Support that travels with your learner
School is where toddlers, learners, and young adults spend most of their day — and where behavioral, social, and communication challenges are most visible. Behavioral Independence brings evidence-based ABA therapy directly into classrooms and school settings across Volusia County, working hand-in-hand with educators so every part of the school day becomes an opportunity to grow.
WHY IT MATTERS
Skills built in the school setting generalize faster
We believe in evidence-based practices — focusing on effective strategies to achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time. Delivering ABA therapy in the actual school environment means learners practice skills exactly where those skills are needed most.
1.
Immediate Generalization
Skills practiced in the real classroom — with the real teacher, peers, and daily routine — transfer immediately. There's no gap between a therapy room and real school life.
2.
Whole-Team Alignment
We work hand-in-hand with teachers, aides, and school staff — equipping them with the same ABA strategies and reinforcement techniques we use in sessions, creating consistency throughout the school day.
3.
Natural Peer Learning
Social skills, turn-taking, communication, and group participation are best learned alongside actual peers in a real classroom — not in an isolated one-on-one therapy setting.
What we work on in the school setting
FOCUS AREAS
Every plan is individualized — but these are the core areas our school-based therapy targets for toddlers, learners, and young adults across all grade levels.
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Supporting learners to remain on-task, follow multi-step instructions, transition between activities, and participate appropriately in group and individual work — increasing engagement and decreasing avoidance.
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Building functional communication — requesting help, answering questions, participating in class discussions — using spoken language, AAC devices, or picture communication systems tailored to each learner.
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Teaching learners to initiate play, respond to peers, take turns, navigate conflict, and build the social foundations needed for meaningful relationships in and beyond the school setting.
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Helping learners manage schedule changes, activity transitions, and unexpected disruptions with less distress and greater independence — reducing the behavioral impact of unpredictability.
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Identifying the root function of disruptive, aggressive, or self-injurious behaviors in the school setting and replacing them with functional, appropriate alternatives that still meet the learner's needs.
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Supporting the practical independence skills that make the school day more manageable — hygiene routines, navigating the cafeteria, managing personal belongings, and self-advocacy.
We work with your school — not around it
OUR APPROACH
Collaboration is key to our success. We strive to work hand-in-hand with caregivers, schools, and other providers to achieve the highest level of independence for our learners. Your involvement is crucial — research shows that active participation from caregivers and educators helps learners reach their goals faster.
We don't show up as outsiders. Services are provided with the full consent and cooperation of the school or program — and we build genuine working relationships with teachers, aides, and administrators before the first session begins.
Direct collaboration with classroom teachers and special education staff
IEP goal alignment and school-based data collection
Staff training on ABA strategies, reinforcement, and behavior plans
Caregiver training with demonstrations and explanations of ABA concepts
Regular communication between the school team, therapist, and family
Available in public schools, private schools, daycares, and after-school programs
WHO WE SERVE
School-based services for every stage
Our programs are designed to meet learners wherever they are — from toddlers in early childhood programs to young adults preparing for life beyond graduation.
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Toddlers & Preschoolers
Early childhood classrooms and daycares — building foundational communication, play, and social skills before Kindergarten, with seamless coordination alongside early intervention teams.
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Grade-School Learners
Elementary and middle school students navigating academic demands, peer relationships, behavioral challenges, and the increasing complexity of the school day across general and special education settings.
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Adolescents & Young Adults
High school students and young adults building self-advocacy, vocational skills, and independence — with a focus on promoting future inclusion across community and school settings.
GETTING STARTED
From first contact to
first session
Coordinating services across home, school, and family takes a few extra steps, but we manage the complexity so your family doesn't have to.
1.
Family Referral
A caregiver submits our new client referral form or gives us a call. We'll follow up quickly to learn about your learner's current school placement, challenges, and goals.
2.
Insurance Verification
We verify your coverage before any commitment is made. We accept Medicaid and several major insurance plans — most families are surprised by how much is covered.
3.
School Program Consent
& Coordination
With caregiver consent in place, we coordinate directly with the school or program to establish our involvement — ensuring the school team is informed, aligned, and prepared for collaboration.
4.
Family Referral
Your designated therapist observes the learner in their actual school setting to better build a complete picture of behavioral patterns and opportunities for intervention.
5.
Individualized Plan
& Therapy Begins
We develop a school-based ABA plan aligned with IEP goals where applicable, reviewed with both the family and school team before services begin. Data is collected every session, and progress is shared regularly with all stakeholders.
Get ready to embark on a journey toward greater independence
Whether your learner is a toddler in daycare, a student navigating the school day, or a young adult preparing for life beyond graduation — we're here to help!