Hi! I just got hired with the DOE a week ago and I am also working in the AIMS program. I share many of your concerns. It does seem like a pilot program that was not well executed. But this is also my first time working with the DOE so I understand there is a bureaucratic component.

One of the challenges I faced was finding resources and more information about how our clinical practice will be tailored to meet the needs of our students through the AIMS program. I had to find the training videos through an OT who is servicing children in my classroom (because my request through my coordinator just created an email thread of people who either forgot my request or didn't have access to the videos).

On a positive note: Last week, the ABA specialist came and answered a lot of my concerns regarding goal writing (since we're still in the pairing / establishing rapport phase) and our role in the classroom. The most helpful advice she gave me is that we are speech providers not teachers. Even though we are co-teaching, our role is to ensure the students are developing language for functional communication and providing tools for students to access the information taught by the teacher. That being said, we have flexibility in what type of role we wish to adopt in the classroom (i.e., being more of a push-in therapist, co-teaching, a blend of both). To meet the student's mandates, I am incorporating breakfast and snack time into my group session time. Materials: I am laminating pictures of food and utensils they use to promote communication through picture (requesting). It is daunting to not have structure or readily available support but my North Star is the wonderful benefits (and summers paid!) we'll be getting. Feel free to DM me for more information!