A Day in the Life of an RBT: Strategies for Daycare Success

Hello fellow RBTs and curious minds! Today, I’m taking you on a journey through the vibrant, challenging, and immensely rewarding world of working with children with autism in a daycare environment. 

Buckle up, because we're going to sprinkle some fun, blend in some serious strategies, and top it all off with a generous dollop of love and care.

Fun Things to Do

Let's start with the fun stuff! Working with children should always have an element of play. Here are some engaging activities:

1. Sensory Play: Fill a tub with kinetic sand, water beads, or rice. Let the children dig in and explore textures. It's not just fun; it's a great way to enhance sensory processing skills.
2. Interactive Storytime: Choose books with bright pictures and interactive elements. Use different voices for characters and ask questions about the story to keep them engaged.
3. Art and Craft: Simple crafts like finger painting or making collages can be both relaxing and a great way to improve fine motor skills.
4. Music and Dance: Turn up the tunes and let the kids dance! Incorporate songs that encourage actions like clapping or jumping to blend fun with gross motor practice.

Maintaining Privacy and One-on-One Time

Privacy is paramount, especially in a busy daycare environment. Here’s how to ensure each child gets the personal attention they need:

1. Designated Quiet Spaces: Create small, cozy corners with bean bags or soft cushions where a child can retreat when they need a break from the hustle and bustle.
2. Scheduled One-on-One Time: Allocate specific times during the day for one-on-one interactions. This could be during less busy periods or structured activity times.
3. Discreet Data Collection: Use a tablet or a small notebook for recording data discreetly. This ensures you're keeping track of progress without drawing attention.

Fun Ways to Incorporate DTT and NET

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET) can be seamlessly woven into daily activities:

1. DTT through Play: Use toys or games the child loves. For instance, if they enjoy blocks, use them to teach colors, shapes, or counting.
2. NET in Daily Routines: Turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. For example, snack time can be a chance to practice requesting items or identifying foods.
3. Role-Playing Games: Set up a mini “grocery store” or “restaurant” where children can practice social interactions, vocabulary, and turn-taking in a fun, low-pressure setting.

Managing Your Kiddo within a Room Full of Other Kids

Navigating a room full of children while ensuring your kiddo gets the support they need can be tricky, but it’s doable with some strategic approaches:

1. Set Clear Expectations: Use visual schedules or social stories to explain the day's activities. This helps the child understand what to expect and reduces anxiety.
2. Parallel Play to Interactive Play: Start with parallel play, where the child plays alongside others. Gradually introduce interactive play activities, like building a block tower together.
3. Peer Modeling: Pair your kiddo with a peer who can model appropriate behaviors and interactions. Children often learn well by watching their peers.
4. Small Group Activities: Engage your kiddo in small group activities where they can practice social skills in a less overwhelming setting before transitioning to larger group interactions.

Encouraging Social Interaction and Play

Getting your kiddo to be more social and play with others involves a mix of encouragement, modeling, and structured activities:

1. Structured Playdates: Organize playdates with one or two peers. Plan activities that require cooperation, like building a fort or playing a simple game.
2. Turn-Taking Games: Use games that require turn-taking to teach patience and social interaction. Board games or simple card games like Uno work well.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward social interactions, no matter how small. This encourages the child to continue engaging with others.
4. Interactive Play Themes: Introduce play themes that involve roles, like playing “store” or “school,” where children must interact with each other to play their parts.

Handling Maladaptive Behaviors

Now, for the more serious side of our work. Managing maladaptive behaviors with empathy and effectiveness is crucial:

1. Stay Calm and Consistent: Children pick up on your energy. Stay calm, use a gentle tone, and be consistent with your responses.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Always celebrate the small victories. Positive reinforcement encourages desired behaviors and helps build confidence.Clear Communication: Use
3. clear, simple language and visual aids if necessary. Children with autism often benefit from visual schedules or social stories.
4. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): Understand the “why” behind the behavior. Is it a way to avoid a task? Seek attention? Sensory overload? Identifying the root cause helps in crafting an effective intervention plan.

Wrapping Up
Working with children with autism in a daycare setting as an RBT is a blend of structured strategies and playful creativity. Remember, every child is unique, and flexibility is key. By incorporating fun activities, maintaining privacy, skillfully using DTT and NET, managing your kiddo in a busy room, encouraging social interactions, and handling behaviors with care, you can create a nurturing and productive environment for your little learners. Happy teaching!

Author: Shamia Davis, RBT