A lot of families ask me this, and honestly, it’s a great question. What does a BCBA actually do day to day? The short answer: a BCBA’s work goes far beyond paperwork or supervision.
Every day is a mix of clinical decision-making, collaboration, and hands-on problem solving—all centered around helping children make meaningful progress.
What a BCBA’s role looks like
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is responsible for designing, overseeing, and adjusting behavior intervention plans. But the real work happens in the details. Each day involves observing behavior, analyzing data, supporting therapists, and working closely with families.
No two days are exactly the same, but there’s a rhythm to the work.
A typical day in the life of a BCBA
Reviewing data and progress
Most days start with data. I look at:
- Skill acquisition data
- Behavior reduction trends
- Notes from therapy sessions
This helps me decide what’s working, what needs adjustment, and where a child may be ready to move forward. Data-driven decision making is a core part of ABA therapy.
Observing therapy sessions
A big part of my role is observing sessions in real time—at home, in school, or in the community. During these observations, I’m looking at:
- How behavior intervention plans are being implemented
- How the child is responding
- Whether strategies need refinement
This is where plans turn into real-life support.
Training and supporting RBTs
BCBAs don’t work alone. I spend time coaching and training Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), making sure they feel confident and supported. This can include:
- Modeling teaching strategies
- Giving feedback
- Troubleshooting challenging behaviors
Strong therapy outcomes start with strong therapist support.
Adjusting behavior plans
When behaviors change, plans change. Day to day, that means:
- Updating goals
- Modifying reinforcement strategies
- Teaching replacement behaviors
- Making sure interventions remain ethical and effective
ABA therapy isn’t static—it evolves with the child.
Collaborating with families
Families are a huge part of a BCBA’s day. I regularly:
- Check in with parents and caregivers
- Answer questions about behavior
- Offer practical strategies families can use outside of sessions
This collaboration helps skills generalize into everyday life.
Coordinating with schools and other providers
For many children, I also communicate with teachers, school staff, and other providers. Alignment across settings is critical for consistent progress.
What people often misunderstand about BCBAs
One of the biggest misconceptions is that BCBAs only supervise or only write plans. In reality, the role blends:
- Clinical expertise
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Relationship building
It’s hands-on, thoughtful work that requires constant learning and flexibility.
Supporting families at Little Champs ABA
At Little Champs ABA, our BCBAs are deeply involved in each child’s care. We provide individualized, evidence-based ABA therapy for families in Colorado and Utah, with support that fits real life.
Our services include:
- ABA therapy at home
- ABA therapy in school
- ABA therapy in daycare
- ABA therapy for teenagers
- Telehealth ABA
If you’re curious about how ABA therapy works—or what kind of support a BCBA can provide for your child—contact us today. We’d love to help you build strategies that truly work for your family.
FAQs
What does a BCBA do in ABA therapy?
A BCBA designs and oversees behavior intervention plans, analyzes data, trains therapists, and works closely with families to support skill development.
Does a BCBA work directly with my child?
Yes. While BCBAs supervise therapy, they also observe sessions, model strategies, and interact directly with children to assess progress and adjust plans.
How is a BCBA different from an RBT?
A BCBA creates and manages the treatment plan, while an RBT implements the plan during therapy sessions under the BCBA’s supervision.
How often does a BCBA review progress?
BCBAs review data regularly—often daily or weekly—to ensure goals are effective and to make timely changes when needed.
Why is BCBA involvement important?
Consistent BCBA oversight ensures ABA therapy stays individualized, ethical, and responsive to a child’s changing needs.
Sources:
- https://www.bacb.com/bcba/
- https://www.bacb.com/
- https://www.psychology.org/resources/bcba-meaning-career-overview/
- https://bouve.northeastern.edu/news/board-certified-behavior-analyst-definition-and-responsibilities/
- https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/insight/career-development/bcba-guide-bcba-certification-exam/
- https://www.alliant.edu/blog/what-does-a-BCBA-do