Train the Trainer Opportunity

When: November 6 & 7, 2008

Where: San Antonio, Texas

Fee: $125

For more information contact Sherrie Routin - 866.892.4453

A commonly voiced concern by individuals who interact with today's youth is the increasing number of children with challenging behaviors and the belief that these behaviors are becoming more severe. Continued use of ineffective discipline techniques can be time-consuming, as well as frustrating. Yet, there is an effective intervention process for working with children who do not seem to respond to traditional behavior intervention approaches.

What is Positive Behavior Support (PBS)?

PBS is a positive, proactive approach to working with children of all ages with challenging behaviors, and is effective with children with developmental disabilities as well as children without special needs.

PBS is based on a few key principles. They include:

• Every behavior serves as a form of communication and has a purpose (either to obtain or avoid attention, a task, a situation, a person, etc.).
• Modifications/adjustments should be made to the child's environment rather than attempting to make changes to the child. .
• A team-based approach leads to the greatest probability of success- in which families, teachers, child-care providers, and other key individuals are actively involved in the process
• Challenging behaviors indicate a lack of necessary skills to appropriately express needs and/or wants.

What kinds of behaviors area considered challenging?

Challenging behaviors are any recurring patterns of behavior that impair interaction with other people or interfere with learning. They may include aggression, extreme withdrawal, self-injury, property destruction, or defiance.

The PBS process includes the following components:

• Assemble a Team and Determine the Goals of the Intervention
• Observe the Child's Behavior and Complete a Functional Behavior Assessment
• Develop a Hypothesis
• Create a Behavior Support Plan
• Teach Replacement Skills/Behaviors
• Implement, Monitor and Adjust the Plan

Additional Positive Behavior Support websites:

• Association for PBS
• Center for Evidence-Based Practice: Young Children with Challenging Behavior
• Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning
• OSEP Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
• Positive Beginnings: Supporting Young Children with Challenging Behavior

How do I learn more about TACCRRA’s PBS program?

If you are in Texas and are interested in attending a training session, becoming a trainer, or obtaining intervention for a child, contact Sherrie Routin at sroutin@taccrra.net or 1.866.TX.CHILD (1.866.892.4453).

Financial support for The Positive Behavior Support Project is provided by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), with federal funds made available by the US Department of Health and Human Service, Administration of Developmental Disabilities. ($100,000. (74%) DD funds: $35,706. (26%) nonfederal resources) The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the TCDD.