About FirstSteps

The FirstSteps Team is inspired by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. To that end, our mission is twofold: to provide the best evidence-based, behavior analytic treatment to our children diagnosed with autism and related learning differences, and to offer a positive, collaborative, and dynamic work experience for our team. We are steadfastly committed to ongoing training and mentorship of our employees, always motivated to support the next generation of clinical leaders in our field and at FirstSteps. Our greatest reward is witnessing the rapid and joyful learning of our little ones and knowing that together, we are creating more happy days for the kids and families we serve.

$23–$25/hr + Paid RBT Certification + Multiple $1/hr Growth Opportunities

Enjoy working with kids and looking for more than just a job? At FirstSteps, you can turn that experience into a career in behavioral health. No ABA experience required. We’ll train you, pay for your RBT certification, and support you as you build real clinical skills working one-on-one with children with autism.

Curious what that looks like -> Check-out our Day in the Life and ChatRBT Reel series on our Instagram (@firststepsforkids)

Learn More. Earn More. Keep Growing.

Our Instructor Development & Engagement Program gives you a clear path to build your skills. Complete an Instructor Development Bundle + 350 hours of direct clinical experience → earn a $1/hr raise.

And you can complete multiple bundles in a year, giving you multiple opportunities to grow your skills and your career!

What You’ll Get

$23–$25/hr to start DOE
$1/hr increases through Instructor Development Bundles
Paid RBT training and certification
Hands-on training, mentorship & clinical support
Paid drive time + mileage reimbursement
Data stipend
Health, dental & vision with employer contributions
401(k) match
PTO + tuition discounts

You Might Be a Great Fit If You Have Experience In:

Psychology • Education • Special Education • Preschool • Childcare • Coaching • Social Work • Other child-focused or helping professions

Many of our BCBAs started as Behavior Technicians at FirstSteps.

If you’re ready to start working with kids, build clinical skills, and see where a career in behavioral health can take you, we’d love to meet you.

Health & Safety Requirements:

Childhood vaccinations (MMR & Varicella) and non-reactive TB test
Access to reliable a reliable vehicle, driver's license, and insurance
Ability to lift 50 lbs, sit on floors and/or child-sized furniture, and quickly move from a seated position to running stance

For more information about FirstSteps for Kids, we encourage you to visit our website at www.firststepsforkids.com.

About the company

FirstSteps for Kids provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) intervention programs for children with Autism, PDD, Asperger’s syndrome, and related disorders. They design individualized, family-centered treatment plans after an initial assessment and deliver services in Learning Villages (their centers), at the child’s home, and at school with instructors who support learning and behavior change. The program works by using ABA techniques to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors through personalized plans and close collaboration with families. The company differentiates itself by offering customized plans across multiple settings (center-based, home, and school) and by working with many insurance providers, making services accessible through private pay and insurance claims. Its goal is to help children develop essential skills, improve behavior, and support families in everyday life and school environments.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Hermosa Beach, California

Founded

2005

Get referred to FirstSteps for Kids

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Revelio Labs said March 2026 headcount reached 346, up 18.8% since 2023.
FirstSteps posted 51 jobs in 2026, up 55%, showing active expansion.
September 2026 vacancies across Redondo Beach, Walnut Creek, and Calabasas support near-term growth.

What critics are saying

NLRB case 21-RM-373046 opened September 9, 2025, signaling unionization pressure.
Indeed reviewers in March 2026 cited communication gaps toward instructors, hinting execution problems.
Behavior-tech recruiting remains heavy in 2026, suggesting turnover and margin stress if staffing slips.

What makes FirstSteps for Kids unique

Founded 2005, FirstSteps for Kids offers ABA across centers, homes, and schools.
Its Learning Villages and family-centered treatment plans deepen parent engagement and continuity.
Multi-county presence in Los Angeles, Contra Costa, and Ventura broadens referral reach.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Professional Development Budget
Employee Referral Bonus
Wellness Program
Access to discounted Pet Insurance

FirstSteps for Kids

Behavior Technician

About the job