How to Build an ABA Goal Library: 8 Steps with Labels, Skill Goals and BIP Goals

Every BCBA rewrites the same mand goal a hundred times unless the organization has a library. TargetFlo's Programming → Library and Programming → Labels turn your best goals into a shared, searchable starting point.

1. Start with the goals you already write

Add the skill acquisition goals your BCBAs reuse — verbal interaction, class participation, interacting with others, fine motor — with their targets and mastery criteria.

2. Add behavior (BIP) goals by function

Group behavior reduction goals by function: escape/avoid, get attention, get an item or activity, sensory. Each holds the target behavior and the replacement behavior.

3. Create label groups

Labels are groups you define, such as Mand Training (mands, social mands), Tact Training, Functional Communication Training, Social Skills or Discrimination Goals (class, feature, function).

4. Label every goal and target

Labels make the library filterable and keep client programs organized the same way across BCBAs.

5. Use the AI writing assist — then edit

The AI button on goal and target fields drafts, makes a goal measurable, or shortens it. You see a preview; the text changes only when you click Replace text.

6. Copy onto a client in one click

Add a library goal to a client's Programming. It's a copy — adjust it for that child without touching the library.

7. Let the Plan of Care reuse it

When the AI POC builder proposes goals from the assessment, it reuses library goals where they fit. Each one is accepted or rejected by the BCBA.

8. Retire, don't delete

Deactivate goals you no longer use; client history stays intact.

Related: How to set an ABA prompt hierarchy · 7 things BCBAs get from TargetFlo · Plan of Care & BIP