"I am a firm believer in the de-escalation process and feel that CRT's techniques have helped to significantly reduce the number of physical restraints we are performing. CRT is easy to remember, easy for staff to learn and involves less steps than other methods. Our staff loves CRT!"

Special Education Supervisor, Tennessee

"What I especially like about the program is the emphasis on de-escalation using verbal and non-verbal techniques to defuse situations before they turn physical. My staff and I have been very satisfied since we switched to CRT. I would recommend CRT without hesitation."

Director of Schools, Indiana

"As a special education supervisor and a special educator for many years, I have been trained by several companies in these techniques and by far, I am more satisfied with the techniques and training received from CRT. CRT has made a tremendous impact on our district and has provided support to teachers and staff who work with students with severe behavior problems."

Special Education Supervisor, Tennessee

"The restraint and de-escalation techniques taught by CRT comply with federal and state laws and always take into consideration the safety of all individuals. The restraint techniques are easy enough for myself and my colleague to take back to our district and teach."

Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Tennessee

"Matt has been our trainer for the last two years. He is the best trainer we have had in my 14 years as an ESC (Educational Service Center) Superintendent."

Superintendent of Schools, Ohio

"We began utilizing CRT five years ago. We have found that not only is it more cost effective, but better meets our needs in many aspects. The focus on preventing a crisis and de-escalation, as well as keeping everyone safe was the type of training we were looking for. The training needed to be simple enough for our staff to be able to learn and utilize it throughout the year. Our restraints have decreased by 80% in the last five years. I highly recommend CRT."

Director, Non-Profit Residential Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

"As a Behavior Specialist with a region ESC in TX, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of behavior management programs, and Certified De-Escalation & Restraint Training (CRT) stands out as one of the most practical and student-centered options available. It was immediately clear that CRT’s approach prioritizes what matters most - de-escalation first, with restraint used only as a true last resort. The training was engaging, hands-on, and easy for staff to understand and apply. That combination made a strong impression not just on me, but across our region."

"In comparing CRT to other programs, one of the biggest differences is philosophy and accessibility. While other programs tend to lean more heavily into restraint techniques and requires districts to purchase manuals for every participant, CRT removes those barriers and keeps the focus on practical, preventative strategies without added costs. For districts looking for a cost-effective, respectful, and highly effective approach to behavior support, CRT is an easy recommendation."

-Behavior Specialist, TX Region ESC

"Since implementing the CRT program, we have observed meaningful improvements in both student behavior and staff response to challenging situations. We have seen a noticeable decrease in the frequency and intensity of behavioral incidents requiring intervention."

"Staff members report feeling more confident and better equipped to de-escalate situations before they escalate to the point of requiring physical intervention. As a result, there has been a reduction in the need for restraints, along with an overall improvement in the learning environment for both students and staff."

"Additionally, the program has helped promote consistency across our teams, ensuring that all staff are using the same strategies and language when responding to behaviors. This has contributed to more positive outcomes and stronger relationships with students."

-Special Education Supervisor, Oklahoma

"Since adopting CRT, we have observed a continued and measurable reduction in the use of physical force when managing students engaged in unruly behavior. The training has significantly enhanced our staff’s ability to successfully de-escalate incidents that previously had the potential to become violent or disrupt the educational environment. This has also led to a decrease in injuries for staff and students while applying restraints. The decrease in injuries can be attributed to CRT's restriction in taking individuals to the ground for control. Our commitment to "creating a safe environment where teachers can teach, and students can learn" is reinforced by the professional standards promoted in CRT's curriculum. We are proud of what we have achieved and would highly recommend this program to other educational entities looking to improve their safety outcomes. "

-Director of Safety Services, Arkansas

"Over the past three years, we have seen a transformation that is nothing short of remarkable. While continuing to serve over 2,500 students statewide—many of whom present the highest levels of academic, behavioral, and environmental risk—we have reduced physical restraints from 741 incidents down to just 4. That kind of sustained change doesn’t happen by chance. It reflects a system that works."

"What stands out most is not just the initial reduction, but the consistency. Year after year, we’ve continued to see improvement, which speaks to the strength of the CRT framework and the way it empowers staff to respond proactively rather than reactively. Our teams are more confident, our environments are safer, and most importantly, our students are being supported in a way that truly meets their needs."

"This work has helped shift our culture—from managing behavior to preventing escalation and building relationships. That shift has made a lasting difference not only in our data, but in the day-to-day experience of both staff and students."

- Director of NTE, Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative

Resources

De-escalation Strategies Chart

Crisis Team Planning Guide

De-escalation & Restraint Decision Guide

• Behavior Tracking Chart