Across the board certification
Once our Star Academy staff members meet the necessary training requirement hours, they will sit for an international ABA Board exam, achieving certification as Board Certified Autism Technician (BCAT). The certificate is awarded by the Behavioural Intervention Certification Council (BICC), an independent and autonomous governing body for the BCAT certification programme, was established in 2013 to promote the highest standards of treatment for individuals with ASD through the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of all aspects of the certification and certification renewal processes.
Not only do our staff meet the eligibility requirements for exam entrants — which include a certain number of supervised experience hours, education, and training — we are thrilled that they also achieved top marks for the BCAT certification.
ABA Certification Achievements
Staff Achievement
The Star Academy is proud to announce that all our staff members across South Africa and Africa have participated in an international ABA Board Exam, achieving certification as Board Certified Autism Technicians (BCAT). This certification further validates the autism-specific skills of our team members and their competencies in using the principles and procedures of applied behaviour analysis.
Excellence in Autism Facilitation
The certificate is awarded by the Behavioural Intervention Certification Council (BICC), a nonprofit organisation founded in America to promote top-quality, evidenced-based autism treatment and to ensure consumer safety. BCAT certificate holders meet specified education, training, and experience standards, adhere to a code of ethics, and demonstrate mastery of the knowledge required to treat the deficits and behaviours associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The BICC, an independent and autonomous governing body for the BCAT certification programme, was established in 2013 to promote the highest standards of treatment for individuals with ASD through the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of all aspects of the certification and certification renewal processes.
Taking on the Challenge
“Not only did our staff meet the eligibility requirements for exam entrants — which included a certain number of supervised experience hours, education, and training — we are thrilled that they also achieved top marks for the BCAT certification,” says Ilana Gerschlowitz, Director of The Star Academy, commenting on the BCAT as an ongoing means of evaluation where technicians must obtain continuing education credit units in order to retain their certification. With the pass mark for the exam set at 80% or above, this is no mean feat.
Across-the-Board Quality
The BCAT examination was developed by a diverse group of practitioners in partnership with test development experts in a manner consistent with generally accepted psychometric principles and best practices for certification using an internationally recognized process to identify the roles and responsibilities of autism technicians. It is the first and only autism-specific credential that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), an independent body accredited by the American National Standards Institute as a Standards Developer.
“The NCCA regulates the standard of certification professionals in developing and managing high-quality certification programs, the same credentialing authority that accredits Board Certified Behaviour Analysts,” continues Ilana.
We are not accredited, yet. We submitted the application and should hear that we are accredited by the end of October or early November. We are members of the parent organization, the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. The psychometrician and test consultant who worked with us to develop the exam sit on the NCCA board, so we are confident that we have a strong application and will hear good news.
Identifying Qualified Technicians
Furthermore, all BCAT technicians are registered on the BICC registry, providing consumers with the means to identify qualified technicians. This further enforces the BICC’s rigorous standards, which includes monitoring of the technicians’ educational backgrounds, training, credentials and additional certifications. This is done in the interest of public safety, and the information is accessible to parents, caregivers, educators, funding agencies, and other interested parties, dovetailing with The Star Academy’s commitment to the highest standard in facilitating cutting-edge instruction.
Key Reasons for Our Success
“Some of the key reasons that our staff excelled in the exam can be attributed to the level of expertise and experience of our staff at The Star Academy and the expertise, support and on-going training and quality assurance of our USA affiliate CARD, world leaders in autism treatment,” explains Ilana. “We have a commitment to a strong work ethic where we work together as members of a team, dedicated to improving the lives of the children entrusted to our care.”
Congratulations to all of our outstanding staff members who have been inducted as BCAT certifcants. We look forward to many more productive and successful years as we continue our contribution in making a difference to our children and families with ASD.
We are certified in Johannesburg, Tshwane , Durban and across Africa (Ghana, Mauritius and Zimbabwe).
OUR TEAM
Certified and experienced experts that really care!
Ilana Gerschlowitz
Star Academy Managing Director
Jenna White
Highest Qualified ABA Specialist in SA & BICC Board Member
Alicia:
I am a senior instructor and Board Certified Autism Technician. I work at the Academy during the day but am also studying in the evening towards my Education Degree at the University of South Africa. Working at The Star Academy has been an amazing experience and teaching our wonderful kids inspires me everyday!
Trisha:
I completed my honours degree in Psychology in 2011 at the University of Pretoria. I am also registered as a Board Certified Autism Technician with the Behavioral Intervention Certification Council based in the USA. During my third year as a psychology student, in 2010, I joined the amazing Star family. Since then my life has been transformed by the passion of my wonderful colleagues and the extraordinary children I work with. I am currently working as a team lead as well as a PROMPT supervisor. I love playing a role in giving our children a voice to communicate with.
Gerald:
I am a Junior Instructor at The Star Academy. I love working at the Academy because we have the ability to teach children how to communicate. Giving a child a voice is rewarding and motivating. We find a way no matter how challenging the problem may appear to be. I have become a creative thinker and have learnt so much about problem solving. Working at the Academy is rewarding and I feel like I have found my career path.
Carla:
After completing my degree in Genetics, Psychology and Human Physiology through the University of Pretoria, I began working as a Junior instructor at The Star Academy this year. I am also studying towards an honors in Psychology through UNISA. During the past 6 months I’ve enjoyed working with the Star Team and continue to learn and grow. Witnessing the remarkable growth and progress of the children has been encouraging. I have seen ABA transform lives and feel proud to be part of such an outstanding organization.
Ananja:
I completed my Honors degree in Social Work in 2016 at The North West University, Potchefstroom Campus. Working at Star has been such an incredible experience. To be able to work with the children is a privilege! I have witnessed how ABA enables them to get back on track. At Star I have learnt how to teach children to communicate appropriately and I have become part of an expert team that works towards enhancing the skills repertoire of each individual child.
Daniella:
I have a completed my BA at Wits where I majored in History and Psychology. I continued my studies and completed by BSocSci Hons in Psychology degree at Tuks last year. I get to spend my time with the most amazing children who never fail to make me smile. From seeing them accomplish skills to learning replacement behaviour. No two days at the Academy are the same. I’m someone who constantly seeks new knowledge and at Star I continue to learn everyday, not only about myself but also about the children I work with.
Cayla:
I started at Star in November 2016 and it has become nothing less than a life changing experience. I am privileged to be the Personal Assistant to Ilana Gerschlowitz, the Director of Star who brought ABA to Southern Africa. As I studied Entrepreneurship @ UCT I have a passion to ensure the growth of Star in all departments. I believe that we don’t only give parents hope but we enforce change. ABA is a evidence based treatment and two of our important goals are to ensure independency and happiness of our kids.
Lauren:
I’ve had the privilege of being a part of The Star Academy for the last four years. I am a lead instructor and proud to be a Board Certified Autism Technician. I graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with an Honours Degree in Psychology. It has always been my passion to work with people, but it was at The Star Academy that my dream was realised. Experiencing first hand the growth and change we bring to each child is something truly remarkable. The Star Academy has a clear vision. To change lives. And while you might think it’s only the kids and parents lives you change the job really changes you. And it’s that change, growth and love of life that I cherish.
Crystal:
I am currently studying my Honors Degree in Educational Psychology through the University of Pretoria. I have worked with kids with autism for 4 years and I love my work because everyday is hopeful, exciting and every achievement, no matter how small, is celebrated!
Carla:
I am completing my BSc, majoring in Psychology and Physiology through . Witnessing the children’s measurable progress has been enlightening and I have learnt to be creative and think out of the box. No challenge is too big or too impossible to address and we are constantly looking for new ways to tackle the challenges presented. Being a part of such a knowledgeable and capable team has been an honor and I love coming to work everyday.
Akil:
After a comprehensive and vigorous training course that would prepare me to design and manage ABA programs for children across the autism spectrum, I qualified as a Star Academy Supervisor and Case Manager in 2012. Having trained with world leading experts in autism treatment I travelled extensively treating children throughout Africa. I have an Honours Degree in Psychology and I am a Board Certified Autism Technician. I am currently studying towards a Masters Degree in Organisational Psychology. It has been a humbling experience getting to know the families and working with the children who have taught me so much. When people ask what I do, I answer whatever it takes to teach a child a new skill or to give a child a voice.
Liana:
I completed a Degree in Psychology at UNISA and received my Honors Degree at the University of Pretoria. I am passionate about working at the Academy because every day holds new adventures and triumphs, for the kids and for me as well.
Carmen:
I am a Senior Instructor at The Star Academy. My qualifications include a BA in Psychology at TUKS followed by an Honors Degree in Psychology at UNISA. I am also a Board Certified Autism Technician. I found Star Academy as I was searching for options to broaden my Psychology experience. Within the first month of working at Star and with children on the spectrum I knew that I had found my calling. The things I love most about working at Star is learning and working with the diversity of Autism and related disorders and being a part of the amazing and unbelievable results ABA can produce. Witnessing the children’s gains and improvements on a daily basis, no matter how small, is the most fulfilling component.
Lianri:
I completed a BPsych Degree through the Pearson Institute of Higher Education and I am also a registered counsellor. I started working at Star Academy as a practicum placement during my final year at varsity and soon found my place in the world. I knew instantly that I had found my home. I am proud to be a part of an incredible team that leaves no stone unturned to ensure the children’s progress.
Monique:
I have been a supervisor at The Star Academy since 2010 and I have completed my Bsocsci Honours degree in psychology at the University of Pretoria. I am overjoyed to be able to improve the overall well-being of the children who’s cases I work on. I am a Board Certified Autism Technician registered with the BICC. At The Star Academy we work Miracles.
Carmen:
I am a Case Supervisor at The Star Academy and hold an Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Pretoria. I am also a Board Certified Autism Technician. In my 7 years at the Star Academy, being a part of how each child beats the odds has been life changing. Each child is a superhero fighting a very big battle and more often than not, they emerge triumphant!
Alicia:
I am a senior instructor and Board Certified Autism Technician. I work at the Academy during the day but am also studying in the evening towards my Education Degree at the University of South Africa. Working at The Star Academy has been an amazing experience and teaching our wonderful kids inspires me everyday!
Trisha:
I completed my honours degree in Psychology in 2011 at the University of Pretoria. I am also registered as a Board Certified Autism Technician with the Behavioral Intervention Certification Council based in the USA. During my third year as a psychology student, in 2010, I joined the amazing Star family. Since then my life has been transformed by the passion of my wonderful colleagues and the extraordinary children I work with. I am currently working as a team lead as well as a PROMPT supervisor. I love playing a role in giving our children a voice to communicate with.
Gerald:
I am a Junior Instructor at The Star Academy. I love working at the Academy because we have the ability to teach children how to communicate. Giving a child a voice is rewarding and motivating. We find a way no matter how challenging the problem may appear to be. I have become a creative thinker and have learnt so much about problem solving. Working at the Academy is rewarding and I feel like I have found my career path.
Carla:
After completing my degree in Genetics, Psychology and Human Physiology through the University of Pretoria, I began working as a Junior instructor at The Star Academy this year. I am also studying towards an honors in Psychology through UNISA. During the past 6 months I’ve enjoyed working with the Star Team and continue to learn and grow. Witnessing the remarkable growth and progress of the children has been encouraging. I have seen ABA transform lives and feel proud to be part of such an outstanding organization.
Ananja:
I completed my Honors degree in Social Work in 2016 at The North West University, Potchefstroom Campus. Working at Star has been such an incredible experience. To be able to work with the children is a privilege! I have witnessed how ABA enables them to get back on track. At Star I have learnt how to teach children to communicate appropriately and I have become part of an expert team that works towards enhancing the skills repertoire of each individual child.
Daniella:
I have a completed my BA at Wits where I majored in History and Psychology. I continued my studies and completed by BSocSci Hons in Psychology degree at Tuks last year. I get to spend my time with the most amazing children who never fail to make me smile. From seeing them accomplish skills to learning replacement behaviour. No two days at the Academy are the same. I’m someone who constantly seeks new knowledge and at Star I continue to learn everyday, not only about myself but also about the children I work with.
Proudly affiliated to CARD
World leaders in autism treatment
As a proud affiliate, The Star Academy has modelled their approach on The Centre for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)
The Yellow Canaries of Tembisa
The Star Academy which is a public benefit organisation and a company not for profit has started the Tembisa Outreach Programme to assist children with autism in this poverty stricken township. Through our team’s deep commitment, we have trained residents in Tembisa in our Star Academy teaching methodology to uplift the lives of both parents and their children.
Get involved
It is our mission to reach as many children as possible with treatment for Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD and Oppositional Defiance Disorder. If you are interested in helping us make a difference to children affected by these disorders here are some ways you can get involved:
Centres throughout South Africa
HEAD OFFICE:
Enquiries for all centres via headoffice
+27 (0) 11 440 7796
info@thestaracademy.co.za
CENTRES (Autism Schools South Africa):
Johannesburg | Highlands North
96 6th Avenue, Highlands North, Johannesburg
Johannesburg | Highlands North
112 Athol Street, Highlands North, Johannesburg
Johannesburg | Waverley
80 Athol Street, Waverley, Johannesburg
Johannesburg | Fourways
72 Glenluce Drive, Douglasdale, Johannesburg
Cape Town | Sea Point
12 Graham Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Durban North
14 Somerset Drive, Somerset Park, Durban
Pretoria | Erasmuskloof
480 Kleineweide street, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
Pretoria | Erasmuskloof
482 Kleineweide street, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
OTHER LOCATIONS:
Hartbeespoort, Grahamstown, Port Shepstone, Rustenburg
Helping kids throughout Africa
