Navigating your child’s education while also managing their therapy needs can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. If your child is receiving in-home ABA therapy in San Francisco, you’ve likely seen the positive changes this support can bring. However, the next big step is often making sure your child gets the same kind of understanding and accommodations at school.
Many parents feel unsure about how to approach their child’s school when it comes to discussing ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy and the accommodations their child needs. What do you say? How do you get teachers and staff on board? And how do you make sure your child isn’t just “getting by” in school, but actually thriving?
Let’s break this down in a simple, clear, and supportive way so you can walk into those conversations feeling confident and prepared.
Start with the Basics: Know Your Rights and Your Child’s Needs
Before heading into any school meeting, it helps to have a basic understanding of your child’s rights and needs. If your child is receiving in-home ABA therapy in San Francisco, your therapy provider likely has data, behavior plans, and progress reports that outline specific challenges and the strategies that are helping.
Use these materials as your foundation. You’re not walking in empty-handed—you already have expert insight on what’s working at home, and that’s a powerful tool.
Under federal law (IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), your child may be eligible for services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, depending on their diagnosis and needs. These can include behavior support, additional time for tasks, sensory accommodations, and more.
Step 1: Schedule a Meeting with the Right People
Reach out to your child’s teacher, principal, or school counselor to request a meeting. Make it clear that the purpose is to discuss your child’s needs, particularly related to the support they’re receiving through ABA therapy. You don’t need to go into full detail in the email—just let them know you’d like to work together to ensure your child is supported both at home and at school.
Example message:
“Hi [Teacher/Principal Name], I’d love to schedule a meeting to talk about some of the strategies we’ve been using at home through in-home ABA therapy and how we might work together to support [Child’s Name] at school. We’re seeing some great progress and I’d like to make sure there’s continuity between home and school.”
Step 2: Come Prepared with Information (But Keep It Simple)
When you meet with the school team, bring a summary of your child’s ABA goals and current strategies. Your in-home ABA provider can usually help create a short document that outlines this in parent-friendly language. You don’t need to overwhelm the school with a full report—just share the key things that are helping your child succeed.
For example:
- What behaviors are being worked on (e.g., following directions, reducing outbursts)
- What supports help (e.g., using visual schedules, allowing movement breaks)
- Any sensory needs or triggers you’ve identified at home
When you present this information, keep the tone collaborative—not demanding. Most teachers genuinely want to help, but they may not know much about ABA unless they’ve worked with it before.
Step 3: Be Honest, Not Defensive
This can be hard—especially if you’ve had past experiences where you didn’t feel heard. But starting from a place of partnership will get you further. Let the school know that you’re not expecting perfection. You just want to build a consistent, supportive environment across home and school.
Acknowledge the challenges, too. For example:
“I know classroom settings are different than home, and I understand that [Child’s Name] might behave differently here. That’s okay—we’re just hoping to share what’s working and see what’s realistic to implement at school.”
This shows that you understand their side too, and that you’re not just “telling” them what to do—you’re inviting them to be part of your child’s team.
Step 4: Talk About Accommodations, Not Just Therapy
Sometimes, parents get stuck thinking they need to “get the school to do ABA.” But in most cases, schools don’t provide ABA therapy—they provide accommodations and support services that align with what your child needs to succeed.
So instead of asking for the school to “do ABA,” ask for practical supports that are aligned with your child’s therapy goals.
For example:
- If ABA sessions focus on transitions, ask the school for a transition warning system or visual cues.
- If your child needs breaks at home, request scheduled movement or sensory breaks at school.
- If your child is working on communication, ask if a visual schedule or choice board could be used in the classroom.
Frame it as: “At home, [Child’s Name] is responding really well to [support]. Would something like that be possible here?”
Step 5: Keep the Conversation Going
One meeting won’t solve everything—and that’s okay. What matters most is that you’ve started the conversation and opened the door for collaboration. Check in regularly. Send updates from your in-home ABA team, and ask how things are going on the school side.
If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, make sure it’s reviewed regularly and updated as needed. If you don’t have one yet, consider asking for an ABA assessment report from your provider that you can submit as part of the formal evaluation process.
Bonus Tip: Bring an Advocate (if needed)
If you ever feel stuck or unheard, don’t be afraid to bring someone with you to meetings—this could be a case manager, a family advocate, or even your child’s ABA therapist. Having a second set of ears and a professional perspective can help make the conversation smoother and more productive.
In San Francisco, there are also many parent advocacy groups and special education resources that offer free support for navigating school systems. You’re not alone in this.
Final Thoughts: You Are Your Child’s Best Advocate
Bridging the gap between in-home ABA therapy and school can feel daunting—but you’re already doing one of the most important things: advocating for your child. With your insight at home and the right conversations at school, your child can receive the consistency and care they need to thrive.
Remember: You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up, speak up, and stay curious about what’s possible. Schools aren’t always easy to navigate, but when parents and educators work together, incredible things can happen for kids.
If you’re in San Francisco and you’re looking for support or resources around in-home ABA therapy or school accommodations, reach out to your ABA provider or local advocacy groups. There are people ready to help.
