Clinical Corner

Holiday Vacation Planning Reminders

Policy 

Families will provide at least 30-day notice of any planned vacations.  

Who to Contact 

All families should contact their supervising BCBA or manager via preferred communication system with any information on planned vacations 

When to Contact 

Families should inform their supervising BCBA, manager, and technician of their planned vacation time as soon as they have it scheduled.  

Family Vacation Time 

Any vacations that result in more than 2 weeks of consecutive missed sessions the family is at risk of their current technician being assigned to another case. The supervisor will discuss options with the family and staff to determine a plan. Upon return the family may be staffed with a new technician.  

Staff Vacation Time  

Any staff that takes time off will be communicated with the family in advance. The family can request a sub technician if available in your area. The family will communicate that request with their BCBA or manager.  

Preparation Tips and Tricks 

1. Talk about the trip! Show your child a calendar of your travel days and let them explore the internet or videos on the travel destination.  

2. Discuss the mode of transportation. 

3. Have an abundance of your child’s favorite items and snacks available. 

4. Be prepared to entertain!  

If traveling by airplane:  

5. Contact your local airport or travel airline to see if they conduct walk throughs of the airport and/or airplane before going on vacation.  

6. If your child engages in elopement, choose the middle seat for your child if traveling with 2 adults. Choose the window seat for your child if traveling with 1 adult.  

7. Take frequent breaks to walk up and down the aisle if safe to do so.  

8. If your child is sensitive to sounds, prepare to use headphones. Practice using headphones at home beforehand.  

Some holiday vacation planning reminders presented by one of our very own Regional Directors, Kate Panico M.A., BCBA and Clinical Standards Manager, Taylor Thompson.