The relationship between a BCBA supervisor and trainee is one of the most important aspects of fieldwork. Your initial meeting with a BCBA supervisor sets the tone for how supervision will work and ensures that both parties share the same expectations. Preparing for this conversation helps you choose the right fit and get the most from your supervision experience.
Goals of the First Meeting
The purpose of the initial meeting with your BCBA supervisor is to clarify expectations from both trainee and supervisor, review BACB supervision requirements, discuss goals and preferred learning styles, and ensure compatibility in communication and professional values. A well-prepared first meeting establishes mutual trust and sets a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration.
Key Topics to Cover
1) Supervision Structure
Discuss how many supervised hours you will receive each month and in what format — in-person, online, or a hybrid model. Clarify how direct and indirect supervision hours will be tracked and verified, and what tools will be used (such as fieldwork trackers, shared documents, or learning management systems). Establishing structure early prevents confusion later.
2) Expectations on Both Sides
Align expectations for preparation, professional conduct, and communication. This includes session plans, data collection, required readings, punctuality, confidentiality, and your supervisor’s availability and response times. Define clear boundaries — for example, what issues require immediate contact versus those that can wait for the next scheduled meeting.
3) Frequency and Format of Meetings
Clarify how often meetings will occur (weekly or biweekly) and whether they will be one-on-one or group sessions. Discuss typical duration, agenda structure, and opportunities for live observation, modeling, and role-play. Regular, predictable meetings support accountability and skill development.
4) Feedback and Communication Style
Feedback is a central part of effective supervision. Talk about how feedback will be provided — through written notes, live debriefs, or annotated video sessions — and the expected turnaround time for revisions or reports. Also, outline a process for addressing disagreements or requesting additional coaching when needed.
5) Documentation and BACB Requirements
Review the documentation process for fieldwork logs, monthly verifications, and sign-offs. Discuss the required timelines and data security standards, including HIPAA or FERPA compliance when sharing files. Ensure that supervision activities align with the current BACB Task List to meet certification requirements.
Discussing Ethics and Professionalism
Ethical alignment is critical in any supervision relationship. Ask how your supervisor identifies and addresses ethical dilemmas, ensures client privacy, and integrates the BACB Ethics Code into supervision. Topics such as dual relationships, social media policies, and professional boundaries should also be discussed to prevent potential conflicts.
Setting Goals and a Development Plan
Collaboratively outline both short- and long-term goals. Short-term objectives might include conducting preference assessments, writing operational definitions, or practicing graphing and data analysis. Long-term goals may focus on functional assessments, treatment design, caregiver or staff training, and developing leadership skills.
Discuss how progress will be measured — using rubrics, competency checklists, and video reviews — and if relevant, create a study plan for the BCBA exam or continuing education priorities.
Evaluating Fit With the Supervisor
The first meeting is also an opportunity to evaluate mutual fit. Ask yourself:
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Does their communication style match your learning preferences?
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Do they have experience in your preferred settings or with your target populations?
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Are they organized, transparent, and accessible?
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Do you feel comfortable asking questions and receiving constructive feedback?
Trust and compatibility are key to a productive supervision relationship.
Sample Agenda for the First Meeting
To make your conversation structured and efficient, consider this suggested outline:
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Introductions and background (5–10 minutes)
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Fieldwork goals and preferred learning style (10 minutes)
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Supervision structure and BACB requirements (10–15 minutes)
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Feedback process and documentation workflow (10 minutes)
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Ethics, confidentiality, and boundaries (10 minutes)
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Next steps: draft supervision agreement, schedule, and tracking tools (5 minutes)
Conclusion
Your initial meeting with a BCBA supervisor is the foundation for a successful supervision experience. By clarifying structure, expectations, documentation, ethics, and goals, you set yourself up for professional growth, competency, and BCBA exam readiness.
Next step: Review our guide to the BACB Task List skills you’ll develop under supervision to align your plan from day one.
