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.

You Didn’t Become a BCBA to Manage a Caseload. You Became One to Make an Impact.

You became a BCBA to know your clients, support families, develop your team, and make thoughtful clinical decisions.

That’s the kind of BCBA role we’ve built at FirstSteps.

We’re a privately owned, clinician-led ABA organization with a center in Walnut Creek, where clinical work stays at the center of what we do.

Stay Close to the Work

Our Program Directors typically support 12–14 children and lead clinical teams of 7–12 RBTs.

That structure gives you the space to:

Know your clients and families
Observe and coach your team in real time
Make individualized clinical decisions
Collaborate with families, schools, and other providers
Mentor developing clinicians
Work alongside experienced clinical leaders

The best clinical decisions happen close to the child, not far from them.

Clear Expectations. Clinical Autonomy.

Full-time BCBAs have a 115 billable-hour monthly expectation, with additional incentive opportunities for those who choose to take on more.

You’ll know what’s expected, have the support to meet those expectations, and have the autonomy to make thoughtful clinical decisions based on the needs of the children and families you serve.

What you won’t find here:

Oversized caseloads
Supervision primarily through telehealth
Pressure to rush clinical decisions
One-size-fits-all treatment

What you will find: thoughtful supervision, strong relationships, clinical mentorship, and a team that genuinely cares about doing good work.

$85K–$95K DOE + Clinical Performance Incentives

Plus:

Health, dental & vision with generous employer contribution
401(k) with generous company match
Company-sponsored BACB CEUs + CASP membership
Annual conference stipend + paid attendance
Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
Monthly data stipend
EAP + wellness incentives
Employee referral bonus
Team-building events and a collaborative, family-friendly environment

Looking for Your Next Clinical Home?

If you’re a BCBA looking for manageable caseloads, meaningful clinical autonomy, strong mentorship, and a team that values your expertise, we’d love to meet you.

Join us in Walnut Creek and practice ABA with a team that puts clinical work first.

Apply today or start a conversation with our team.

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

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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

BCBA - Clinical Autonomy + Manageable Caseload

About the job