Behavior Plans for New Jersey Preschool and Head Start Settings: A Parent's Guide

Understanding Behavior Plans in New Jersey Preschools

If your child is in a preschool or Head Start program in New Jersey and you've heard the term "behavior plan," you might be wondering what it actually means. A behavior plan-also called a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)-is a written document that outlines how teachers and staff will help your child learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. It's not about punishment; it's about teaching.

In New Jersey, preschools that receive public funding, including Head Start and state-funded Pre-K, are required to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities. This means if your child's behavior is impacting their learning or the learning of others, the school must consider a behavior plan as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan.

What Does a Behavior Plan Include?

A well-written BIP typically includes:

• A clear description of the behavior that needs to change (e.g., hitting, tantrums, or elopement).
• Information about what happens before and after the behavior (the ABCs: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence).
• Positive strategies to teach alternative behaviors, like using words to ask for a break.
• How staff will respond to both positive and challenging behaviors.
• How progress will be measured and reviewed.

Remember, a BIP is not a one-size-fits-all document. It should be tailored to your child's unique needs and strengths.

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How Head Start Handles Behavior Plans

Head Start is a federal program that promotes school readiness for children from low-income families. In New Jersey, Head Start programs must follow the Head Start Program Performance Standards, which emphasize positive behavior support. This means that instead of using exclusionary discipline like suspension or expulsion, Head Start programs are expected to use proactive strategies to understand and address the causes of challenging behavior.

If your child is in Head Start and you're concerned about their behavior, you can request a meeting with the program's mental health consultant or special education coordinator. They can help you determine if a formal behavior plan or an evaluation for special education services is needed.

Collaboration Between Head Start and Parents

Head Start places a strong emphasis on family engagement. You are not just a passive recipient of services-you are a partner. When a behavior plan is developed, the program should seek your input and share strategies that you can use at home. This consistency is crucial for your child's success.

The Role of the IEP in Behavior Planning

In New Jersey, if your child is eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), they will have an IEP. The IEP team-which includes you, teachers, and specialists-must consider positive behavioral interventions and supports if your child's behavior interferes with their learning or the learning of others.

Sometimes, a BIP is a separate document that is attached to the IEP. Other times, behavioral goals are written directly into the IEP. Either way, the plan must be based on a functional behavioral assessment (FBA), which is a process for understanding why a behavior occurs.

Requesting an Evaluation

If your child does not have an IEP but you believe they need a behavior plan, you have the right to request a special education evaluation in writing. The school district must respond within a specific timeline (usually 20 days in New Jersey). If the evaluation shows that your child has a disability that impacts their education, an IEP and BIP can be developed.

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Positive Behavior Support: The Core of Any Good Plan

Effective behavior plans are built on the principles of Positive Behavior Support (PBS). This approach focuses on understanding the function of a behavior-what your child is trying to communicate or get-and teaching them a more appropriate way to meet that need.

For example, if your child throws toys when they are frustrated, the function might be to escape a difficult task. A PBS-based plan would teach the child to say "help" or use a break card, and it would also make the task more manageable. This is much more effective than simply punishing the behavior.

Common Functions of Behavior

• Escape: To avoid a task, demand, or situation.
• Attention: To get attention from adults or peers.
• Access: To obtain a preferred item or activity.
• Sensory: To get a satisfying sensory experience.

Understanding the function is the first step to creating a plan that actually works.

What to Expect During the Behavior Plan Process

If you're new to this process, it can feel overwhelming. Here's a step-by-step look at what typically happens in New Jersey preschools and Head Start programs:

1. Observation: A teacher or behavior specialist observes your child in the classroom to gather information.
2. Meeting: The team meets to discuss the behavior, including you and any specialists.
3. FBA: If needed, a functional behavioral assessment is conducted by a qualified professional, such as a school psychologist or BCBA.
4. Plan Development: The BIP is written, with clear goals and strategies.
5. Implementation: Teachers and staff put the plan into action.
6. Review: The team reviews progress regularly and makes adjustments as needed.

Your Rights as a Parent

You have the right to be involved in every step of this process. You can ask questions, request changes, and even bring an advocate or friend to meetings. If you disagree with the school's decisions, you have procedural safeguards, including mediation and due process hearings.

Costs and Insurance: How to Get Help Beyond the Classroom

While school-based behavior plans are free, they may not be enough for every child. Many children in New Jersey benefit from additional support, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is a scientifically proven approach that uses positive reinforcement to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.

The good news is that ABA is covered by most insurance plans in New Jersey, including Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare. Under New Jersey's autism insurance mandate, medically necessary ABA is covered for children with an autism diagnosis. Even if your child does not have an autism diagnosis, some plans may cover ABA for other behavioral health needs, so it's worth checking.

How a BCBA Can Help

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional who specializes in designing and overseeing behavior plans. While a school BIP focuses on the classroom, a BCBA can also work with you at home, helping you implement consistent strategies across all settings. This is where a service like Start with ABA comes in-we can match you with a vetted, BCBA-led provider in New Jersey for free, so you don't have to navigate the search alone.

Practical Tips for Parents

Here are some actionable tips to help you support your child and work effectively with the school:

• Document everything: Keep a log of behaviors, what happened before and after, and what strategies seem to help.
• Communicate regularly: Check in with your child's teacher or the Head Start coordinator weekly, not just at IEP meetings.
• Ask for training: If the school offers parent training on behavior strategies, take it. If not, ask for it.
• Be consistent at home: Use the same language and rewards as the school plan, so your child gets a clear message.
• Seek early help: Don't wait for a crisis. If you see patterns of behavior that worry you, request an evaluation or a meeting sooner rather than later.
• Consider a BCBA: If your child's behavior is intense or not improving, a BCBA can provide a more intensive level of support.

Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating the world of behavior plans can be tricky. Here are common pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Assuming the school will handle everything: You are your child's best advocate. Stay involved.
• Focusing only on negative behaviors: A good plan also celebrates your child's strengths and successes.
• Using punishment at home: If the school is using positive strategies, using punishment at home will confuse your child.
• Ignoring the function: If you don't understand why the behavior happens, you can't fix it.
• Waiting too long to seek outside help: If the school plan isn't working after a few months, it's time to consider additional resources like ABA therapy.

How Start with ABA Can Help You Find a Provider

Finding the right ABA provider in New Jersey can feel like a daunting task, especially when you're already juggling school meetings and daily routines. That's where Start with ABA comes in. We are a free matching service that connects families with vetted, BCBA-led providers in their area. We do the research, check credentials, and help you find a provider who fits your child's needs and your family's schedule.

Whether your child is in a public preschool, a private program, or Head Start, a BCBA can work alongside the school to ensure your child's behavior plan is effective. Many providers offer in-home or clinic-based services, and they can coordinate with your child's teachers to create a unified approach.

To get started, simply visit our website and fill out a short form. We'll match you with providers who accept your insurance, including Medicaid, and who have availability. There's no cost to you-we're here to help.

Final Thoughts

Behavior plans are a powerful tool for helping your child succeed in preschool and Head Start. By understanding how they work, your rights, and the resources available, you can be a strong advocate for your child. Remember, you are not alone. There are many professionals in New Jersey-from school psychologists to BCBAs-who are ready to support you and your family.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Start by having a conversation with your child's teacher. Then, if needed, reach out to Start with ABA for a free match with a BCBA-led provider. With the right plan and the right support, your child can thrive.