ABA Therapy at Daycare in Colorado: Can My Toddler Get Support While I'm at Work?

My Child Is in Daycare - Can They Still Get ABA Therapy?

Yes. If your child attends a daycare or childcare center in Colorado, they may be able to receive ABA therapy right there, without you having to take time off work or rearrange your entire schedule.

This is one of the least talked-about options for young children with autism, and it's incredibly valuable for working parents.

What Is Daycare-Based ABA Therapy?

Daycare-based ABA therapy means a trained behavior technician (RBT), supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), provides ABA services at your child's daycare during the hours they're already there.

Instead of picking your child up early and driving to a clinic, a therapist comes to the daycare. Your child stays in their familiar environment, with their peers, and gets the support they need at the same time.

Common goals for toddlers and young children in daycare ABA include:

• Learning to play alongside other children
• Following simple one- or two-step instructions
• Communicating wants and needs (pointing, using words or AAC devices)
• Reducing tantrums or self-injurious behaviors
• Building independence in self-care routines like handwashing and eating

Why Is Early ABA at Daycare So Important?

Research consistently shows that early intervention makes the biggest difference for children with autism. The earlier a child receives ABA, the better the long-term outcomes tend to be - in communication, social skills, and independence.

Most children start daycare between 6 weeks and 3 years old. That window is also one of the most critical periods for brain development. Providing ABA support during those years, in the environment where a child spends most of their waking hours, gives them the best possible foundation.

Waiting until a child is school-age to start ABA means missing some of the most important developmental years.

How Does It Actually Work at a Daycare?

Here's a realistic picture:

The RBT arrives at the daycare at an agreed-upon time and checks in with the daycare staff about how your child's morning has been.

Therapy is embedded in the day. Rather than pulling your child aside for formal drills, a good RBT works therapy into natural activities - snack time, circle time, outdoor play, transitions. To other kids and staff, it often just looks like an extra helper.

Data is collected quietly. The RBT records progress on your child's goals throughout the session.

The BCBA coordinates with daycare staff. A good ABA provider will communicate with your daycare teachers so everyone is using the same strategies consistently - not just during therapy, but all day long.

You get updates. Your provider should give you regular summaries of progress and involve you in setting goals.

Will the Daycare Allow This?

Most Colorado daycare centers are willing to allow outside therapists to provide services on-site, especially when:

• The therapist is licensed and insured
• The ABA provider has experience working in childcare settings
• There's clear communication between the provider and the daycare staff

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At Serenity ABA, we handle all of this coordination. We reach out to your daycare, introduce ourselves, explain our approach, and make sure we're working as partners with the staff - not disrupting their classroom.

Some daycares have done this before and have a simple agreement process. Others will need a little more explanation. Either way, we can help you navigate it.

Does Colorado Medicaid Cover ABA at Daycare?

Yes. Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) covers ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis, and coverage is not limited to clinic settings. ABA delivered at a daycare or childcare center can be covered as long as:

• Your child has a formal autism diagnosis
• Services are authorized by a licensed BCBA
• The services are documented as medically necessary

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Most private insurance plans in Colorado are also required to cover ABA therapy under state law. The setting - home, school, or daycare - generally doesn't affect coverage eligibility.

How Do I Get Started?

1. Get a diagnosis. Your child needs a formal autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis from a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or similar specialist.
2. Contact an ABA provider. Reach out to an agency like Serenity ABA that offers community-based services (not just clinic-based).
3. Insurance authorization. Your provider handles the paperwork to get services approved.
4. Coordinate with the daycare. Your provider reaches out to the daycare to set up a schedule and explain the process.
5. Services start. Therapy begins at the daycare on a regular schedule while you're at work.

What Age Is Right for Daycare ABA?

ABA therapy can begin as early as 18 months in some cases, though most children start between ages 2 and 4. If your child is showing signs of autism - delayed speech, limited eye contact, repetitive behaviors, difficulty with transitions - don't wait for a formal diagnosis to start the process. An evaluation can happen quickly, and early intervention genuinely changes outcomes.

Serving Colorado Families

Serenity ABA provides community-based ABA therapy, including daycare settings, throughout Colorado. We specialize in working with toddlers and young children in the environments where they naturally spend their time.

If your child is in daycare and you've been wondering how to fit ABA therapy into your family's life, we can help make it work.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation.