What Should ABA Services and Supervision Look Like?
- Ashika Pese
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
A Guide for Caregivers
Navigating the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can feel overwhelming at times—especially when you’re trying to figure out what quality services should actually look like. As a caregiver, you deserve clear, compassionate, and collaborative support. This guide breaks down what you should expect from your ABA team, how supervision is ethically structured, and what rights you have in the process.
What Is Supervision in ABA?
Supervision is a cornerstone of ethical and effective ABA. It ensures that your child’s therapy remains individualized, evidence-based, and aligned with treatment goals. It also holds the clinical team accountable for the quality and integrity of services. According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), supervision must be ongoing, purposeful, and directly tied to client outcomes (BACB, 2022).
ABA teams are often structured in either a 2-tier or 3-tier model. Let’s take a closer look at what each model involves:
The 2-Tier ABA Model
In a 2-tier model, your child’s direct services are provided by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Here’s what you should expect:
Supervision Frequency: The BCBA is ethically required to supervise a minimum of 5% of the RBT’s total monthly hours (BACB, 2022). This typically means supervision happens at least once monthly, though twice is ideal for consistent support.
Caregiver Training: BCBAs are expected to provide regular training and education to caregivers to promote skill generalization and empower families to support their child’s progress (BACB, 2022, Code 4.09).
IEP Support: With appropriate notice, your BCBA should attend IEP or school meetings to advocate for your child and ensure that ABA strategies are reflected in the school setting (Leaf et al., 2016).
Team Collaboration: BCBAs should coordinate with other providers such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to create a unified approach to care (BACB, 2022, Code 1.10 & 2.12).
Open Communication: You should have a direct line of communication with your BCBA, with regular updates and opportunities to ask questions and share concerns (BACB, 2022, Code 2.06).
The 3-Tier ABA Model
In a 3-tier model, an additional team member—often a Program Supervisor, Case Manager, or BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst)—works alongside the RBT and BCBA.
Here’s how the responsibilities are typically divided:
Mid-Tier Supervision: The mid-tier supervisor should observe your child and provide caregiver training at least three times per month, ensuring implementation fidelity and support for both staff and family.
BCBA Oversight: The BCBA still plays a key role, providing direct oversight at least once a month to monitor progress, make program adjustments, and support ethical care.
Caregiver Support: You should receive consistent caregiver training from the mid-tier supervisor and have access to the BCBA for larger treatment decisions.
What You’re Entitled To as a Caregiver
You are an essential part of your child’s care team. Here are a few key rights you should always expect:
Ongoing caregiver training and education
Clear, consistent communication from your BCBA
Supervision that meets ethical standards
Support and representation during school meetings
Collaboration across all of your child’s services
A say in your child’s treatment goals and progress
Final Thoughts
When ABA is done well, it’s not just about modifying behavior—it’s about building relationships, increasing independence, and supporting your whole family. Whether your child is in a 2-tier or 3-tier model, you should feel heard, supported, and informed every step of the way.
You are not just your child’s advocate—you are their teammate, and that makes all the difference.
References
Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2022). Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.
Leaf, J. B., Cihon, J. H., Ferguson, J. L., Milne, C. M., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., & Weiss, M. J.
(2016). Interdisciplinary collaboration: An emerging trend in behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(2), 141–150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-016-0113-7
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