Behavior Specialist

Behavior Specialist

Location:

Champaign, IL
Organization:
Excel Prep Schools

Mission-driven note Excel Prep is a mission-driven private program serving neurodiverse children through structured, research-based instruction. Our mission is simple: prioritize the academic and social success of neurodiverse learners. We deliver high-quality academic and therapeutic programming that supports meaningful learning outcomes.

Across Excel Prep, we center:

• Direct Instruction and instructional design
• Precision Teaching and data-based decision making
• Behavior science research foundations
• Occupational Therapy as a prioritized therapy alongside ABA for sensory-motor development

Our overarching goal is to provide a nurturing, academically focused learning environment where neurodiverse students develop strong academic foundations, cognitive-linguistic skills, and the confidence to succeed in school and beyond.

• Programs for ages 3–13:
  • PreK–8 Academic Program:
    Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching for core academics (reading, writing, math) in a structured, data-driven environment.
  • Clinical ABA Program (Ages 3–13):
    Cognition-linguistically based ABA focusing on language, reasoning, executive functioning, social competence, and independence.
• We emphasize:
  • Direct Instruction and instructional design
  • Precision Teaching and data-based decision making
  • Behavior science research foundations
  • Occupational Therapy as a prioritized therapy alongside ABA for sensory-motor development

• Full-time
• On-site in Champaign, IL
• Schedule:
  
  Monday–Friday, during school hours; some after-hours collaboration meetings as needed

Reports To:

Clinical Programs Director / Senior Behavior Team Lead

The Behavior Specialist partners with our Clinical ABA team, teachers, OT, families, and school staff to design, implement, monitor, and optimize behavior-analytic programs for neurodiverse learners. This role centers data-based decision making, functional assessment, and the development of effective interventions aligned with Excel Prep’s mission and instructional framework.

• Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) tailored to individual learners.
• Implement, monitor, and adjust ABA-based interventions (language, reasoning, executive functioning, social skills, independence) within both ABA and academic programming.
• Lead data collection and analysis (Precision Teaching methods, probe data, mastery criteria, trend lines) to inform progress and instructional decisions.
• Collaborate with Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and classroom teachers to integrate sensory-motor supports and cognitive-linguistic strategies.
• Model and coach instructional strategies for direct instruction and precision teaching to staff and paraprofessionals.
• Provide direct on-site therapy sessions and supervise/coach RBTs or BCaBAs as needed.
• Communicate progress and concerns to families; conduct regular progress updates, parent trainings, and team meetings.
• Ensure fidelity to program design, privacy, and ethical standards in accordance with state and national regulations.
• Contribute to program development by staying current with research in behavior science and implementing evidence-based practices.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and supervision to support high-quality service delivery.

• BCBA or BCaBA certification, or eligibility to sit for certification; or equivalent, demonstrable ABA expertise with plan to obtain BCBA/BCaBA credential.
• Minimum 2–3 years of relevant clinical experience supporting neurodiverse children (ages 3–13) in educational or clinical settings.
• Strong background in ABA, data collection and analysis, and behavior intervention planning.
• Experience with Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching frameworks preferred.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; ability to work effectively with families, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of sensory processing, occupational therapy principles, and their application to behavior and learning.
• Bilingual abilities (e.g., Spanish or other languages) are a…