Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  one on one aide for student in your class? experiences

    Posted 09-15-2019 08:22 PM
    Hello All,
    I have a special needs student that will be getting a one on one ABA aid in class. Do you have any experiences to share about having an aid like this? I have never worked with one before. Will she work with all the children? How do i integrate her into our classroom community? Or maybe I should not do that?
    I would really like to hear about other teachers experiences.
    C

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    Catherine Hills
    Head Toddler Teacher and Site Director
    Marin Horizon School
    Mill Valley CA
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  • 2.  RE: one on one aide for student in your class? experiences

    Posted 09-16-2019 06:32 AM
    The aide should only be working with the one child; however, it is a good way to get recognition from the neighborhood if you that aide feels that you are giving a quality education. We had an aide who was working with a child with severe challenges who became a part of our community because my teachers were teaching all the children even the one she was in charge of by diversification.

    Holly

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    Holly Kerins
    Director
    Calvary Baptist Children's Learning Center
    Bala Cynwyd PA
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  • 3.  RE: one on one aide for student in your class? experiences

    Posted 09-18-2019 12:10 AM
    I worked as a one on one side. My main focus was the child I was working with I helped her with coping mechanisms, taking notes when her hand hurt and helping her during testing as well as escorting her around campus. I did end up helping other students in the classes but that was in part due to some unfortunate teaching happening within the program and wasn't apart of my duties. 





  • 4.  RE: one on one aide for student in your class? experiences

    Posted 09-18-2019 07:48 AM
    I teach 3 year old and 4 year old preschool. This is my second year with ABA therapists in my room. I will post some general information here, but if you want specific information please email me as I'd like to preserve my students privacy.

    The techs that come to my room change each day. Having just 1 would be awesome. I teach full-day sections and they are just with us in the morning. I have 2 techs and 1 supervisor. They are not integrated into my room, as my students which students the techs are there to help. The techs in my classroom can only help the child they are assigned to. They are from a program that is paid for through the student's medical insurance, so all of their time in my room must be with the student they are assigned to. Not that they will shun other students, but they can't work with the other students. Even if the techs were sent from the public schools they would have to focus their attention on the specific child to conform with IEP or IFSP minute requirements. 

    They are limited in what they can  help with. The techs can only work on established goals. They might assist a student with focusing on a center or working on developing social skills,  but I'm still the teacher. 

    That said, my students are doing very well and we are going to fade support at school. Your specific student may have other needs. Communicate with the tech(s) and the supervisor as needed. It's been a great experience for my students.

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    Heather Finnegan
    Preschool Teacher
    Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with School
    Delavan WI
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  • 5.  RE: one on one aide for student in your class? experiences

    Posted 09-18-2019 10:35 AM
    Hi Catherine.  At my center, we also have a child who uses ABA therapy on site.  He has been in this program for almost a year for behavior therapy, sensory processing disorder, and autism therapy.   He additionally goes to an ABA Clinic 2-3 days a week (depending on behaviors and scheduling).  As others have referenced, the therapist must work with the child he/she is assigned to work with each day.  However, we have developed a wonderful working relationship with our visiting ABA therapists that they have given us "pointers and tips" to help us with some of our other children that they observe while engaged with their child daily.

    I really think this is a wonderful resource and tool that you can tap into.  But you have to build those relationships, not only with the therapist and supervisors, but also with the child and family.  Having everyone on board and on the same page and helping each other, is ultimately what is going to help better the child.  And isn't that what we are all here for?


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    Colleen Regan-O'Hara
    Director
    Happy Acres Ranch
    Jacksonville FL
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