Applied Behavior Analysis in schools

What Is School-Based ABA Therapy?
School-based ABA therapy is the application of applied behavior analysis in schools to support students during their regular school day. Rather than replacing school, ABA therapy complements it—helping children manage behaviors, stay engaged, and build essential skills that improve classroom performance and social participation.
Our therapists are trained to work within the school setting, collaborating with teachers, aides, and administrators to:
- Promote positive behaviors
- Reduce disruptive or unsafe actions
- Improve attention, focus, and transitions
- Support social interactions and peer engagement
- Reinforce academic-related behaviors
Why Bring ABA into the Classroom?
Many children with autism or related conditions struggle with the structured, fast-paced nature of the school environment. ABA therapy in the classroom provides individualized support that bridges the gap between a child’s learning potential and their current performance.
Here’s how it helps:
- Improved Behavior Management : Therapists use evidence-based strategies to reduce challenging behaviors in real time.
- Skill Generalization : Students learn to apply skills in a real-world environment, which leads to greater long-term success.
- IEP Alignment : Our team participates in IEP meetings to align therapy goals with educational benchmarks.
- Support for Educators : Teachers benefit from having additional behavioral support in the classroom.
How School-Based ABA Therapy Works
We make the process collaborative and personalized. Here’s what you can expect:
We’ll evaluate your child’s unique strengths and challenges, focusing on how ABA can help in the school setting.
We work directly with your child’s school to ensure services fit within the daily schedule, follow school policies, and align with IEP/504 plans.
Our RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) provide in-school ABA therapy either within the classroom, during breaks, or in a pull-out setting—depending on what’s best for the child.
We track goals and data consistently, adjusting strategies as needed and keeping families and educators in the loop every step of the way.
Age Groups & Settings We Serve
Little Champs ABA provides school-based services for:
- Preschoolers (ages 3–5)
- Elementary school students
- Middle and high schoolers
- Public and private schools
- Charter schools and special education programs
Whether your child is just starting school or navigating transitions, we’re here to support them.
Supporting Students with School-Based ABA Therapy Across Utah and Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ABA therapy replace school?
No—ABA therapy does not replace school. Instead, we work within your child’s current educational environment to support their learning and behavior.
Can my child receive ABA during school hours?
Yes. Our team coordinates closely with school staff to deliver services during school hours without disrupting your child’s core instruction.
Do you offer ABA therapy at preschools?
We do! Many of our younger clients benefit from ABA therapy in preschool settings to support early socialization, communication, and school readiness.
What’s the difference between ABA therapy and public school special education?
ABA therapy is one-on-one, behavior-focused, and highly individualized. Public school special education supports are broader and classroom-based. We can complement special education services by working alongside your child’s IEP team.
Does insurance cover school-based ABA therapy?
Yes, many insurance providers cover school-based ABA therapy services, especially when they are medically necessary and part of an approved treatment plan. Coverage can vary depending on your provider and state, so we’re happy to help you check your benefits. At Little Champs ABA, we work with families to verify insurance and explain your options clearly before starting services.
Can school-based ABA therapy be combined with in-home ABA therapy?
Absolutely! In fact, combining school-based ABA therapy with in-home ABA therapy often leads to better outcomes. It allows your child to practice and generalize skills across multiple settings—school, home, and the community. At Little Champs ABA, we offer both school-based and in-home aba therapy services and create cohesive treatment plans that support progress no matter where learning happens.