If a student is presenting behavioral challenges, creating and implementing a structured and individualized behavioral intervention plan (BIP) is crucial. These plans are essential tools used in Applied Behavior Analysis and are often implemented by professionals such as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), two roles that are in high demand across New Jersey ABA therapy jobs. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or a professional working in the field, understanding how BIPs are developed and why they matter can make a significant difference in a child’s educational and emotional success. In this blog, we’ll break down the components of an effective Behavior Intervention Plan and how they are utilized in school and therapeutic settings throughout New Jersey.
What is a Behavior Intervention Plan?
A Behavior Intervention Plan, or a BIP, is an individually curated plan that is designed for addressing and changing or preventing challenging behaviors in students. Behavior Intervention Plans are a fundamental part of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. These plans are based off of a thorough assessment of the students’ behavior, the factors that trigger the problematic behaviors, and patterns, commonly implemented by professionals working in ABA therapy jobs in New Jersey such as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
In many RBT and BCBA jobs in NJ, including both school-based and in-home settings, professionals are required to develop BIPs as part of their responsibilities. In order to create a Behavior Intervention Plan, the student must take the functional behavioral assessment (FBA). Once the student completes the assessment, a BIP will be provided based off the results and act as structured framework for the individual to work off of. A well-structured behavior intervention plan should promote predictability, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Key Components of a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): The Functional Behavior Assessment is what the BIP is based off of. Generally, FBAs are created by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) although it may also be also created by a school psychologist, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), or a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), all key roles within the growing field of ABA therapy careers in NJ. This assessment gathers information about behaviors and whether the behaviors are social, academic, or emotional. During an FBA, the BCBA will use the ABC approach to accurately analyze the student. The “ABC” approach stands for:
- Antecedent
- Behavior
- Consequence
- Clear Objectives and Goals: In every behavior intervention plan there should be clear objectives and goals. These goals should follow the SMART goals acronym which stands for:
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- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Timeframes
- Strategies and Interventions: After recording the results of the FBA, the next step is to create strategies and interventions to address the function of the behavior. The interventions are tailored to each individual’s specific needs gathered by the FBA and the identified objectives and goals. The strategy and interventions may include techniques such as:
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- Positive reinforcement
- Self-regulation strategies
- Social skills training
- Environmental modifications
- Visual supports
Who Creates a Behavior Intervention Plan?
Depending on the state you reside in, the rules/requirements may vary slightly. For the purpose of this blog, we are going to focus on New Jersey. Typically, anyone who is on the IEP team will collaborate on the BIPs. The IEP team may include the following:
- Parents/Legal Guardians
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
- Social Worker
- Psychologist
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- Special Education Teacher
- General Education Teacher
This team ensures that the BIP aligns with educational goals and behavioral objectives, drawing on the expertise of professionals employed in various ABA and behavioral health roles in NJ.
The Importance of Behavior Intervention Plans
There are a number of reasons as to why BIPs are important for specific students. These Behavior Intervention Plans are beneficial for students who display behavioral concerns that interfere with their ability to learn. When a BIP is put in place, it helps enhance learning, engagement, safety, and the overall well-being of the student. By clearly addressing these disruptive behaviors, putting a BIP into place will guide students on how to stay focused, learn replacement behaviors, reduce any physically harmful reactions, and provide a framework for all involved parties.
Who Can Benefit from a Behavior Intervention Plan?
Any child that is displaying behavioral concerns and disruptions is eligible for a Behavior Intervention Plan. However, a BIP is required if the child is experiencing behavioral issues due to a disability. Some of these disabilities include:
- ADHD
- Autism
- Aggressive behavior
- Bipolar disorder
Final Thoughts
In order to develop an effective Behavior Intervention Plan, it requires clear communication, collaboration, and individualizing plans to meet the unique needs of each student. The IEP team will need to create a Functional Behavior Assessment and reference that to create the BIP with clear objectives, goals, strategies, and interventions. These plans have been proven to positively influence and guide students into developing positive behavioral changes. By implementing a BIP, your child will have the tools to succeed both educationally and socially.
At Horizon Staffing Resources, we specialize in placing professionals in RBT, BCaBA, and BCBA jobs across New Jersey who are trained to develop and implement these critical plans. If you’re looking for opportunities in the ABA field in NJ, or you’re a school or clinic in need of a qualified and reliable ABA staffing agency in New Jersey, Horizon Staffing Resources is here to help you succeed.
