The research article "Maintaining Effective Supervision Systems for Trainees Pursuing a Behavior Analyst Certification Board Certification During the COVID-19 Pandemic" offers valuable insights into overcoming these obstacles. Below, we discuss key outcomes and recommendations from the study to help practitioners improve their supervision systems.
Key Barriers and Solutions
The pandemic has led to school closures, transitions to telepractice, and other service disruptions, creating a unique set of challenges for trainees. Supervisors need to acknowledge these obstacles and take reasonable steps to prevent and remediate dilemmas affecting trainee fieldwork experiences.
Challenges Faced by Trainees
- Limited opportunities to provide direct services to clients.
- Difficulty in accumulating experience hours and supervised observations.
- Challenges in arranging supervised observations due to social-distancing practices.
Practical Solutions
- Implement flexible supervision plans that accommodate remote service delivery.
- Utilize telepractice to continue providing services and supervision.
- Incorporate role-playing and video modeling to practice new competencies.
- Develop personalized applied behavior analysis (ABA) fieldwork plans for trainees.
Tools for Supervisors and Trainees
The article provides three essential tools to assist supervisors and trainees in adapting their supervision practices during the pandemic:
1. ABA Fieldwork Plan
A personalized ABA fieldwork plan can help trainees and supervisors set clear goals and track progress. This plan should include group seminar topics, individual supervision activities, and timelines for completion. Regular reviews and updates are essential to ensure the plan remains relevant and effective.
2. Client/Family Needs Assessment
Conducting a client/family needs assessment helps prioritize continuity of care. This assessment identifies barriers to instruction and tailors support to fit the family's needs. It also provides opportunities for trainees to practice their interpersonal and professional skills.
3. Trainee Needs Assessment
Supervisors should conduct a trainee needs assessment to identify potential barriers impacting the trainee's ability to meet BACB requirements. This assessment guides modifications to fieldwork activities, ensuring trainees continue to accrue experience hours effectively.
Implementing Data-Driven Decisions
Supervisors must make data-based decisions to commit to providing effective supervision. By using the tools and recommendations provided in the research article, supervisors can ensure that trainees continue to develop their skills and provide high-quality services, even during disruptions.
Investing time in structured, competency-based supervision not only is ethical but also results in immediate and long-term gains for organizations and the recipients of their services. As we navigate these challenging times, protecting the supervisory relationship is essential to maintain integrity in the field of ABA for the benefit of current and future consumers.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Maintaining Effective Supervision Systems for Trainees Pursuing a Behavior Analyst Certification Board Certification During the COVID-19 Pandemic
