ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome! We are beginning to provide you (and all Behavior Technicians) with a monthly newsletter so that we can more easily share important information and company announcements.
Announcements
You can view the company calendar to find important information, closing dates, and to schedule any meetings (when needed). Find the calendar here.
To access the calendar (and any other password-protected pages on the AOA website), use password: AOA2403!
This password may change at times for security purposes. You will be informed when this occurs.
Reviewing the newsletters is a mandatory part of your position.
BT Mentorship Program
EXCITING NEWS: AOA is launching a new program that will help BTs support one another. The program will give newer BTs more support and it will offer more experienced BTs an opportunity to grow in the field of ABA.
APPLICATION: If you’re interested in applying to become a BT mentor, keep a look out for the application link.
QUESTIONS: If you have questions that you'd like to discuss prior to submitting an application, feel free to contact Heather Gilmore at hgilmore@autismofamerica.com
The primary criteria for being eligible to become a BT Mentor is that you have worked in the ABA field for at least one year. Please only apply if you have met this requirement.
BT REMINDERS
This area of the newsletter will address things related to your position as a Behavior Technician. We will give reminders that you may already be familiar with just as a refresher or for the purposes of reminding those who may not be aware of the information. We might also share new information related to your role as a BT.
Reminder(s) of the Month
Remember to collect ALL of the data that is requested in Catalyst under your client's programs (including baseline and maintenance as needed) during each session - unless otherwise requested by the BCBA.
QBS TRAINING: For our Grand Rapids area staff, remember we are offering QBS training on May16th and 17th from 8:00am - 4:00pm.
FEATURED ABA CONCEPT
This area of the newsletter will briefly review one ABA concept, strategy, or tip as a way to help you improve your ABA skills which will ultimately help us give the best quality services to our clients. We continue to strive for excellence in our services and want to support your growth in the field, as well.
Featured ABA Concept of the Month : Prepare for Data Collection
Make sure you are prepared for collecting data during your session by doing the following:
You understand your client's programs
You have the materials you need to work on those programs
You understand what type of data you are going to collect
You ALWAYS have Catalyst open and accessible during your session so you can easily take data in the moment (this helps ensure data is more accurate so the BCBA can analyze the data and modify programs as needed)
IMPORTANT DATES (Events, Closings, Etc.)
CLOSINGS
Memorial Day: May 27th: AOA closed
EVENTS
Themed Client Activity: WELCOMING SPRING
Week of May 13-May 17
For some spring fun, AOA would like all of our centers (and home-based staff if you're able) to help our clients plant a flower in a pot that the kids can bring home with them. This is a way to connect all of our BTs and kiddos and bring a greater sense of community to our team despite being in many different locations. Additionally, this activity gives our clients something new and exciting to experience which can incorporate mastered skills, current goals, or new skills as well as develop social and communication skills no matter the learner's needs or abilities. Feel free to contact your Center Coordinator or the BCBA overseeing your case for more guidance. (See recommended reading below)
For some fun light reading, here is an interesting document written by an Occupational Therapist about the steps and skills involved in planting a flower. Note: They are planning to plant the flower outside so, of course, you will need to modify that to work for our project of planting inside in a pot with soil.
QBS Training (Grand Rapids location)
May 16th and 17th 8:00am-4:00pm
COMPANY VALUES
We would like to share the AOA core values with you. We strive to incorporate these values into everything we do. We hope you will embrace these values and demonstrate them throughout your work, as well.
THE AOA CORE VALUES INCLUDE:
Excellence
Compassion
Respect
Diversity
Positivity
THANK YOU
Thank you for all you do for your clients and for AOA. We appreciate you!
If you have any questions about this content, feel free to contact the Training & Development Director, Heather Gilmore, at hgilmore@autismofamerica.com. You are also welcome to contact your BCBA, center manager, or HR staff.
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