September Supervision Competency

Setting Supervision Up for Success: September Competency - Accurately Documenting Hours

As the weather gets cooler and school is back in session, it's the perfect time to reset and build new routines—especially when it comes to supervision in ABA. Whether you're welcoming new trainees or refreshing systems with current ones, having a strong focus on key competencies is critical.

Each month, I share a competency that you can spotlight in your supervision practices, ensuring you’re covering vital skills for your trainees. This month, we’re tackling something foundational, yet often overlooked—Accurately Documenting Hours.

Why It Matters:

At the start of any supervision experience, it’s essential for trainees to learn how to correctly document their hours. This competency helps them understand the difference between fieldwork types, restricted vs. unrestricted hours, and what counts as acceptable activities. But this shouldn’t only be reviewed at the beginning—it’s an ongoing process that needs regular attention throughout supervision.

Related Ethics Codes: 1.02, 4.01, 4.05.

Essential Questions for Reflection:

• Which systems should we use for accurate and consistent documentation?
• Do current job activities align with fieldwork requirements, and can they count toward hours?
• How could current activities be adjusted to be more behavior-analytic?
• What new activities could be added to help the trainee develop additional skills?
• Are these activities restricted or unrestricted?
• How do these tasks align with long-term career goals as a trainee?

Trainee Tasks for the Month:

1. Complete 10 Unique Documentation System (UDS) entries and have your supervisor review them. Ensure they meet the BCBA? Handbook's requirements.
2. Review the 6th Edition Test Content Outline? and note how your daily activities align with ABA concepts.
3. Submit the Monthly Verification Form (MVF) on time, ensuring it matches your UDS.

Helpful Resources:

• Interest and Goals Survey: Use this to reflect on long-term career goals.
• Delegation Matrix (pg. 15-17): A tool to help clarify responsibilities.?
• BCBA Handbook: Your go-to resource for fieldwork requirements from the BACB?
• BACB Documenting Fieldwork Hours Video: A great refresher on hour documentation best practices from the BACB?

Starting off strong with accurate documentation is crucial for any trainee’s success. Let’s make sure we’re supporting them every step of the way!