Is your child struggling with their behavior at school? Are you feeling lost and unsure of how to help them succeed? You’re not alone! 

Many parents face similar challenges. But there is a powerful tool that can make a real difference. It is a behavioral intervention plan (BIP). 

What is a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)?

A Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) is a carefully designed strategy to address specific behavioral concerns. The main goal of a BIP is to change unwanted behaviors and replace them with positive ones. BIPs help create a more supportive and successful learning environment for your child.

BIPs in General Education vs Special Education Classrooms

These behavior plans aren’t just for special education students! They can be used for general education students, too. These plans are often called Behavioral Support Plans (BSPs) in general education. 

So, what’s the difference between a BIP and a BSP? Not much! 

They both aim to address student behavior, but “BSP” is typically used in general education settings.

How Behavior Impacts Education

Behavioral issues can significantly interfere with a child’s education. When a child struggles to control their emotions or behavior, it can impact their ability to focus, learn, and interact with others. 

It’s not just about the individual child, either. Disruptive behavior can also affect their classmates’ ability to learn. 

Addressing these issues early with an action plan for behavior can help your child succeed academically and socially.

When is a BIP Needed?

So, how do you know when to consider a behavior intervention plan? Here are a few scenarios where one might be helpful:

1. Difficulty behaving at school: If your child consistently struggles to follow classroom rules or exhibits disruptive behavior. 
2. Missing school due to behavior issues: If your child’s behavior is causing them to miss school, it’s time to take action. A BIP can help address the underlying problems and get them back on track.
3. Trouble controlling emotions that impact learning: If your child has emotional outbursts or meltdowns that interfere with their ability to learn, this can provide strategies for managing those emotions.
4. Behavior changes that affect other students: If your child’s behavior negatively impacts their classmates, it’s important to address the issue. 

If you see any of these signs, it might be time to explore whether a BIP is right for your child.

Why Implement a Behavior Intervention Plan?

There are many good reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits:

-Creating a Positive Environment

A BIP can create a more positive emotional environment for everyone involved. When behaviors are addressed effectively, it benefits the child, parents, teachers, and other students. We want a classroom where everyone feels safe, supported, and respected. 

-Uncovering Underlying Issues

Behaviors are often symptoms of deeper issues. A BIP can help uncover what’s really going on. 

• Is your child acting out because they’re feeling anxious? 
• Are they struggling with a learning disability? 

A BIP can help identify the root cause of the behavior so you can address it effectively. 

-Active CST Membership

A Child Study Team (CST) is a group that provides learning services to a student. As a parent, it’s vital to be an active team member. 

Your involvement can lead to a better understanding of your child’s needs and how to support them best.

-Professional Approach

A behavior intervention plan provides a professional way to address behaviors. It’s not just about punishing bad behavior. It’s about understanding the behavior, collecting data, and implementing proven strategies to help your child succeed.

How is a BIP Created?

So, how does a behavior intervention plan come to life? Here’s a breakdown of the process:

-Initiating the BIP Process

You, the parent, or the school system can start the BIP process. You have the right to contact the school and request a behavior intervention plan be put into place. 

The school should always consider your child’s best interest and work with you to implement a BIP if needed.

-Six Steps to Creating a BIP

Once the process has begun, there are six key steps to completing a behavior intervention plan:

1. Choose a problem behavior that needs to be changed: The first step is identifying the specific behavior you want to address. Be clear and specific. For example, instead of saying, “My child is disruptive,” you might say, “My child calls out in class without raising their hand.”
2. Collect data to measure the behavior: Once you’ve identified the target behavior, it’s important to collect data to measure how often it occurs. This data will help you track progress and determine if the BIP is effective.
3. Determine the reason behind the problem behavior: What’s causing the behavior? Is your child seeking attention? Are they trying to avoid a difficult task? Understanding the reason behind the behavior is crucial for developing an effective intervention.
4. Create a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is the process for gathering information about the target behavior and the factors that contribute to it. The FBA will help you understand the behavior’s triggers, consequences, and functions.
5. Create a behavioral plan: Using the information gathered in the FBA, you can develop a tailored behavior support plan. The plan should outline specific strategies and interventions to address the target behavior.
6. Teach the new alternative behavior: The final step is to teach your child a new, more appropriate behavior to replace the problem behavior. This might involve direct instruction, modeling, and positive reinforcement.

Strategies, Interventions, and Options for BIPs

What kind of strategies and interventions might be included in your child’s behavior intervention plan? Here are a few options:

-Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS)

Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) is a reward system that can be included within your child’s behavior intervention plan. PBIS focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors rather than punishing negative ones. This can create a more positive and supportive learning environment. 

Read our blog post to dive deeper into the principles of Positive Behavior Intervention Systems. 

-Alternative Behavior

Make sure your school offers alternative behaviors to address the problem behavior. For example, if your child calls out in class, an alternative behavior might be raising their hand and waiting to be called on.

-Reward Sticker Systems

Many students benefit from a sticker chart or reward system. It sounds simple, but it can be very effective! Offer small rewards for good behavior, such as extra recess or computer time.

-Finding the Right Reward or Alternative Behavior

It’s important to find a reward that works well for your child. What motivates them? What do they enjoy? The reward should be something that they’re willing to work for.

-Regular Review and Adjustment

Ensure your child’s plan is measured and adjusted regularly to ensure it is current. A BIP isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It must be reviewed and adjusted regularly to meet your child’s needs.

Additional Behavior Support

I hope this post has helped you understand more about behavior intervention plans. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. 

Check out these additional resources we have to help you support your child’s behavior. 

• What is ABA or Applied Behavior Analysis?
• Understanding Your Strong Willed Child And How to Manage Behavior
• What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children?
• Positive Behavior Interventions And Support (PBIS) What You Need to Know
• Interesting Functions Of Behavior
• Handle Behavior Issues At Home And School Like A Pro

If you’re looking for additional ways your child can get help with their education… We offer one-on-one special education tutoring that can be done from anywhere you are! Our special education experts conduct their sessions online!

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