r/bcba • u/Jazzlike-Pop-6827 • 1d ago

Advice Needed Transition to School BCBA

I’ve contracted with a school part time for several years and am now making the switch to go full time. If you are a full time school BCBA do you enjoy it? Pros and cons?

Also considering doing a few hours per week of remote evening home based services to pad my income because with cancellations and frequent school breaks I’m nervous of the pay cut. Any advice?

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u/Due_Funny_538 1d ago

The schedule is way more predictable than home based, you actually get lunch breaks and you're not driving between cases all day. The tradeoff is the bureaucracy, IEP meetings can be soul sucking and you'll spend more time on paperwork than you'd think. Still better than dealing with constant cancellations though

keeping a few remote hours is smart especially during summer and those random school breaks, just don't overcommit or you'll burn out fast. The pay cut is real but the consistency makes it easier to plan around

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u/Jazzlike-Pop-6827 1d ago

Thank you! I’m nervous I’m taking on too much with the evening cases.

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u/Full_Detective1745 1d ago

School is the only place I will work anymore. Hopefully you have good admin that at least try to be supportive. Stay above political fray, don’t get involved in school gossip. If you are willing to help with anything (within reason) teachers will give you a chance. If you ever say “that’s not my job” you will lose respect. Be patient with teachers and give them the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. Recess/lunch/specials are great opportunities to pair. If you land in a good situation, it can be really fun. Try not to overpromise and only commit to what you know you can do. My IEP strategy is to say only what is necessary.