When you start your first BCBA caseload, it is easy to wonder what should actually be in your toolkit. We have both been there, and over the years we have learned which materials truly make sessions smoother, teaching more engaging, and data collection manageable. In this conversation, we walk through the essentials we rely on every day, from assessments to data tools to reinforcers to those simple visual supports that can make all the difference.

We share why beginner assessments like the ABLLS-R, VB-MAPP, and our own How to ABA Initial Assessment help you build a solid foundation. We also talk about keeping data collection simple so you can stay present with your learner. Think tally counters, notebooks, clipboards, and color-coded sticky notes. Then we get into our favorite reinforcers and flashcard sets from Different Roads to Learning, plus the visuals, timers, and token boards that support motivation and independence.

What’s Inside:

• Assessments that give you a clear baseline
• Simple data tools that keep you present with your learner
• Reinforcers and flashcards we use in real sessions
• Visual supports that make expectations predictable

Mentioned in This Episode:
Build Your Own BCBA Starter Kit at Different Roads to Learning
Episode 065: How to Use Reinforcement Properly
Episode 106: ABA Assessments
HowToABA.com/join
How to ABA on YouTube
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram