Guest: Dominique Shorter Taylor, BCBA, Founder of Dom the BCBA Mom and Shorter-Taylor Behavior Consulting

Actionable Steps Based on the Episode:

For Behavior Analysts:

1. Identify Personal Biases: Reflect on your own biases and how they might affect your work with clients. Make a habit of self-assessment to ensure you’re providing culturally responsive care.
2. Engage with Families: Ask families about their values, preferences, and how they feel about the diagnosis. Use this information to tailor interventions that are meaningful and feasible for them.
3. Provide Compassionate Supervision: Approach your supervisees with the same empathy and support you offer your clients. Create a supportive learning environment that encourages growth and development.
4. Balance Work and Family: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Prioritize activities that rejuvenate you and communicate your needs to your employer and family.

For Those Interested in Dissemination:

1. Choose the Right Platform: Identify a dissemination channel that aligns with your strengths and interests, whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, writing, or podcasting.
2. Create Consumable Content: Ensure your content is easily understandable and accessible to your target audience. Use everyday language and relatable examples to explain ABA concepts.
3. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and feedback from your audience. Positive reinforcement from viewers can motivate you to continue sharing valuable content.
4. Be Authentic: Share your unique perspective and experiences. Authenticity resonates with people and can make your dissemination efforts more impactful.

Resources Mentioned:

• Fong, E. H., Catagnus, R. M., Brodhead, M. T., Quigley, S., & Field, S. (2016). Developing the cultural awareness skills of behavior analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(1), 84–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-016-0111-6
• Autism on the Seas: autismontheseas.com

Contact Information:

• YouTube: Dom the BCBA Mom
• TikTok: Dom the BCBA Mom
• Instagram: Dom the BCBA Mom

Closing Thought: Dominique encourages behavior analysts to embrace cultural responsiveness, prioritize family and self-care, and find authentic ways to disseminate ABA knowledge. By doing so, we can make ABA more accessible and impactful for the diverse communities we serve.

Thank You Note: Thank you for listening to In the Field, the ABA Podcast. Visit sidekicklearning.net for more resources and continuing education opportunities. Please consider subscribing and sharing the podcast to help empower more professionals in the ABA community. Join us next week for more insights on fostering quality supervision in ABA.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Guest:

Angie Pickering is the founder of Tracker!, a tool designed to simplify supervision and documentation for ABA professionals. Angie's experience with supervision led her to create Tracker, aiming to streamline the documentation process and support both trainees and supervisors in meeting compliance requirements effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Supervision Requirements:
  • Minimum of 20 hours and maximum of 130 hours per month.
  • At least four contacts per month, with one observation with a client.
  • 5% of total hours must be supervised.
  • 50% of supervised hours must be one-on-one, no more than 50% in group settings, and group settings cannot exceed 10 people.
  • Minimum of 60% of hours must be unrestricted.
• Concentrated Supervision:
  • Requires six contacts per month.
  • 10% of total hours must be supervised.

Compliance and Best Practices:

• Tracker's built-in compliance monitor helps ensure all requirements are met.
• Daily documentation is important to avoid drift.
• UDS, monthly, and final verification forms should be stored securely for seven years.

Unrestricted vs. Restricted Hours:

• Unrestricted hours include activities that BCBAs would do, such as assessments and designing interventions.
• Restricted hours are more direct client implementation of plans.
• Importance of accruing unrestricted hours throughout the supervision period to be well-prepared for the BCBA role.

Advocacy and Communication:

• Trainees should feel empowered to communicate their needs and ensure they're getting comprehensive supervision.
• Organizations benefit from investing in their trainees and creating intentional supervision experiences.

Tips for Trainees and Supervisors:

• Trainees should ask about supervision structures during job interviews.
• Supervisors should be clear on what counts as restricted and unrestricted hours.
• Regularly reviewing and auditing activities can help maintain compliance and focus on necessary skills.

Favorite Part of Supervising:

• Angie enjoys seeing trainees gain confidence and become well-prepared for their BCBA roles.

Advice to New Supervisor Angie:

• Enjoy the journey, practice good self-care, and embrace the learning process.

Connect with Tracker:

• Website: fieldworktracker.com
• Instagram: studynotesaba_Tracker
• Email: Angie@fieldworktracker.com

Thank you for listening to In the Field, the ABA Podcast. Visit sidekicklearning.net for more resources and continuing education opportunities. Please consider subscribing and sharing the podcast to help empower more professionals in the ABA community. Join us next week for more insights on fostering quality supervision in ABA.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Guest Introduction: Courtney Domingue is the founder of Success Shaping and a BCBA supervisor. Success Shaping offers remote supervision, consulting supervision, and continuing education for BCBAs and trainees. Courtney emphasizes a well-rounded, flexible approach to ABA supervision.

Key Takeaways:

• Flexible Supervision Approach
• Importance of Multiple Perspectives
• Psychological Safety
• Continuous Learning
• Grassroots and Systemic Change
• Incremental Change

Connect with Courtney

• Success Shaping: successshaping.com
• Instagram: Success Shaping
• Facebook: Success Shaping

Resources

Download the guide from Success Shaping

Practical Tips for Supervisors:

• Be Present: Dedicate focused, undistracted time to your trainees, valuing their growth as much as your own professional tasks.
• Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for and incorporate feedback from trainees to improve your supervision practices.
• Continuous Learning: Engage in professional development outside of your comfort zone to stay updated and empathize with the learning experiences of your trainees.
• Celebrate Incremental Changes: Recognize and celebrate small victories and progress in supervision, both in your trainees' growth and your own professional development.

Practical Tips for Trainees:

• Self-Reflection: Clarify your goals and what you seek in a supervision experience before choosing a supervisor.
• Seek Recommendations: Connect with others in the field and ask for recommendations or advice on finding quality supervision.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask potential supervisors about their philosophy, teaching style, and expectations to ensure a good fit.
• Leverage Networks: Use social media and professional networks to seek out additional learning opportunities and mentorship outside of your immediate supervision relationship.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.