COLLABORATIVE ANALYSIS. ACTIONABLE RESULTS.

The Navigators

Navigating Function First

Navigate Function First is built on a foundation of evidence-based functional behavior analysis and strengthened by partnerships with university programs across the country. Our collaboration provides a steady pipeline of trained intern Navigators, each supervised by experienced school-based BCBAs, ensuring that districts benefit from innovative practices by skilled professionals while sustainably building the future of the school-based workforce.

When students present with persistent, high-intensity behaviors, districts often struggle to complete Tier 3 FBAs effectively and efficiently. Limited staff, inconsistent training, and competing priorities can make it challenging to respond quickly and comprehensively. Navigate Function First was designed to bridge that gap.

Through The Navigators, our supervised network of aspiring school-based BCBAs, districts gain high-quality, expert-supported FBAs that align with local practices while easing internal workloads.

By partnering with Navigators, districts retain local control while gaining access to a team to analyze behavioral function, align interventions, and equip staff with actionable direction to drive meaningful student behavior change into behavior intervention planning.

Here’s what you can expect from us:

  • High-Fidelity FBA Processes
    Each case is handled by an intern Navigator, guided by expert school-based BCBA supervisors. FBAs are completed using evidence-based methods tailored to your district’s processes and priorities, ensuring local alignment and actionable results.

  • Collaborative, Capacity-Building Approach
    We keep district teams central to the process. Direct observation, indirect measures, and stakeholder input are collected by local teams, while our Navigators handle data setup and functional analysis. The result: robust FBAs with minimal district disruption.

This research-informed, university-supported model ensures that Navigate Function First delivers measurable impact today while strengthening the future workforce our schools need.

Learn More About Our Partners

Districts face growing complexity in supporting students with significant behavioral and mental health needs.

Navigate Function First addresses these challenges by combining:

  • Expert BCBA supervision

  • District-embedded collaboration

  • Volunteer-driven workforce expansion

  • Evidence-based functional behavior analysis

    • Lightens internal workloads without reducing control

    • Delivers comprehensive, actionable FBAs

    • Aligns documentation with district systems

    • Expands district capacity without additional hires

    • Produces interventions grounded in functionally aligned strategies

    • Reduces reliance on exclusionary measures

    • Increases access to supports that drive meaningful behavior change

    • Provides hands-on school-based FBA experience under expert guidance

    • Build a strong professional portfolio with diverse, complex student cases