School Based ABA Services

In-school ABA services provide individualized support within the learner’s educational environment to help build meaningful skills and promote success. ABA therapy can help address behavioral barriers that may interfere with learning, participation, and social interactions, while teaching skills such as communication, independence, and classroom readiness. By supporting the learner within the school setting, ABA services aim to increase access to academic opportunities and help the learner engage more successfully in their educational experience.

What does an in School ABA Session Look Like?

Each in-school ABA session is designed around the learner’s individual goals and the demands of their school environment. A session may involve working alongside the learner during classroom activities, practicing targeted skills during naturally occurring opportunities, providing support during transitions, and implementing individualized behavior strategies. The goal is to help the learner participate more independently and successfully throughout their school day.

Sample School-Based ABA Session Schedule

8:00 AM – Arrival & Morning Routine

• Support transitions, following classroom routines, communication, and independence skills

9:00 AM – Classroom Learning Activities

• Support participation, attending skills, responding to instruction, and reducing barriers to learning

10:30 AM – Peer & Social Opportunities

• Practice social skills, communication, play skills, and appropriate interactions with peers

12:00 PM – Lunch & Daily Living Skills

• Support independence, appropriate mealtime behaviors, and functional communication

1:00 PM – Academic & Classroom Activities

• Implement individualized strategies to increase engagement and successful participation

2:30 PM – Transitions & End-of-Day Routine

• Support flexibility, organization, independence, and preparing for dismissal

ABA strategies are incorporated throughout the daycare day based on each child's individualized treatment goals and needs.

Setting up school-based ABA services involves collaboration between your family, your ABA provider, your child’s school team, and your insurance provider. The process typically includes the following steps:

1. Request School-Based ABA Services
Begin by contacting Wonder Behavioral Services to discuss your interest in school-based ABA services. Before services can begin, approval from your child’s school or school system must be obtained to allow ABA services to be provided within the school setting.

2. Complete the Initial Assessment Process
Once school approval has been obtained, your BCBA will complete an initial assessment to better understand your child’s strengths, needs, and areas for growth. The BCBA will use this information to develop an individualized treatment plan and submit the necessary documentation to your insurance provider for authorization.

3. Meet with Your Family and School Team
After the assessment process, your BCBA will collaborate with your family and your child’s school team. This meeting provides an opportunity to discuss your child’s goals, review how ABA services will be incorporated into the school day, and establish communication and collaboration between all team members.

4. Begin ABA Services at School
Once all necessary approvals are in place, ABA services will begin within the school environment. Initial sessions often focus on building rapport with your child, becoming familiar with classroom routines, and identifying opportunities to support meaningful skill development. As your child adjusts, services will continue to target individualized goals while promoting successful participation throughout the school day.

Every child’s start-up process looks a little different, but collaboration between families, providers, and school teams helps create a successful and supportive experience.