If you're an RBT in the Frederick, Maryland area — or considering relocating — school-based work at FCPS offers something that clinic and home-based ABA settings typically don't: a predictable schedule, consistent caseload, and summers off. Here's what the role actually looks like.
What Does a School-Based RBT Actually Do?
Unlike clinic-based ABA where you might see multiple clients per day in short sessions, school-based RBT work at FCPS is typically embedded in the student's school day. You work with assigned students in their classrooms, during transitions, at lunch, and during specials — implementing the behavior intervention plan (BIP) designed by the supervising BCBA.
A Typical Day as a School-Based RBT at FCPS
7:30 AM — Arrive at school, review student's BIP targets for the day
8:00 AM — Support student during morning routine and classroom instruction
9:30 AM — Run discrete trial teaching (DTT) session during designated time
10:30 AM — Natural environment teaching during social/play activities
12:00 PM — Lunch support — practice social skills and self-regulation
1:00 PM — Afternoon classroom support and data collection
2:30 PM — Document session data, communicate with classroom teacher
3:00 PM — End of day
Pay and Benefits
RBT Compensation at FCPS
$28–30/hr · Free medical (SBMA/PHCS) · Free dental (Aflac) · Free vision (Aflac) · Weekly pay Thursdays · Workers' comp · MarylandSaves 401(k) · Mon-Fri school calendar · Summers off
For comparison, clinic-based RBT rates in the Frederick/Baltimore area typically range from $20–28/hr, often without benefits or with significant premium deductions. The school-based rate through Eaglewings starts above that range and includes full insurance at no cost.
What You Need to Apply
The essentials: active RBT certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), a high school diploma or equivalent, current CPR/BLS, and a clean background check. If you've been doing clinic or home-based ABA, your skills transfer directly — the principles are the same, just applied in a school context.
Eaglewings provides onboarding for RBTs new to school-based work, including orientation to FCPS policies and collaboration with the school team.
Where Are the Jobs?
FCPS covers all of Frederick County — from Emmitsburg and Thurmont in the north, through Frederick City in the center, to Urbana and New Market in the south. Brunswick and Middletown are to the west. When you apply, Eaglewings matches your assignment based on your home location, driving preference, and the specific student needs at each school.
Most RBTs are placed at one school for the duration of the school year, so you're building relationships with the same students, teachers, and BCBA throughout. That consistency benefits both you and the students.
School-Based vs. Clinic-Based ABA: Key Differences
The biggest differences: schedule predictability (no evening sessions, no weekend make-ups), caseload stability (same students all year), and the team environment (you're working alongside teachers, counselors, and related service providers instead of solo in a home or 1:1 in a clinic room).
The tradeoff: you're in a school with its own culture and rules, you may need to navigate IEP meetings and school team dynamics, and summer is unpaid time off (though many RBTs pick up clinic hours during summer).
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Apply?
We're hiring RBTs for Frederick County Public Schools — SY 2026–2027 and beyond.