Behavior Guidance

---

Behavior Support 
Tier 1 Services
Communicate with your Coordinator when children in your classroom are struggling with challenging behaviors.  There are several questions you might consider together:

• What stressors is the child experiencing?
• What experiences are affecting the child's behavior?
• What beliefs and attitudes are you, as the teacher, bringing to the situation?
• Are the child's basic needs being met?
• Are there health and/or developmental needs that are unmet?

80% of children fall within Tier 1 Services, and are able to be successful when basic classroom supports are in place such as:

• Predictable daily routine (ECKLC Schedules and Routines)
• Consistent and clear expectations for children
• Quality instruction (ECKLC Effective Practice Guides)
• Building strong relationships and Supporting Positive Behaviors
• Engaging Interactions and Environments
• Intentional transitions with appropriate warnings
• Conscious Discipline® implemented
• Safe Place created and children have been taught how to use it
• Classroom Mental Health Checklist (7/24)
• Proactive strategies such as providing plenty of materials, planning lessons around students' interests, reading children's cues, and noticing desired behavior
• Tips for Toddlers & Following Directions (10/24)

Before moving to Tier 2 and 3 services, your Coordinator  will complete an observation and meet with the teacher for sharing of ideas/strategies. Refer to the Classroom Management Protocol (7/24) for more information.

Re-Frame the Behavior poster

---

 Tier 2 Services
If Tier 2 Services are determined to be applied, your Coordinator will work with the teacher to create a plan for individualized instruction with parent input and approval using the Classroom Support Plan (7/24). At this tier the Behavior Tracking form may be used to better understand the concern. Possible supports:

• Individualized visuals
• Social stories
• More visuals and social stories
• e-DECA assessment and strategies
• Sensory Processing Measure
  
• Head Start Center for Inclusion resources
• Behavior tracking (7/24)
• CCPM classroom visit
• NMCAA Behavior Specialist classroom support
• Using Visuals in the Classroom tips
• Other strategies identified in the Protocol

Tier 3 Services
If Tier 3 Services are determined to be applied, the parent, teacher, and your Coordinator will follow procedures for individualized services and referrals. For more information on mental health services and referrals, refer to the Mental Health page.

---

"When kids misbehave, they are sending a message loud and clear; 'Help me'."      ~Charles Appelstein, MSW

---

More Resources:
Eliminating Preschool Expulsion
ECKLC Fact Sheet for Families on biting

---

HSPPS 1302.7 Suspension and Expulsion