100% of the Behavior Analysts at Milestones are licensed by the state of Connecticut.
Each of our classroom teams includes a Special Education teacher, a Behavior Analyst or Assistant Behavior Analyst, and direct instruction staff. All of our staff members have received extensive and ongoing training and supervision in Behavior Analysis. The majority of our staff hold the designation of RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) or a higher level credential in Behavior Analysis or in Special Education. Working as a team, they do everything possible to help students make progress in small steps, using a creative approach to learning that is the hallmark of the Milestones philosophy.
Staffing is customized to meet the individualized needs of the school district or family requesting services.
100% of the Behavior Analysts at Milestones are licensed by the state of Connecticut.
The role of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) may vary according to the setting in which they work. These responsibilities could include developing goals, monitoring student progress, creating and implementing individualized systems of reinforcement, and training staff.
In addition, we strongly encourage our staff to pursue higher education in Behavior Analysis and seek certification as either BCBAs or BCaBAs. We promote and support these efforts by providing tuition reimbursement and mentorship to employees who pursue this path. This level of commitment enables us to increase the number of certified professionals within Milestones and in the community at large, while simultaneously enabling us to better serve our students via the implementation of quality behavior analytic programming and support on a daily basis.
Each classroom is headed by a Certified Special Education teacher. The teacher works in conjunction with the Behavior Analysts to develop, implement, and monitor student programming and progress. The Special Education Teacher trains and works hand-in-hand with the behavior specialists in their classroom to provide each student with a highly individualized program of instruction that is tailored to each student’s unique needs.
Each Special Education Teacher is provided with support and mentorship from both the Special Education Coordinator and the Educational Directors. Ongoing training and professional development is provided throughout the school year and if necessary they are provided with a TEAM mentor. In addition, we strongly encourage our staff to pursue higher education promoting and supporting these efforts by providing tuition reimbursement and mentorship to employees who pursue this path.
Many of our classroom staff have earned the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential conferred by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). In order to earn the RBT credential, individuals must meet specific training requirements, demonstrate competency in applying ABA principles within everyday teaching, and pass the RBT certification exam. RBTs receive close and ongoing supervision from our BCBAs, BCaBAs and RBT trainers to ensure their training and implementation of behavior analytic programming continues to meet and exceed required standards.
In order to achieve our goal of ensuring our students are able to be active participants within the community, we specifically program for and provide instruction within the community. The Vocational Coordinator helps to build relationships within the local community and to foster relationships with members and organizations within the community who may be able to provide access to areas that relate to specific student interests and/or talents.
While we always aim to increase appropriate behaviors and prevent unsafe behavior, all of our staff are trained in Physical Management Techniques. These techniques include reading a situation, de-escalation strategies, and, when necessary, physical carries or holds to protect the student and others within the immediate environment. Having PMT specialists on site helps to ensure that staff remain current on training and provides the opportunity for consultation to specific cases/situations as needed.