Free Supervision Idea: Create a "Get to Know Me" Presentation to Share with Parents and RBTs
Heyyy, BCBA Ruby here!
As a BCBA, one of the most important aspects of our role is our ability to guide and mentor new professionals in the field. Supervision is not just about gathering hours but about creating meaningful learning experiences that will shape their future as a clinician. If you're currently working on accumulating your 2,000 hours required for BCBA certification, here’s a free supervision idea to make those hours count: have your supervisee create a “Get to Know Me” presentation!
Why Is This a Valuable Supervision Hour Activity?
For anyone working toward BCBA certification, the 2,000 supervision hours can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to focus on just checking off the boxes, but creating a thoughtful and interactive experience like a “Get to Know Me” presentation is an excellent way to make the time spent with your supervisee more impactful. Here’s why this activity is worth including in your supervision hours:
It Helps Meet the BACB Supervision Hour Requirements: As part of the BCBA certification process, you need to meet specific supervision hour requirements. The BACB requires 2,000 hours of supervised experience. Completing meaningful, well-structured tasks not only fulfills the required time but also ensures the supervisee is gaining valuable skills that will serve them throughout their career.
Fosters Communication and Trust: This activity is a great way for a supervisee to practice communicating important information. By preparing a presentation, they’ll learn how to clearly articulate their approach, their philosophy, and the strategies they use, helping parents and RBTs feel more confident in working with them. It’s a perfect opportunity to build relationships based on trust, transparency, and teamwork.
Encourages Self-Reflection and Growth: Asking your supervisee to think about their strengths, areas for growth, and therapeutic approach encourages self-reflection. It helps them set personal and professional goals while also being open to feedback and growth. This can build the self-awareness necessary for future success as a BCBA.
Creates a Collaborative Working Environment: A positive supervision environment is all about collaboration. This “Get to Know Me” presentation activity sets the stage for a collaborative approach between the supervisee, parents, and RBTs. By encouraging your supervisee to share this presentation with everyone involved, you’re fostering open communication and ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the goals and strategies for the client.
Helps With Parent and RBT Collaboration: A big part of ABA is working closely with families and RBTs. This presentation serves as an introduction that helps all parties feel more comfortable. Parents can gain insight into the supervisee’s approach, and RBTs can better understand how to collaborate effectively with them.
What Should the "Get to Know Me" Presentation Include?
Here are some key points to consider when guiding your supervisee to create a “Get to Know Me” presentation:
Basic Info & Background: Have your supervisee introduce themselves, including their experience, background, and why they’re passionate about ABA. This helps others get to know them as a person.
Therapeutic Approach and Values: Encourage them to share their therapeutic approach, including strategies they find most effective and how they plan to approach their work with the client. They should also include their values as a clinician, such as their commitment to ethical practices, collaboration, and progress.
Strengths and Areas for Growth: This is an important part of the self-reflection process. Asking your supervisee to highlight their strengths and areas for growth gives them a chance to set realistic goals for themselves.
Goals for Clients: Encourage your supervisee to outline their short- and long-term goals for the client. This is a great way to get everyone on the same page and ensure that all team members are working toward a common goal.
Personal Interests: Including personal facts and hobbies helps to humanize the supervisee and creates an opportunity to bond with parents and RBTs. Sharing personal details helps everyone see the supervisee as more than just a therapist but as a collaborator who genuinely cares about the client’s well-being.
Preferred Communication Style: This section is helpful in setting expectations for how your supervisee likes to communicate with the team. It also shows that they value open dialogue and are committed to making sure that everyone stays informed.
How to Implement This in Supervision Hours:
This task can be easily incorporated into supervision hours. You can allocate time during a session for your supervisee to present their “Get to Know Me” presentation, followed by a discussion where they can receive feedback. This is a great opportunity for you to offer guidance and suggestions, making sure the supervisee is engaging in a productive, self-reflective process.
The best part? The “Get to Know Me” presentation is something your supervisee can keep and adapt for future interactions with parents and RBTs. It’s a fantastic resource that encourages ongoing self-reflection and helps them build a strong foundation for successful collaborations throughout their career.
Final Thoughts:
While the 2,000 hours of supervision required by the BACB might seem like a daunting task, it’s important to make every hour count by engaging in meaningful activities that help your supervisee grow. By having them create a “Get to Know Me” presentation, you’re offering them a valuable tool that promotes clear communication, builds relationships, and encourages personal growth—all while meeting the supervision requirements. Plus, it's a great way to ensure that your supervisee is ready to make an impact as a future BCBA.
