DOE Announces Job Code for Board Certified Behavior Analysts

October 15, 2014

The DOE’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) recently announced the creation of a job code for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).

Given the intensive educational and behavioral needs of children, adolescents, and adults with autism, Autism New Jersey is working towards advancing initiatives that increase the availability and quality of behavioral services. Our recent collaborative public policy work with the Department of Education (DOE) focused on recognition for professional behavior analysts. This important policy change sends a clear message that the distinct and specialized contributions of BCBAs are valued within the school community. This job code allows public, private, and charter schools throughout the state to hire BCBAs who may not be DOE certified.

“On behalf of the Autism New Jersey Board and students with autism across the state, we thank the DOE and Dr. Peggy McDonald for her responsiveness and collaboration to effectuate this policy change,” said Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, Autism New Jersey Executive Director. DOE OSEP Director, Dr. McDonald echoed Buchanan’s sentiment regarding collaboration and the importance of meeting the educational needs of students with autism. “I am thrilled that we have been able to accomplish this together. Your passion for and dedication to this issue was extremely instrumental in keeping it high on our agenda. I look forward to continuing to work with you and the organization to facilitate the provision of appropriate programs and services to our students.”

The complete list of Job Codes and Job Codes Subcategories is available for download at https://www.state.nj.us/education/njsmart/download/staff/. Since this announcement, a few operational questions have been raised. Autism New Jersey maintains an open and productive dialogue with OSEP to provide answers.

If you have any questions regarding the new job code, please see this DOE Broadcast or contact Autism New Jersey at 800.4.AUTISM or information@autismnj.org.