Hiring a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) through Applied & Behavioral offers several significant advantages:

1. Quality and Consistency in Training

• Specialized Training: Agencies such as Applied & Behavioral specializing in provision of school based learning support,  ensure that their staff receive comprehensive, specialized training before placement. This preparation includes understanding various disabilities, behavior management techniques, and instructional strategies, which might be lacking in candidates hired independently.
• Ongoing Professional Development: Applied & Behavioral provide ongoing training, keeping Learning Support Assistants (LSA) updated with the latest practices and methodologies. This ensures that the LSA remains proficient and adaptable to new challenges or changes in a child’s needs over time.

2. Expert Supervision and Support

• Behavior Analyst Supervision: The involvement of a Behavior Analyst in overseeing LSAs is crucial, as they provide expert guidance on behavior intervention plans and ensure that these are implemented effectively. This level of supervision helps in maintaining high standards of care and effectiveness in support.
• Coaching and Mentorship: Continuous coaching support allows LSAs to refine their skills, receive feedback on their performance, and troubleshoot any challenges they face in the classroom. This reduces the likelihood of burnout and enhances the overall quality of support provided to the child.

3. Effective Coordination and Communication

• Structured Communication: At Applied & Behavioral, we manage the communication between the LSA, school, and parents to ensure that all parties are on the same page. This coordinated effort helps in setting clear expectations, sharing progress, and addressing any concerns promptly.
• Holistic Approach: When communication is centrally managed, it fosters a holistic approach to the child’s development. This allows us to synthesize input from teachers, parents, and the LSA to adjust strategies or interventions as needed, leading to more consistent and effective support.

4. Accountability and Quality Control

• Performance Monitoring: We at A&B remain accountable for the performance of our LSAs. We have systems in place to monitor the effectiveness of the support provided, ensuring that it meets the standards required by the school and parents.
• Responsive to Feedback: We as a service provider, respond to feedback and make necessary adjustments in staffing or support strategies than an individual LSA hired independently. This ensures that any issues are addressed promptly, maintaining the quality of support.

5. Minimizing Disruptions

• Continuity of Care: We typically have a pool of trained professionals, meaning that in case of an LSA’s long term absence, we can provide a substitute who is already familiar with the needs of children requiring learning support and our protocols. This reduces the disruption to the child’s learning and development.
• Smooth Transitions: Should a change in LSA be necessary, we can manage the transition smoothly, ensuring that the new LSA is properly briefed and prepared, minimizing the impact on the child.

6. Enhanced Trust and Confidence

• Parental Peace of Mind: As Parents; you can have greater confidence that your child is receiving support from a professional who is not only well-trained but also backed by an organization committed to continuous improvement and high standards.
• School Collaboration: Schools benefit from working with us, as we understand educational environments and can provide LSAs who are equipped to integrate effectively within the school’s culture and protocols.

Hiring an LSA from any agency that offers trained, experienced candidates, and follows up with ongoing training, coaching support, and Behavior Analyst supervision is advantageous for ensuring the highest quality of support for children with learning support needs. Moreover, having the agency manage communication and coordination between the school and parents ensures a cohesive and effective approach to the child’s development. This not only enhances the learning experience for the child but also builds a stronger, more trustful relationship between all stakeholders involved.