Choosing the right Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provider can feel like one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child and it’s true, it’s an important one. Whether you’re considering in-home ABA therapy or center-based services in San Francisco, the provider you choose will shape not only your child’s progress but also your family’s day-to-day experience.

With so many options, from small local teams to large agencies, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why asking the right questions before making a decision is key. These questions will help you go beyond brochures and websites to truly understand whether a provider will be a good fit for your child and your family.

Here are the five questions you should be asking along with why they matter and what to listen for in the answers.

1. Who will be overseeing my child’s program, and what is their experience?

At the heart of any ABA program is the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This is your team leader—the person who assesses your child, designs their treatment plan, and monitors progress. The BCBA’s approach, communication style, and expertise will directly impact your child’s experience.

Ask:

• How long have you been a BCBA?
• Do you have experience with children of my child’s age and diagnosis?
• How many families do you currently serve?

Why it matters:
A BCBA with the right background and manageable caseload will have more time and insight to devote to your child. In San Francisco, where demand for ABA services is high, some providers may stretch their BCBAs thin. You want someone who can be hands-on and truly get to know your family.

Tip: If possible, request to meet or speak directly with the BCBA before committing. Chemistry and trust are just as important as credentials.

2. How often will the BCBA be directly involved in my child’s sessions?

In many programs, the BCBA designs the plan, while Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work with your child day-to-day. While this is standard, the best outcomes happen when the BCBA is actively present—observing sessions, adjusting strategies, and checking in with you.

Ask:

• How often will the BCBA be in our home or at the center?
• Will they observe sessions in person, or only review notes?
• How often will we have progress meetings?

Why it matters:
If your child is in-home ABA therapy, the BCBA’s presence is especially important for tailoring strategies to your environment and routines. You want a provider who sees the “real-life” context of your child’s day, not just the data on paper.

Look for:

• Regular in-person observations
• Monthly or biweekly parent meetings
• Clear communication between you, the BCBA, and the therapy team

3. How will you involve me (and my family) in the process?

The best ABA programs are a partnership. While your provider brings expertise in behavior analysis, you bring expertise in your child. Your insights, priorities, and comfort level matter.

Ask:

• What role will I play in sessions?
• How will you train me to use strategies outside of therapy?
• How do you handle family or caregiver involvement?

Why it matters:
ABA is most effective when skills taught in therapy are practiced in everyday life. If you’re not included in the process, there’s a gap between the therapy setting and the real world. Providers who offer parent training and keep you in the loop will help you reinforce progress long after the therapist leaves.

If you’re curious about what those strategies might look like in action, this guide on top ABA therapy techniques every parent should know breaks down the methods you’re most likely to use at home.

Red flag:
If a provider resists your involvement or doesn’t have a clear plan for parent training, you may struggle to see lasting results.

 

4. What is your approach to setting and adjusting goals?

No two children are the same—and no two ABA programs should be, either. A great provider will build a plan based on your child’s needs, strengths, and family priorities, then adapt it over time.

Ask:

• How do you determine goals?
• How often do you review and update them?
• How do you measure progress?

Why it matters:
ABA is data-driven, but that data needs to be interpreted with compassion and flexibility. In the fast-paced environment of San Francisco, you may notice changes in your child’s needs faster than the plan updates—so knowing how responsive your provider will be is key.

Look for:

• Individualized goals that reflect your child’s life, not just a generic checklist
• Regular reassessments (every 3–6 months or sooner if needed)
• A willingness to adjust based on both data and your feedback

5. How do you ensure consistency and quality across your team?

Even the best BCBA can’t do it alone. If your child will be working with multiple therapists, you want assurance that everyone is on the same page.

Ask:

• How do you train new therapists before they work with my child?
• What happens if a therapist is out sick or leaves the agency?
• How do you maintain quality and consistency?

Why it matters:
In ABA, consistency is critical. Sudden changes in approach, tone, or expectations can set progress back. You want a provider with systems in place to ensure that no matter who walks into your home or the center, your child’s program is implemented the same way.

Pro tip:
Ask if you can meet the therapists before they start. You’re looking for warmth, patience, and a personality that will connect with your child.

Final Thoughts: The Right Questions Lead to the Right Fit

Choosing an ABA provider in San Francisco isn’t just about credentials or convenience, it’s about finding a team that sees your child as more than a diagnosis and your family as more than a schedule. The right provider will make you feel heard, respected, and supported from day one.

Remember, you are interviewing them just as much as they are assessing your child’s needs. A provider who welcomes your questions and answers them clearly is one who values collaboration.

If you’re considering in-home ABA therapy, these conversations become even more important: you’re inviting this team into your personal space and daily life. Make sure it’s a partnership that feels right.

 

 

When it comes to creating a clothing store loved by customers, the right clothing is the key to success. But to have the right clothing for your customer base, you have to take a closer look at the fabrics and prints that you choose. Whether you’re shoppers like a simple loungewear style or a statement dress, the materials and prints you choose set the tone for your boutique.

At Dear Lover Clothing, we work closely with thousands of boutique owners and wholesale buyers, and we’ve seen first-hand which styles constantly fly off the shelves. Here’s a look at the fabrics and patterns that are leading the way in today’s market.

Fabrics: What’s In

Cotton

It’s really no surprise that the lightweight, breathable cotton is at the very top of the “it” list of fabrics. It’s the go-to choice for your everyday basics and traditional staples. Cotton delivers comfort your customers can count on.

Polyester Blends

What about a fabric that holds up to wear and tear? Or fabric that keeps its shape? Polyester is going to be your go-to. It’s ideal for bodycon fits, flowy blouses, and anything with a bit of stretch. Plus, they take dye well, so prints stay vibrant wash after wash!

Rayon

Rayon is elegant with a soft, silky feel, which is why it’s become a fan favorite for more elevated looks. Think maxi dresses, wrap styles, and wide-leg pants! It’s lightweight with great drape, making it perfect for warm-weather collections.

Knits and Ribbed Textures

These add a cozy, stylish vibe, which is a total a must-have for fall or winter collections. Ribbed knit tanks and matching sets are especially popular among boutique buyers right now!

Patterns That Pop

Floral Prints

Whether you’re going for a soft, romantic feel or looking for a bold tropical flair, this pattern is a bestseller all year ‘round. Florals work across multiple seasons, and even more silhouettes! Think sundresses, kimonos, and even joggers. They’re a smart staple for closets, and an even better staple for your boutique racks.

Animal Prints

Whether you’re bold or just looking for a bit of pop, animal prints are the perfect staple for your closet or store racks. These prints are timeless, seen throughout the ages on even the biggest fashion icons. They have the perfect staying power, especially when styled in trendy cuts like asymmetrical tops or midi skirts. They’re a boutique favorite for shoppers who want to stand out.

Abstract and Geometric

Clean lines and unique shapes make these patterns the perfect fit for stores looking for a modern or minimalist style. They add visual interest without overwhelming the garment, and they pair well with solid separates.

Fun Patterns

Tie-dye isn’t just for beach days, just like plaid isn’t simply a fall ‘fit! Nowadays they’re showing up in matching sets, oversized tees, and even jumpsuits. They’re playful and still selling strong.

What This Means for Your Boutique

Success in owning your store comes down to knowing what your customers will connect with and sourcing those pieces at the right time. At Dear Lover Clothing, we make it easy to stay ahead of the trends, so you can focus on what you do best: curating a boutique that stands out.

 

If your parents are now of an age where they are struggling to look after themselves then they may be relying on you to help. This can be incredibly difficult especially if you have your own life to lead. Not everyone will have the time or the space to help their parents, they could have children of their own and busy jobs. 

If you are looking for helpful tips and tricks when it comes to looking after your parents then take a look at the article below. 

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Visit Them Often

One thing you can do to help your elderly parents is visit them as often as you can. This will give them something to look forward to each week and offer them the chance to see a familiar face. The last thing you want for your parents is to feel lonely and like nobody wants to see them, aim for at least once a week but if you can do more then that’s great. 

If there are a few of you that can make the trip to visit then set up a rolling schedule. Each person can have a different day and then the pressure doesn’t get too much for one single family member. 

Hire Help 

If there is simply nothing that you can do for your parents, for instance if you live too far away or in a different city then you will need to explore options. If they are still capable of looking after themselves then you don’t want to go down the nursing home avenue just yet. However, there may be some tasks that just can’t be done in the home anymore. This is where a home care agency can help you out as a family. They can come in and sort out meals, cleaning, and pills for your elderly parents. 

Take Them Places

You may be looking for places to go with your elderly parents, always try and include them in activities you do so they don’t feel like a burden in your life. This could be going anywhere from the zoo to abroad somewhere. If you love spending time with them then why not? Speak to them about where you are going and always keep them in the loop. 

Encourage Socializing 

Finally, socializing is a wonderful way for your elderly parents to meet people who enjoy the same things as they do. This could be anything from bingo to hitting the gym, if they have a shared interest then they are more likely to carry on going.

Try and encourage them to join elderly groups in the neighborhood or even meet up with existing friends. It has been shown that meeting friends at least twice a week can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline as people age. 

So there you have it, a useful guide on how to look after your elderly parents. Remember, it isn’t a given that you will care for them when they reach old age. If you are able to then this will relieve some of the pressure and stress from everyone involved.