Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Behavior Specialist

    Posted 06-05-2019 02:50 PM
    Does anyone have a sample they would be willing to share regarding a behavior specialist in the classroom?
    We are looking to get a signature from the parents upon enrollment stating that it would be okay to bring in an outside observer, possibly a licensed therapist that we work with exclusively, to observe their child if the teachers find it necessary for the success of the child in the classroom.
    Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!

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    Melissa Boman
    Assistant Director
    Grand Rapids Community College
    Grand Rapids MI
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  • 2.  RE: Behavior Specialist

    Posted 06-06-2019 12:07 PM
    Hi Melissa-

    We partner with an intervention team that we introduce to all of our families at the beginning of our school year.  We explain that they will be a part of our program visiting all of our classrooms and offering support to our students, teachers and families, whether it is simply assisting with transitions and new routines, or supporting teachers with Social thinking curriculum.  If the teachers feel a student needs further observation we will have the OT 'unofficially' observe the child while they are in the classroom.  The OT will then reach out to the family to obtain permission to observe the child and express more specifically what we are seeing in the classroom and what she will be observing.  They typically will send home a Sensory Processing checklist for the family to complete and the teacher does, as well.

    Hope that helps.

    Lisa Houghlin

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    Lisa Houghlin
    Director
    Sacred Heart Preschool
    Louisville KY
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  • 3.  RE: Behavior Specialist

    Posted 06-06-2019 01:27 PM
    Hello! This is  Qiutao ,Nice to see everyone here, I was a Chinese teacher for 16 years, in USA I am a new teacher,I  need time to learn about the American behavioral health and education  for the children, Thanks for NAEYC helping.

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    Qiutao Zhang
    YWCA York (1)
    York PA
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  • 4.  RE: Behavior Specialist

    Posted 06-06-2019 02:01 PM
      |   view attached
    Childcare centers in the state were asked by state licensing to have a behavior guidance plan. We created the attached document to add to our parent handbook. The parents are asked to initial the policy. If you read through the policy the last paragraph outlines when we would ask a specialist to observe a child. It also addresses expulsion (that was a requirement by the state for this policy), though in the 15 years I have worked here we have never expelled a child. If children are struggling with behavior, speech or motor activities and they are over three, the local school district will complete the screenings for us. If a child is under 3, we will get early supports and services involved. Parents also have the choice of choosing a private specialist to complete a screening as well, and some parents prefer this route.
    Janet

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    Janet Bauer
    Windy Hill School
    Colby-Sawyer College
    New London NH
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    Attachment(s)



  • 5.  RE: Behavior Specialist

    Posted 06-06-2019 04:19 PM
    I have always felt that it is important to get the parent on board if there are behavior concerns in the classroom, so I would caution you against making a blanket form.  Having information in the handbook is fine, but if there are concerns that you want a behavior specialist to consult on, then the parents should be informed.

    We meet with parents and make a plan (attached) to help the child be successful.  The plan I attached is one that has some ideas already in it, but generally we just start with a blank slate and build the plan to meet the child's needs. Having a plan helps all of the adults in the room understand the needs of the child and respond consistently. Most times this works.  If not, we refer the family to the school district and/or early intervention program for evaluation and suggestions. We have the parent sign the Release Form (attached) after they have the support organization on board, so we can talk with their professionals.

    I always try to put myself in the parent's shoes and if my child were struggling with behaviors in the classroom, I would want to know.

    Hope this helps!
    Thanks-
    Lisa

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    Lisa Frasure
    Ohio University Child Development Center
    Athens OH
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    Attachment(s)