General Classroom Observation...
typically ranges from 2-3 hours dependent on the complexity of classroom needs. The BCBA will directly observe the overall function of the classroom so recommendations can be provided to the team. A written observation summary report including all behavior recommendations will be provided to the team within three business days of the observation.
Student Observation Assessment...
is provided for a specific student. These observations typically range from 2-3 hours dependent on the complexity of student need and the amount of supplemental information (e.g., IEP, evaluation reports, data) provided to the BCBA prior to the scheduled observation. The BCBA will directly observe the student within their academic environment(s) to develop recommendations and preliminary behavioral strategies. These recommendations will be provided to the team along with suggestions for additional services moving forward. A written observation summary report including all behavior recommendations will be provided to the team within three business days of the observation.
Team Debriefing...
is typically provided in combination with and immediately following general classroom observations or direct observation assessment sessions. The team takes time to hear BCBA recommendations, ask questions, clarify information, formulate solutions to ongoing behavioral challenges, and discuss ways to improve overall classroom management.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)...
is similar to the student observation assessment but requires additional time to review collateral information, interview staff members, and gather supplemental information necessary to determine the function of problem behavior. The BCBA will conduct FBA observations during several sessions over a given time period and school personnel may be required to collect additional data, complete interview forms, or provide additional supplemental information to assist with the assessment. A complete FBA often requires 7-10 hours and will be summarized in a written report within one week of assessment completion.
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)Development...
is provided only in conjunction with a full FBA as outlined above since the BCBA will utilize the outcomes from the FBA to develop a full behavior intervention plan. The BIP will include operationally defined behaviors for reduction and increase, baseline data, data collection methods, and detailed strategies/interventions for each identified target behavior. The development of the BIP based on the FBA requires 5-8 additional hours (i.e., 12-18 hours total) and will be completed within one week of assessment completion.
Staff Training...
on a variety of topics are available for groups of teachers, staff or parents and are typically 1.5-2 hours long. Training topics include introduction to behavior analysis, teaching language, general strategies for promoting positive behavior change, and classroom management. Training on specific topics can be developed upon request.
Ongoing Monitoring...
is a required component of the FBA and BIP service combination. Monitoring consists of the BCBA conducting regularly scheduled visits to assist with behavior plan implementation. The BCBA will provide on-site and student specific staff training, data review/analysis, and conduct integrity checks to ensure consistency of plan implementation across school personnel. The level of required monitoring depends on the complexity of the student's needs, competency of school staff, and amount of resources available to be dedicated to the student's programming. The goal is for the BCBA to collaborate with school staff and provide focused training on effective plan monitoring so that these responsibilities can quickly be transferred to members of the school team.
