Behavior Therapist

Job Details: Job Location: Apple Valley Center

• Apple Valley, CA, Salary Range: $20.00 - $25.00Hourly, Dream Big Children’s Center was founded in 2016 in Monrovia by Cristina Cordeiro, who began her career as a behavior therapist. Today, our team members, whom we call Dreamers, support children and families across 11 centers in Southern California and the Central Valley. We provide in-center, 1:1 play-based autism therapy for children ages 18 months to 5 years. Because we accept Medi-Cal, we reach families who often struggle to find early care, including many Spanish-speaking families. Our values Fun, Inclusive, Excellent, Caring, and Growth-Oriented guide how we support our children, our families, and one another. We’re looking for a Behavior Therapist who shares those values and wants to turn play into meaningful learning. Why Behavior Therapists Choose Dream Big Center-based care: Work alongside your team in one location, with no driving between clients. Daytime hours: Work daytime hours without evening sessions. Support on the floor: Work alongside Behavior Consultants and BCBAs who provide clinical guidance, coaching, and support. Play-based learning: Help children build skills through play, choice, and motivation. Career growth: Explore a path from Behavior Therapist to Lead, Behavior Consultant, BCBA, and center leadership as you gain experience and meet role qualifications. Ongoing development: Build your skills through in-house training and professional development, with BCBA supervision available for team members pursuing certification.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off, based on eligibility. A team that plays: Join a collaborative team that values creativity, celebrates progress, and brings joy to each child’s day.

About the Role

As a Behavior Therapist, you’ll work 1:1 with young children, helping them develop communication, social, play, and everyday living skills. You’ll implement individualized treatment plans with guidance from your Behavior Consultant and BCBA. Our clinical model is built on Pivotal Response Training, where children learn through play, choice, and motivation.

You’ll also support participation in our Dream Big Day groups—Little Stars, Middle Moons, and Big Suns—which help children build skills for school. Parents and caregivers are part of the team, helping progress carry over into everyday life. Schedule This role starts part-time, with the opportunity to build toward full-time hours.

Full availability is required Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a 7:45 AM start on Wednesdays for team huddles. Occasional weekend availability is also required.

Compensation

$20-$25/hr, based on experience. What You’ll Do Provide 1:1, play-based ABA services under the guidance of a Behavior Consultant and BCBA. Implement individualized treatment plans and follow clinical guidance. Create engaging learning opportunities that reflect each child’s interests and goals. Support children in developing communication, social, play, and everyday living skills.

Collect accurate data and document sessions to help the clinical team monitor progress. Share observations, questions, and concerns with your supervising clinical team. Support children’s participation in Dream Big Day activities and routines. Build positive, professional relationships with children, families, and teammates.

Participate in training, coaching, and team meetings, and apply feedback to your work. Help maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and inclusive center environment.

Qualifications

What You Bring High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred. At least six months of childcare experience. An interest in working with young children and supporting their development. A playful, compassionate approach and a willingness to learn. Clear communication and the ability to work collaboratively. Reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to following treatment plans.

A commitment to an inclusive environment where children, families, and teammates feel supported. Completion of required TB testing and Live Scan clearance. Physical requirements Lifting 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects up to 10 pounds. Frequent standing, walking, running, squatting, bending over, kneeling and sitting on the floor.

Dream Big Celebrates Differences We don't just dream of inclusive and equal environments- we create them. Dream Big is passionate about building an inclusive work and play space where everyone is celebrated. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Dream Big does not discriminate based upon race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, color, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We celebrate each uniqueness in our clients and staff- we know we are better together