The Role of an RBT: Who’s Working With Your Child?
When families first begin ABA therapy, they meet with a BCBA to complete the assessment and develop the treatment plan. Once regular sessions begin, the person greeting your child each day is typically an RBT. So, who exactly is an RBT? What is their role, and how are they trained? Here’s what parents should know about the people who teaches your child important skills–and make sessions fun while doing it!
What is an RBT?
An RBT is a nationally credentialed paraprofessional who delivers ABA therapy directly to clients. They’re trained, tested, background checked, CPR certified, and supervised. Before an RBT begins working with clients independently they must complete:
40 hour training covering ABA principles, ethics, data collection, behavior reduction, and skill acquisition
A competency assessment where they demonstrate those skills in real-world scenarios
A national exam through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Learn more about this process at: https://www.bacb.com/rbt/
What is Their Role?
RBTs run client sessions working directly with your child, which means they handle:
Teaching communication, social, play, and daily living skills
Running structured programs written by the BCBA
Supporting your child through transitions, routines, and new challenges
Collecting accurate data every session to measure progress
Implementing behavior strategies safely and consistently
Creating a warm, supportive environment for your child to enjoy learning
How are RBTs Supervised?
Per the BACB standards, RBTs must be supervised at least 5 percent of the direct hours they implement. However, at Bright Beginnings ABA, that percentage is much higher and closer to nearly 20 percent of direct hours per client. This includes real-time, hands-on observation and coaching that happens daily in our clinic. Supervision includes:
Session observations
Coaching and skill development
Parent communication support
Adjustments to the treatment plan
Ongoing training and professional development
RBTs and BCBAs communicate constantly to ensure that therapy sessions remain effective.
Why RBTs Matter So Much:
Consistency is everything when it comes to meaningful behavior change. Your child needs someone who knows them well, cares about their success, and shows up ready to work. RBTs and children build strong, meaningful relationships with one another, celebrate wins together, and create trust that fosters progress.
Parents at our clinic give us feedback frequently about what their RBTs mean to them. From asking for their RBTs by name, excitement when they see their RBTs picture, or greeting them with a big smile, we are proud of how hard our RBTs work to create client bonds.
Bright Beginnings RBTs:
We asked our RBTs about their favorite parts of the jobs, and this is what they shared:
Madison: “My favorite part about working as an RBT is that I can see firsthand the growth that occurs as clients come in for their sessions. It is truly inspiring to see the difference I make and I look forward to making even more positive impacts in the future.”
And a very special shoutout to Madison–she is graduating with her bachelor’s degree this month and beginning her master’s program on her path to becoming a BCBA. We are so proud of her and cannot wait to see her continue to grow her skills in the field!
Madi: “My favorite part about Bright Beginnings is the kids. I love watching them learn and grow, and seeing their silly, unique personalities come through. Being a part of a team that works together to support each kiddo makes the work even more meaningful and fun!”
Alex: “I love working at Bright Beginnings. The collaborative environment allows me to witness growth, resilience, and joy every day. Being a part of an enthusiastic team which celebrates all the little steps is deeply rewarding. Walking through the doors to energy and laughter is incredibly uplifting. The connection built between colleagues and clients is unlike any other. Bright Beginnings doesn’t just foster progress and independence for clients; it fosters deep, authentic relationships while nurturing each child’s individual journey. This work is not only fulfilling–It’s beautiful, transformative, and endlessly inspiring.”
Lauren: ”My favorite part of the job is the people! From the kids being the sweetest, and being able to see them grow and learn every day. It makes my heart happy! The people who work here are just the best and I have so much fun while teaching the kids with them.”
Hailey: “My favorite part about working at Bright Beginnings is the community. I like how it’s a place where everyone is approachable and willing to help. As a new RBT, having that kind of support means a lot. It’s nice to see everyone work together to create a positive environment where everyone can feel valued and connected.”
