Can a Hillsborough family pay for this with scholarship funds?
ABA provided by or under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (including RBTs under BCBA supervision).
Not eligible under PEP.
Not an authorized category.
Rules that apply
- Verify the BCBA through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board registry.
- Cannot duplicate services paid by insurance.
- Psychotherapy or counseling by a licensed psychologist, mental health counselor, MFT or clinical social worker is also an eligible specialized service.
What is not allowed
- Unsupervised technicians
- Services already reimbursed by insurance or an HSA
In Hillsborough
59 Hillsborough private schools report serving autism spectrum disorder in the state directory — the third most common category in the county. Ask whether ABA is delivered on campus and how it is billed.
How to buy it
Check MyScholarShop first (anything listed is pre-approved), then Find Providers in EMA for direct pay to tutors, therapists and instructors. Otherwise pay with a card, keep the itemized receipt and submit for reimbursement. Anything not listed as eligible needs a pre-authorization request before you buy; 2026-27 requests close May 28, 2027.
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Sources: FES-UA Purchasing Guide (FCSUA / Step Up For Students) with the 2026-27 summary of changes; PEP Purchasing Guide 2026-27; Step Up For Students "Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides — Summary of Changes," revised September 16, 2026. Summaries, not legal advice; your SFO's handbook controls.