Their living space includes the accessibility and safety features they need and is furnished like a typical home. A married couple, called a family teaching couple, occupies the adjoining living space with their own immediate family members.  The living spaces are connected via a common door, allowing the whole group to function like an extended family.

The Family Teaching couple provides most of their support for the people in the adjoining home, and is responsible for ensuring that all of their needs are met.  The couple hires and supervises a small team of assistant teachers to provide support on the weekends and other times the couple is off duty.  

A night monitoring system, called HomeLink Support Technology, is used to heighten safety during overnight hours. HomeLink features the latest in televideo technology and sensors to monitor individuals based on their particular needs. Family teaching couples spend a great deal of time with the people they support, resulting in strong, enduring, and positive relationships. Family teaching couples also develop relationships with families and/or guardians to ensure good communication, teamwork and follow-up.