Tips & Tricks for ABA in school

Here are some valuable tips and tricks for navigating the process of getting ABA therapy in schools from three key perspectives: parents, schools, and providers. Whether you're a parent advocating for your child, a school professional working to support students, or an ABA provider collaborating in the classroom, the most important thing is that all decisions should be collaborative, data-driven, and always made with the best interests of the child in mind. Working together as a team ensures that every child gets the personalized support they need to thrive academically and socially in the school setting.

Navigating the process of getting ABA therapy in schools can be challenging, but with the right approach and collaboration between parents, providers, and schools, it can be a smooth and effective experience. Here are some key tips and tricks from each perspective to help you get the services your child needs and ensure a successful partnership:

How to Request Services in the School Setting:

District PIP Forms: Every district should have a Private Instructional Personnel (PIP) form. Keep in mind that districts can’t set requirements beyond the law.
- Common requirements include:
  1. Background check
  2. Fingerprinting
  3. Obtaining the Jessica Lunsford badge
  4. Proof of liability insurance coverage
Collaboration Meeting: Most districts require a collaboration meeting before starting services, much like an IEP meeting. This meeting should involve:
- Parents/guardians
- The student (if appropriate)
- Teachers, administrators, and behavior analysts
- The goal: Creating a schedule, sharing ideas, improving communication, problem-solving, and monitoring progress.
- The collaboration meeting should be collaborative!

Remember to remain respectful during these meetings; a collaborative, positive attitude goes a long way. As the saying goes, “You attract more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.”

If You Run Into Issues:

Join Project ABA Rights: We’re here to help guide you through the process.
Course of Action:
- Work your way up the chain of command to ensure the child’s needs are addressed. Keep everything in writing for clarification, as all emails are public record. If you have a phone call, be sure to recap the meeting in an email to ensure that all parties are on the same page. This helps to create a clear record of communication and is beneficial for everyone involved.
  1. Teacher & ESE staff
  2. Principal & AP
  3. Area Supervisor/ESE director
  4. Chief of staff
  5. School board & Superintendent
  6. As a last resort, file with OCR/FDOE/Due process.

Tips for Providers:

Providers (PIP's) Are Guests in Schools: RBTs and BCBAs should act accordingly and ensure a positive experience. One bad interaction can negatively impact access for everyone.
Experience Matters: Use experienced RBTs when sending staff to schools. If they’re new to the school setting, consider shadowing them until everyone is comfortable.
Frequent Communication is Key: Provide updates to the teacher regularly, offer support, and respect their existing processes. Don’t overwhelm them with requests for data collection, paperwork, or signatures.
Support, Not Criticism: RBTs are there to support teachers, not criticize. Respect the teacher’s space, and remember that you're there to make their job easier, not harder.
Transparency: Be upfront with teachers about what you’re doing (e.g., using phones or laptops for data collection). Set clear boundaries about your role in the classroom, and explain that you’re not there to teach the class but to support the student.
Be Kind and Professional: Teachers are often overworked and underpaid, so a little kindness can go a long way. Engage with the student, limit personal distractions, and remember that positive relationships are key to long-term success.

These tips aim to ensure a collaborative, data-driven approach where all parties—parents, schools, and providers—are working in the best interest of the child. Together, we can make sure every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

Empowering Parents

Advocating for Education Rights:

A Parents
Playbook...

Step 1: Define Your Goal

Start by clearly identifying your advocacy goal. This keeps you focused and gives everyone a shared target to work toward. For example:

Push for a policy change regarding ABA services in schools
Address the denial or restriction of ABA therapy in your district
Train staff in your district about the benefits and logistics of ABA therapy
Ensure consistent access to ABA services across the district

Step 2: Understand the Laws and Policies

Before you approach the school district or board, make sure you're familiar with the relevant laws:

Research state laws on ABA and special education (e.g., IDEA, state-specific laws like Florida’s 1003.572, etc.)
Review your district's policies on ABA and special education services—what does your district currently allow or not allow?
Know your rights as a parent—if you need legal support, reach out to Project ABA Rights for advice or guidance.

Step 3: Find Other Parents in Your District

You’re not alone in this fight. Use the power of the Project ABA Rights community to build local momentum:

Search within your Project ABA Rights network for other parents in your district who are facing similar issues.
Create a local group within Project ABA Rights, either through Facebook or in-person meetups, to share concerns and strategies.
Organize a united front: When you speak to school boards or district officials, your voice is stronger when you speak as a group.

Step 4: Build Relationships with Key Stakeholders

It’s crucial to establish relationships with the right people:

Connect with other parents, teachers, and administrators who are open to supporting your cause.
Reach out to your school board members, district staff, and other local officials to explain the importance of ABA therapy.
Attend school board meetings regularly to show your presence and build credibility with the decision-makers.

Step 5: Speak as a Unified Group at School Board Meetings

One of the most powerful ways to make an impact is to speak at school board meetings as Project ABA Rights:

Coordinate a group of parents to speak back-to-back at the meeting. The more voices you have, the more powerful the message.
Share personal stories about how ABA therapy has positively impacted your child, and why it should be consistently offered in your school district.
Use data to back up your case. Mention relevant laws, research, and examples of how ABA can improve student outcomes.
Stay on message: Ensure everyone is focused on the same goal and presenting clear, unified points.

Step 6: Advocate for Immediate Action

Make it clear that you are seeking immediate action:

Request a specific policy change or clarification to make ABA services accessible for all students in your district.
Ask for a collaboration meeting between parents and school officials to discuss how to make ABA services available to your child.
Push for the creation of a district-wide policy that ensures ABA therapy can be provided by private providers when necessary.

Step 7: Contact Local Elected Officials

Your local elected officials can be powerful allies in your fight for change:

Email or meet with your state legislators to explain the situation and ask for their support.
Share your petition and any local school district data that shows how the current system isn’t working.
Ask for a public statement of support from your elected officials.

Step 8: Follow Up and Stay Involved

Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. Once you’ve made your case, keep the pressure on:

Follow up after meetings: Keep emailing or calling district officials and school board members. Always keep your communication polite and professional.
Track progress: Monitor whether the district is moving forward with the changes you’ve requested.
Stay engaged: Attend future school board meetings, and keep working with other parents to keep the issue on the agenda.