As BCBAs, I truly believe we underutilize our RBTs when it comes to increasing caregiver involvement in ABA therapy services. And I say this as a BCBA since 2014: When caregiver involvement is strong, it can completely change the game. RBTs are often the team members who see caregivers the most. They are there at drop-off, pick-up, in the home, in the community, and during the day-to-day moments that matter. When trained appropriately and kept within their role, RBTs can help strengthen caregiver trust, communication, and participation in therapy. Here are 5 things I train RBTs to do to increase caregiver involvement: 1. Provide clear and descriptive session updates. Not just “he had a good day.” Parents need to know what actually happened. What went well? What did the client work on? What was difficult? What strategies helped? These details help caregivers understand therapy better and start thinking about how strategies may carry over at home. 2. Share updates throughout the therapy session when appropriate. Photos, short videos, or quick messages can help caregivers see that their child is actively working on meaningful goals. This builds trust because parents are not just hearing about therapy later; they are seeing progress happen. 3. Include caregivers in client wins. I love celebrating mastered targets, programs, milestones, and progress with caregiver certificates or client certificates. When parents see the growth, they feel more connected to the process. It also helps RBTs feel more invested because they are part of celebrating meaningful progress. 4. Ask what is happening at home. RBTs often have consistent daily contact with caregivers, which means they can help gather valuable information. What has been hard at home? What routines are improving? What new concerns are coming up? This information helps the BCBA make services more relevant and meaningful. 5. Keep caregivers updated on current goals. Caregivers should know what their child is working on and how those goals connect to everyday life. When parents see that their priorities are being addressed, they are more likely to participate, ask questions, and carry strategies over outside of therapy. Caregiver involvement does not always start with a formal parent training meeting. Sometimes it starts with better communication, stronger RBT training, and helping caregivers feel included in the work we are already doing every day. RBTs should never be expected to act outside of their scope, but with the right training and BCBA oversight, they can be a powerful bridge between therapy sessions and the home. And that bridge matters. #BCBA #RBTTraining #ABATherapy #CaregiverTraining #ParentTraining