When a child is having difficulty at home or school, behavior intervention plans (BIP) can be an extremely effective type of therapy in reducing the unwanted behavior and/or increasing the desired behavior.
Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) might be used in the following situations when a child is:
- Aggressive at home or school
- Distracted or unfocused during academics
- Socializing inappropriately
- Trying to learn a new skill
There are two main type of BIPs:
- Daily Report Cards (DRCs) – teacher scores the child on several target behaviors, while parents review the targets and give a home reward. DRCs are used mostly for older kids who can delay gratification of their reward. We’ve made this process electronic with our eDRC to improve privacy, information sharing, and measuring progress.
- Response Cost Plans – teacher or parent remove tokens for negative behaviors, which can be exchanged for a home or school reward. Used more commonly for younger kids who need tangible reinforces.
As a multidisciplinary child psychology practice, we routinely institute BIPs at home and school. First, we meet with the parents, teachers and/or child to gather information about the child’s behavioral issue. This might also include a home or school observation. Second, we create a specific behavior plan that matches the child’s needs, one that is easy to implement and monitor. Third, we train parents and teachers on how to execute the program. Fourth, we monitor and adjust the program as needed.
Behavior plans are extremely effective, but only if they are given ongoing attention and maintenance. Most behavior programs work well in the beginning because of novelty and excitement. Over time, however, adults find it difficult to maintain and become inconsistent, which impacts the child’s behavior. We provide daily monitoring of our behavior plans at home and school to keep adults motivated and consistent.
