Child Development Center

Family Support Specialists

A Family Support Specialist (FSS) is a coach and facilitator who supports and guides families to help their child grow and develop to their fullest potential. Together, the family and the FSS develop an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) based on the family’s priorities. An FSS works in the child’s home and community so families develop the practical knowledge and skills to best improve the everyday lives of all involved. FSSs work in our Early Intervention, Family Education & Support, and Life Skills programs.

Pediatric Therapists

Many of the kids in the Early Intervention program (ages 0-36 months) receive effective treatment from our Family Support Specialists and need no further assistance. Sometimes, though, a child in EI will demonstrate delays that require the attention of a Physical, Occupational and/or Speech Language therapist.

Rather than send those kids to an outside service where long waiting lists are common, we brought our own team of therapists onboard to work directly with our FSS. Now, when a child needs a little extra help, our therapists become part of that family’s team!

Behavior Analysts & Technicians

Behavior Analysts and Technicians are the backbone of our Autism & Behavioral Services program. Using the evidence-based, positive-reinforcement practices of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), they work with kids on the autism spectrum to help shape desired behaviors, allowing them to live as independent and fulfilling lives as they can.

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) undergo thousands of hours of coursework and supervised fieldwork to earn their certifications. At our Learning Centers in Missoula and Kalispell, BCBA design and oversee treatment for all clients and supervise all BCaBA, RBT and BT.

Whereas BCBA is a master’s-level certification, Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) is the undergraduate equivalent. At Child Development Center, behavior analysts often acquire this designation on the way to becoming a full-fledged BCBA. BCaBA must still practice under the supervision of a BCBA, but they can directly supervise BT and RBT.

Behavior Technicians (BT) implement the programs designed by BCBA directly with clients on a daily basis. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) are BT who have completed a rigorous curriculum, competency assessment, and an exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Administrative Staff