u/Brookew0119

I have been a teacher for over 10 years. I teach in Florida. I am esol and reading endorsed and am certified to teach k-6 elem and k-12 ESE. I have 4 kids- 2 with Autism. Both who have required ABA, Speech, and OT. My oldest is in school and graduated from therapies after being there from age 2-5.

I have decided to get my masters in ESE and the program I chose focuses on ABA- I am considering on going for a BCBA (I can with this program). There is much better pay BUT I am hung up on the vacation time.. As an educator I have enjoyed having all breaks off with my kids and working less than 200 days a year LOL

I guess I am wondering what do typical PTO packages look like as a BCBA in the Tampa area? I make around 60,000… i know getting a BCBA I will def be paid more but then I think of all the childcare Id have to worry about and pay for by not being a teacher.

I appreciate any insights and thoughts! Especially if u have made the switch one way to other or vice versa.

Hi! Some background I have a family of 6! 2 of our children have Autism. And I was a teacher for over 10 years. I have taught special ed and am certified to teach in special ed in Florida. I recently stopped teaching decided to switch careers and become a BCBA. I start my masters program next week. My question is about supervised hours. My biggest hurdle is if I want to try and start accruing my hours now, how flexible is it to find a job where it works with my current schedule. For example- i have to drop off son with autism at his ABA clinic at 8:30 and pick him up at 3:20. My husband travels a lot for work. I know most people work as an RBT while doing their BCBA supervised hours but is it possible to find a place to supervise my hours with that time constraint? Once my son begins school in a year or two, it will be much easier but then I’d have to wait until I am done with my masters to begin my hours. I can do that, but Id rather begin now even if it is only 20 hours a week. Is this possible? Where should I look if so? I am open to clinic and school. I have also thought about seeing if my son’s therapy facility would be willing to hire me or let me intern at a different location but wasn’t sure if that is a good idea? I am also based in Tampa Florida area for reference.
I am thankful for any advice!
Thank you