The complexities involved in good facilitation require that facilitators receive thorough training that combines classroom learning with coaching from an experienced facilitator. It is important that organizations have a process in place to provide training to new facilitators. Such training should focus on developing facilitator skills in promoting the communicator's progress toward independence and in the evaluation of the FC process. Central to good FC training is facilitator attention to providing continuous feedback and monitoring for the FC user. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services does not endorse the use of FC by people who have not received the necessary training.
Training needs to be thorough and ongoing.
It is strongly advised that new facilitators work under the supervision of an experienced facilitator. In order for skills and confidence to develop and to provide the communicator with the opportunity to make choices, it is desirable that the team of support people be extensive enough to provide communication access throughout the day and across all environments. FC partners could include parents, siblings, peers, friends, support staff, teachers, co-workers, and professionals who spend time with the person and want FC training. It is recommended that additional facilitators join the team one at a time. A goal of FC is to have the communicator communicate independently, without physical support.