Applied Behavior Analysis and Child Life Programs

The Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice (FCE-SCJ) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Fellowship program was designed to provide selected fellows from FCE-SCJ the opportunity to complete ABA coursework while accruing hours towards ABA certification, thus immediately bridging theory to practice. Our very first fellow, Leandra Coleman, graduated with a Master of Science in Counseling degree, with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis this Summer 2023 semester. Ms. Coleman has accepted a position to continue her work at Baudhuin as she prepares for the certification exam. Also in Summer 2023, our second fellow starts her journey at the Baudhuin Preschool and her pursuit of a Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities.

The FCE-SCJ received pre-approval status for the undergraduate and graduate concentrations in Child Life from the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) in 2021 and 2022 respectively. This pre-approval guarantees that completers of our Child Life concentration will meet the coursework requirements for Child Life Specialist (CLS) certification and be prepared to provide support to ease emotional trauma, decrease stress and anxiety, and increase the health-related education of children and their families. In order to continue this important academic training and clinical need, the FCE-SCJ is seeking to renew this preapproval from the ACLP in August of 2023.

The FCE-SCJ would like to recognize the accomplishments of student Marilyn Taylor who graduated this Summer 2023 with a Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities and a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Ms. Taylor completed her Supervised Fieldwork Experience in ABA at the Mailman Segal Pediatric Dental Clinic and has been extended an offer to continue her research and clinical work as a professional member of the interdisciplinary team. Ms. Taylor has participated in research under the supervision of FCE-SCJ faculty in collaboration with faculty of the College of Dental Medicine (CDM) and she has presented her findings at national conferences, listed below:

• Chung, J.D., Levi-Minzi, M.A., Ocanto, R., Taylor, M. J. (2023). Diet and Oral Health Habits among children with SHCN. Poster presented at the American Dental Education Association Conference, Portland, OR.
• Chung, J.D., Levi-Minzi, M.A., Ocanto, R., Taylor, M. J., Sheehan, T.M. (2023). Examining Effective Behavioral Techniques among Patients with SHCN. Poster presented at the AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Portland, OR.
• Chung, J., Levi-Menzi, M., Ocanto, R., Taylor, M., & Sheehan, T.M. (2023). Improving Oral Health Outcomes and Accommodating the Needs of the Neurodivergent Population in a Pediatric Community Based Clinic. Poster to be presented at the AIR-P Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Washington D.C.