ABA Self-Check List
1. Professional & Personal Readiness
● [ ] Physical Health: Am I well enough to provide safe, high-quality care today?
● [ ] Attire: Am I wearing professional, modest clothing and closed-toe shoes that allow
me to move quickly if needed?
● [ ] Mindset: Have I set aside personal stressors to focus entirely on the client?
● [ ] Timeliness: Did I arrive early enough to set up without rushing?
2. Clinical Knowledge Readiness
● [ ] Session Notes: Did I read the notes from the previous session to check for trends or
new behaviors?
● [ ] BIP Review: Have I reviewed the Behavior Intervention Plan, specifically the
Antecedent Strategies and Consequence for Maladaptive Behavior?
● [ ] Program Updates: Are there any new skill acquisition programs (targets) added by
the BCBA?
3. Environmental & Material Readiness
● [ ] Data Tools: Is my tablet/device charged? Do I have a backup pen and paper data
sheet?
● [ ] Reinforcers: Do I have a variety of items for a Preference Assessment? Are they
"ready to go" (e.g., small pieces of edibles, batteries in toys)?
● [ ] Teaching Materials: Do I have all the necessary stimuli (flashcards, puzzles, books)
within arm's reach?
● [ ] Safety Check: Is the area clear of hazards (e.g., sharp corners, heavy objects that
could be thrown, or items the client might choke on)?
💡 Pro-Tip: The "3-Second Rule" for Readiness
When you are in the middle of a session, try to keep your materials organized so that you can
deliver a reinforcer within 3 seconds of a correct response. If you have to dig through a bag for
a sticker, the "immediacy" is lost, and the reinforcement is less effective.
1. Professional & Personal Readiness
● [ ] Physical Health: Am I well enough to provide safe, high-quality care today?
● [ ] Attire: Am I wearing professional, modest clothing and closed-toe shoes that allow
me to move quickly if needed?
● [ ] Mindset: Have I set aside personal stressors to focus entirely on the client?
● [ ] Timeliness: Did I arrive early enough to set up without rushing?
2. Clinical Knowledge Readiness
● [ ] Session Notes: Did I read the notes from the previous session to check for trends or
new behaviors?
● [ ] BIP Review: Have I reviewed the Behavior Intervention Plan, specifically the
Antecedent Strategies and Consequence for Maladaptive Behavior?
● [ ] Program Updates: Are there any new skill acquisition programs (targets) added by
the BCBA?
3. Environmental & Material Readiness
● [ ] Data Tools: Is my tablet/device charged? Do I have a backup pen and paper data
sheet?
● [ ] Reinforcers: Do I have a variety of items for a Preference Assessment? Are they
"ready to go" (e.g., small pieces of edibles, batteries in toys)?
● [ ] Teaching Materials: Do I have all the necessary stimuli (flashcards, puzzles, books)
within arm's reach?
● [ ] Safety Check: Is the area clear of hazards (e.g., sharp corners, heavy objects that
could be thrown, or items the client might choke on)?
💡 Pro-Tip: The "3-Second Rule" for Readiness
When you are in the middle of a session, try to keep your materials organized so that you can
deliver a reinforcer within 3 seconds of a correct response. If you have to dig through a bag for
a sticker, the "immediacy" is lost, and the reinforcement is less effective.
