Behavior Supports at The Phoenix Center

The Phoenix Center's behavior program is one of its hallmarks. The Phoenix Center's Behavior Management Team is extensively trained in Applied Behavior Analysis and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and works closely with certified social workers, a school psychologist, a consulting psychiatrist, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) consultant to develop uniform therapeutic interventions in support of each student's behavioral needs. Members of the behavior team are certified trainers for non-violent Crisis Intervention.

The behavior management team consists of a school social worker, certified teachers, and a behavioral assistant who collects and graphs student data. Based on research, we believe that student's behaviors are a manifestation of five possible motivators: medical, escape, attention, tangible or sensory issues. We collect data from teachers, related services providers and parents to determine the student's individual motivators and attempt to replace the inappropriate behavior with a functional communicative equivalent.

The behavior department's applied behavioral analysis program includes discrete trial intervention, positive behavioral supports, and the use of anticipation schedules. To minimize the negative impact of potential classroom crises, the team provides teachers with a Classroom Crisis Plan. The team also helps teachers complete a reinforcement assessment that reflects the motivators of behavior. This is used to develop Behavior Management Plans and Classroom Behavior Plans.