# ABA opening checklist

Source: https://waitlessaba.com/opening-checklist
Publisher: Waitless (https://waitlessaba.com/)
Updated: 2026-11-03

When an ABA provider calls with an [opening](https://waitlessaba.com/glossary#opening), confirm they still take your insurance, ask about setting and hours, ask how soon you need to reply, have your paperwork folder ready, ask whether declining keeps your waitlist place, update your other waitlists and ask what [intake](https://waitlessaba.com/glossary#intake) looks like next. Print this list and keep it with your [ABA waitlist tracker](https://waitlessaba.com/waitlist-tracker).

## What should I do when an ABA provider calls with an opening?

Treat an [opening call](https://waitlessaba.com/glossary#opening-call) as a short logistics check. Confirm they still take your insurance or Medicaid plan, ask about the setting and hours, ask how soon you need to reply, pull out your paperwork folder, ask whether declining keeps your place on the waitlist, update your other waitlists and ask what intake looks like next.

Work through these steps during the call or right after:

- Confirm they still take your insurance or Medicaid plan.
- Ask whether the opening is [in-home](https://waitlessaba.com/glossary#in-home-aba), [center-based](https://waitlessaba.com/glossary#center-based-aba) or another setting, and which days and hours it covers.
- Ask how soon you need to reply, and whether you can ask questions before you decide.
- Pull out your paperwork folder. The [ABA intake checklist](https://waitlessaba.com/intake-checklist) lists what providers often ask for.
- Ask whether turning this spot down keeps your place on the waitlist, and when the next likely opening could come.
- Update your other waitlists and your tracker with the date and what they offered.
- Ask what intake looks like next and how to send documents.

## How soon do I need to reply to an ABA opening?

Ask on the call. Some providers need an answer the same day, especially for a [cancellation list](https://waitlessaba.com/glossary#cancellation-list) spot. Others give you a few days. If you need time to check your schedule or talk with your family, say so and ask for a clear reply deadline. Write the deadline in your tracker.

## What if the opening does not fit our schedule?

Ask whether a different time or setting could work, and whether turning this spot down keeps your place on the waitlist. Stay on your other lists meanwhile. The [reply template for an opening offer](https://waitlessaba.com/waitlist-check-in#how-do-i-reply-when-a-provider-offers-an-opening) helps you answer in writing if the provider prefers email or text.

## Should I leave my other ABA waitlists?

Usually wait until your child has started with a provider, or until you are sure this spot will work. When you do leave a list, tell the provider so they can offer the spot to another family. Our [polite leave-a-waitlist note](https://waitlessaba.com/waitlist-check-in#how-do-i-leave-an-aba-waitlist-politely) gives you the wording.

## How do I use the opening checklist?

1. Print the checklist, or keep it open on your phone.
2. When a provider calls with an opening, work through the list in order.
3. Write each answer and the reply deadline in your waitlist tracker.
4. Send any paperwork the provider asks for the same day, using your intake folder.
5. Update or leave your other waitlists once you have accepted a spot and care has started.

## Is the opening checklist free?

Yes. Print it, copy it or read it from your phone. Nothing you write on it is sent to Waitless.

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General information only, not legal, tax, financial or medical advice.