At ABLE Kids, being a Direct Care Professional means becoming an essential part of a child’s journey towards independence. You’ll be working with children ages 2 to 6 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, helping them build life skills in a nurturing and supportive environment. Every day is filled with meaningful work, ensuring each child has the opportunity to thrive.
Starting Your Day
Your day begins around 8:25 a.m. as you arrive at the ABLE Kids clinic, ready to make a difference. After checking in and reviewing the day’s schedule, you spend some time preparing the therapy room and gathering materials. Collaboration is key here, so before diving into the day’s tasks, you touch base with your colleagues and supervising Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to ensure everyone is aligned on treatment plans and goals.
Supporting Clients
As a Direct Care Professional, your primary responsibility is providing one-on-one care to children through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques. The children you support may be working on a range of skills, from improving communication to refining motor functions, practicing self-help skills, or engaging in social interactions. Each session is carefully designed to meet the specific needs of the child, and you play a key role in making sure these plans are implemented effectively.
You may start the day working with a child on fine motor skills through fun, interactive games. In the afternoon, you might guide another child through a series of potty training exercises. Throughout it all, you engage the child in a way that makes learning enjoyable, celebrating small victories along the way.
Data Collection and Documentation
A significant part of your role involves tracking the progress of each child. After each session, you meticulously record data related to the goals outlined in the treatment plan. This allows you and the BCBA to make evidence-based decisions, ensuring the therapy remains effective and tailored to each child’s evolving needs. Documenting the day’s work may include taking notes on the child’s behavior, recording any challenges faced, and highlighting successes.
Ending the Day
As the day draws to a close, you spend some time tidying up the clinic, ensuring that the environment remains clean, safe, and inviting for the children. You may have a brief team meeting to review the day, address any concerns, or make plans for the next day’s sessions. By 4:30 p.m., you leave the clinic knowing that you’ve made a positive difference in the lives of your clients.
Growth and Development
Being a Direct Care Professional at ABLE Kids is not only about helping children succeed—it’s about your professional growth as well. The clinic offers ongoing training opportunities and mentorship from experienced BCBAs. You’ll have access to professional development and learn new ABA techniques, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance with no evening or weekend hours.
At ABLE Kids, Direct Care Professionals are vital members of a compassionate team, dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. Every day is an opportunity to change lives, and your work is appreciated by both the children you support and the families you serve. It’s more than just a job—it’s a career where you’ll make a lasting impact on the future.
