If your child is receiving ABA therapy, you’ve probably heard the term BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). But what exactly does a BCBA do day to day? Their role goes far beyond writing treatment plans.
A BCBA is the person guiding your child’s therapy, coaching families, and making sure progress is happening every step of the way.
The Daily Role of a BCBA
A BCBA’s day is busy, flexible, and focused on helping children succeed. Here are some of the most important things they do:
Assessing and Creating Treatment Plans
BCBAs start by assessing your child’s strengths, needs, and goals. They use this information to design a personalized ABA therapy program.
Training and Supervising Therapists
BCBAs don’t just write plans—they also train and support the ABA therapists who work directly with your child. They model techniques, give feedback, and make sure therapy is delivered effectively.
Collecting and Reviewing Data
Data is a big part of ABA therapy. BCBAs look at progress notes and graphs daily to see what’s working and where changes are needed.
Coaching Parents and Caregivers
Parent involvement is key. BCBAs provide ABA parent training so families can learn strategies to use at home, in school, and in the community.
Adjusting Goals and Strategies
If something isn’t working, the BCBA makes changes. They adapt goals, adjust teaching methods, and celebrate successes along the way.
BCBAs ensure your child’s ABA therapy is individualized, consistent, and effective. Their day-to-day work keeps the therapy team and family connected, making progress possible in both structured settings and everyday routines.
At Connect N Care, our BCBAs partner with families to create meaningful progress. We provide in-home ABA therapy, school-based ABA therapy, center-based ABA therapy, and personalized ABA parent training.
Families across North Carolina and Virginia trust us for compassionate, evidence-based support. Contact us today to learn how a BCBA can help your child thrive.
FAQs
Do BCBAs work directly with children every day?
Sometimes! They often observe, model strategies, and step in when needed, but most of their role is supervising and planning.
How often will I see my child’s BCBA?
It depends on your child’s program, but many families meet with their BCBA weekly or bi-weekly.
What makes a BCBA different from an ABA therapist?
ABA therapists provide direct sessions, while BCBAs design, oversee, and adjust the overall treatment plan.
Sources:
- https://www.bacb.com/bcba/
- https://bouve.northeastern.edu/news/board-certified-behavior-analyst-definition-and-responsibilities/
- https://www.umassglobal.edu/blog-news/what-does-a-behavior-analyst-do
- https://www.psychology.org/resources/bcba-meaning-career-overview/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
