Full-Day Center-Based ABA Therapy in Cherry Hill, NJ
A structured, full day of one-on-one ABA at our Route 70 center, led by a BCBA who knows your child by name and built to get kids ready for the classroom.
Full-day center-based ABA is intensive Applied Behavior Analysis delivered at our center at 1939 NJ-70 in Cherry Hill. Your child works one-on-one with an RBT under a BCBA's plan, building communication, independence and school-readiness skills. To start, call (732) 691-1299 for a free consultation and insurance benefits check.
Clinically reviewed by Charles Knoppel, BCBA · Updated October 2026
At a glance
| Where | 1939 NJ-70, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08003 (our only center) |
|---|---|
| Format | Full-day, one-on-one ABA with peer practice |
| Ages | Children of all ages; especially valuable ages 2–6 |
| Insurance | Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Tricare, UnitedHealthcare + most major plans; free benefits check |
| Clinical lead | Charles Knoppel, BCBA, Clinical Director |
What is full-day center-based ABA therapy?
Center-based ABA means your child comes to a clinic built for learning instead of the therapist coming to you. At our Cherry Hill center, each child works one-on-one with a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who follows a treatment plan written and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). A full day gives your child enough consistent hours to practice a skill, get it wrong, try again and master it, which is how Applied Behavior Analysis works best.
The center is also where many children first practice being part of a group. Waiting for a turn, lining up, following a direction given to several kids at once and moving between activities are hard skills for many children on the autism spectrum. In a center, those moments happen all day, so they can be taught on purpose instead of hoped for.
We are a smaller clinic by choice. Low BCBA caseloads mean your child's BCBA is in the room, watching data and adjusting the plan, and your child sees the same therapists from week to week.
Center-based programs are a common recommendation after an autism diagnosis because they can deliver a high number of therapy hours in a consistent setting. Your child's day is planned around clear, measurable goals, and every adult in the room is working from the same plan. That consistency is a big part of why skills build.
- One-on-one teachingevery child has their own RBT, with BCBA supervision on site.
- School readinesscircle time, transitions, group instructions, waiting and sharing.
- Peer practicesupported chances to play and talk with other children.
- Daily living skillstoileting, feeding, dressing and other self-care goals when they fit the plan.
Who is the center-based program a good fit for?
Full-day center care tends to fit children who need a high number of therapy hours, children getting ready for preschool or kindergarten, and children who learn better away from the distractions of home. It is especially useful in the early years, roughly ages 2 to 6, when skills tend to build quickly and a strong routine makes a big difference. Older children can attend too when their goals call for it.
Common reasons parents ask about it: a new autism spectrum disorder diagnosis with a recommendation for comprehensive ABA, limited speech or play skills, frequent meltdowns during transitions, or a child who is not yet ready for a classroom. Your child needs an autism diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician, psychologist or similar specialist for insurance to cover ABA. We can explain what the report should include.
The center is on Route 70 on the east side of Cherry Hill, near the Marlton (Evesham) line, so it is practical for families across Camden and Burlington counties. See our Cherry Hill ABA page for nearby towns. Families who live farther out often start with in-home ABA therapy instead.
If you are not sure whether your child is ready, that is a normal question. Many children who struggle with separation or new places settle in once the routine becomes familiar. Your BCBA will plan a gradual start when it helps, with shorter days at first and clear communication with you about how each day went.
What does a full day at the center look like?
Every child's schedule is built from their plan, so no two days look exactly alike. A typical day mixes several teaching styles. Discrete trial training (DTT) breaks a skill into small steps with clear prompts and reinforcement. Natural environment teaching (NET) uses play, snack and free time to practice the same skills in a looser setting. Group activities give your child practice with classroom routines and peers.
Throughout the day your child's RBT records data on every target: how many times a skill was correct, how much help was needed and when challenging behavior happened. Your BCBA reviews that data, watches sessions and changes the plan when progress stalls or a goal is met. You get regular updates so you always know what your child is working on and why.
Breaks, meals and movement are part of the day, not interruptions to it. Reinforcement is chosen around what your child actually enjoys, and challenging behavior is addressed with a plan based on why it happens, not just what it looks like.
How does starting center-based ABA work, step by step?
Most families move from first call to first session in a few clear steps. We often have openings and can start quickly, so ask about current availability.
Families in Cherry Hill and nearby towns across Camden County are close enough that daily center attendance is practical for many. Our Camden County ABA page covers local insurance and school-district details. If the commute is a stretch, ask about mixing center days with in-home sessions instead of choosing one or the other.
- Free consultationcall (732) 691-1299 or use our contact form. We answer questions and check your insurance benefits at no cost.
- Assessmentyour BCBA completes a skills assessment and, when behavior is a concern, a functional behavior assessment (FBA).
- Treatment plan & authorizationthe BCBA writes goals and recommends hours; we submit the plan to your insurer for authorization.
- Sessions beginyour child starts with a consistent RBT and a predictable schedule.
- Data, parent training & transitionwe review progress, coach you on carrying skills home and plan the next step toward school.
How does the center program pair with home, school and parent training?
Skills learned in one place do not always show up in another. That is why generalization is built into every plan. Many children combine center days with a few hours of in-home ABA, so the same goals get practiced in the kitchen, the bathroom and the backyard. When a child is moving into a classroom, our school & community-based ABA can support that transition, with the district's approval.
Parents are part of the team from day one. Through parent training & support, your BCBA shows you the strategies your child's therapists use, so bedtime, mealtime and outings get easier too. For children working on friendships and conversation, we fold in goals from our social skills program. Your BCBA will recommend a mix that fits your child and your family's schedule, and that mix changes as your child grows.
When your child is ready for a classroom, we plan the move together. That can mean shortening center hours as school hours grow, sharing data with the Child Study Team when you ask us to, and practicing the specific routines your child's new class uses. The goal is a handoff that feels familiar to your child, not a sudden change.
ABA programs for your family
ABA Therapy for Children
One-on-one, play-based ABA that builds communication, social and daily-living skills.
Learn more →In-Home ABA Therapy
Therapy in your home, where routines like meals, bedtime and play happen.
Learn more →Early Intervention ABA
Support for toddlers and preschoolers during the years skills grow fastest.
Learn more →School & Community-Based ABA
Help carrying skills into classrooms, playgrounds, stores and outings.
Learn more →Social Skills Development
Turn-taking, conversation, play and friendship skills, practiced with peers.
Learn more →Feeding Therapy (ABA)
Help with picky eating, food selectivity and mealtime behavior, coordinated with your child's doctors.
Learn more →Innovative ABA – Cherry Hill, NJ
Innovative ABA
1939 NJ-70
Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08003
(732) 691-1299
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
On Route 70 on the east side of Cherry Hill, near the Marlton line. Center-based care happens here; our in-home and community team travels across South Jersey and the Philadelphia area.
Charles Knoppel, BCBA
Clinical Director — Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Charles leads our clinical team and oversees every child’s treatment plan. He reviewed this page for clinical accuracy in October 2026. Meet our team →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between center-based and in-home ABA?
The main difference is the setting. Center-based ABA happens at our Cherry Hill clinic, with structure, fewer distractions and other children to practice with. In-home ABA happens in your house, using your child's real routines. Both follow a BCBA's treatment plan and collect data every session. Many children do best with a combination, and your BCBA will recommend a mix after the assessment.
How many hours a week is full-day center-based ABA?
Hours are set by your child's assessment, not by a standard package. Comprehensive ABA programs for young children are often recommended at a high weekly intensity, while focused programs target fewer goals with fewer hours. Your BCBA recommends a number based on your child's needs and your family's schedule, and your insurer must authorize it. Hours are reviewed as your child makes progress.
What ages attend the Cherry Hill center?
We serve children of all ages, but the center program is especially valuable for children around 2 to 6 years old who are building early communication, play and classroom skills. School-age children may attend when their goals fit a center setting, such as before or after school or during breaks. Your BCBA will tell you honestly whether the center is the right fit.
Is center-based ABA covered by insurance in New Jersey?
Often, yes. New Jersey's autism insurance mandate requires many state-regulated health plans to cover medically necessary ABA, and we work with most major plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Tricare and UnitedHealthcare. Self-funded employer plans follow federal rules instead, so coverage varies. We check your benefits for free before you commit.
Do you have openings at the center right now?
We often have openings and can start quickly, so ask about current availability. Because we are a smaller clinic, we can usually tell you on the first call what schedule is realistic. Insurance authorization is the step that most affects timing, and we handle that paperwork with you.
Can families from Pennsylvania attend the Cherry Hill center?
Yes, families from the Philadelphia area can attend our Cherry Hill center, which is the only center we operate. Many Philadelphia families cross the Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman Bridge to reach South Jersey. Pennsylvania families who live farther from the bridges often choose in-home ABA instead. We will verify your Pennsylvania plan's ABA benefits for free.
Will my child have the same therapist every day?
We work hard to keep the same faces with your child. Low caseloads and a small team mean your child's BCBA and RBTs get to know them well, which makes sessions smoother and progress easier to track. If a schedule change is needed, we introduce new team members gradually rather than switching without warning.
Ask about full-day center availability
Schedule a free consultation and insurance check. We'll walk you through the center, the assessment and what a realistic schedule looks like for your child.