Overall Risk Level
warning Medium Risk
Risk Flags
flag2020 DOJ settlement agreement regarding excessive use of prone restraint (77-92 instances) on a 10-year-old student with autism; three-year compliance period concluded
flag2016 federal investigation by DOE Office for Civil Rights found student was restrained face-down 92 times over 11 months, became suicidal
flag2024 wrongful termination lawsuit filed (Davis v. Anova Education) in Sonoma County
flagCompensation significantly below Bay Area market rates, contributing to high turnover
flagNot primarily an ABA therapy provider — ABA is one service within a special education school model
Legal Issues
gavelDOJ Settlement Agreement (January 2020) - resolved disability discrimination complaint filed by Disability Rights California in 2016
gavelDavis v. Anova Education (2024) - wrongful termination case filed in Sonoma County District Court
Ethical Concerns
policyExcessive restraint use on a minor with autism documented by federal investigators (92 incidents over 11 months)
policyStudent reportedly regressed academically and became suicidal during period of excessive restraint
Employee Sentiment
7.6
out of 10
thumb_up Common Praises
- add_circle Meaningful mission-driven work helping children with autism and special needs
- add_circle Great coworkers who are passionate about making a difference
- add_circle Training provided for incoming behavior assistants with no prior experience required
- add_circle Good organizational structure and wealth of materials/supplies
- add_circle Supportive leadership and ongoing professional trainings
thumb_down Common Complaints
- remove_circle Low pay relative to workload and cost of living in the Bay Area
- remove_circle High turnover rate reported by multiple employees
- remove_circle No pay during school breaks cited as a significant concern
- remove_circle Limited career growth opportunities (rated 2.9/5 on Glassdoor)
- remove_circle Compensation and benefits rated only 2.7/5 on Glassdoor