Identifying behavioral problems

🧠 SOP: Supporting Teachers in Understanding the Reason for Children’s Problem Behavior

Purpose:
To provide a structured approach for directors and mentors to guide teachers in identifying, understanding, and responding to the underlying causes of children’s challenging behavior with empathy, consistency, and effectiveness.

🎯 Objectives

Help teachers identify the “why” behind behaviors
Promote consistent, trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate responses
Improve CLASS scores in Emotional Support and Behavior Management

🧩 Director’s Role

Task	Description
👀 Observe	Conduct focused walkthroughs to identify recurring behavior triggers or patterns.
🤝 Coach	Meet with teachers to debrief incidents and explore root causes collaboratively.
📝 Document	Track behavior using ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) charts.
🧠 Educate	Provide training on child development, trauma-informed care, and emotional regulation.

🛠️ Teacher Implementation Guide

1. Use the ABC Approach

Step	Description	Example
Antecedent	What happened right before the behavior?	“He was told to clean up.”
Behavior	What did the child do?	“He threw a toy.”
Consequence	What happened right after?	“Teacher scolded and removed him from group.”

Pattern tracking over 3–5 days helps uncover if behavior is attention-seeking, escape-motivated, or sensory-related.

2. Ask “What is the child trying to communicate?”

Children may act out because they are:

Overwhelmed or overstimulated
Lacking the language to express feelings
Hungry, tired, or unwell
Experiencing changes at home (divorce, new sibling, etc.)
Testing boundaries for consistency

Encourage teachers to respond with curiosity instead of judgment:

“What does this child need right now?”

3. Use Developmentally Appropriate Expectations

Adjust tasks to match the child’s emotional and cognitive capacity
Break tasks into small, achievable steps
Offer more physical proximity, visual cues, or sensory tools

4. Integrate Emotional Intelligence Practices

Teach feelings vocabulary (“I see you’re frustrated.”)
Model calm-down strategies like deep breathing or sensory play
Use peace corners or calm-down jars

5. Family Communication and Collaboration

Partner with families to gather insight into the child’s routine, stressors, or health
Keep communication strength-based and supportive
Use shared behavior support plans if needed

🧰 Tools & Resources

ABC Behavior Chart (template)
Feelings posters & emotion cards
Daily Behavior Reflection Form
Classroom sensory kit (fidgets, headphones, weighted lap pads)
“Understanding Behavior” professional development module

🔁 Ongoing Support

Week	Action
Week 1	Baseline behavior observation by director
Week 2	Teacher logs 3 ABC charts
Week 3	Joint review and planning session
Week 4	Adjust environment or routines as needed

🏆 Reinforce Positive Change

Acknowledge when teachers successfully identify the function of a behavior
Celebrate classroom growth in self-regulation and empathy
Highlight examples in staff meetings