Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB96

Introduced

1/2/24

Refer

1/2/24

Caption

Parental Behavior Technician Registration and Participation Pilot Program; established.

Impact

The implementation of SB96 is expected to enhance the support structure for students with ASD within public schools. By enabling parents to directly participate in their children's education as trained RBTs, the program aims to improve the quality of applied behavior analysis support available in classrooms. Additionally, the program may help foster a closer connection between parents and educational staff, promoting a more collaborative approach to addressing the unique needs of students with developmental disabilities. The legislation reflects an increasing recognition of the role that parents can play in educational environments.

Summary

SB96 establishes the Parental Behavior Technician Registration and Participation Pilot Program in Virginia. The program aims to assist parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in becoming registered behavior technicians (RBTs) so they can provide support in educational settings. This initiative is designed to empower parents through proper training and certification, allowing them to volunteer in their children's special education programs under the guidance of licensed behavior analysts. Eligible participants include parents of children with ASD enrolled in public schools and receiving special education services.

Contention

The proposed pilot program has sparked discussions regarding parental involvement in educational settings and the roles of trained professionals versus non-professional volunteers. Advocates for SB96 argue that it allows for greater parental engagement and can lead to better outcomes for students, while critics may voice concerns about the adequacy of training and oversight for volunteers working with vulnerable populations. Balancing the need for parental involvement with the necessity of professional qualifications is likely to be a significant point of contention as the program is rolled out.