An individualized Behavior Intervention Plan is developed and implemented for each student. It is based on a functional assessment of behavior with input from the student, guardian, and instructional staff. Behavior plans focus on identifying and avoiding triggers, teaching students appropriate replacement skills and coping techniques, and reinforcing desired behaviors.
Our Behavior Specialists provide support services for classroom staff and students through classroom observation, collaboration, and participation in the development of individualized Behavior Intervention Plans. They also support by evaluating individual student needs, creating and teaching use of visual supports, designing individualized coping sequences, teaching transition strategies, monitoring progress, and providing individualized reinforcement. Our Behavior Specialists hold Master’s Degrees, are Special Education Licensed by the Virginia Department of Education, and are Board Certified Behavior Analysts or in the process of completing requirements for Board Certification.
Our Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) has met rigorous, nationally recognized standards. School psychologists who hold the NCSP demonstrate their commitment to the highest levels of professionalism, ethical practice, and continuing professional development.
All students have access to sensory and exercise activities, Cool Down Tool Boxes, social stories, visual supports, and quiet spaces to help regulate emotions, calm if upset, and re-energize or regain focus for educational activities.
Teachers communicate daily with parents/guardians using a Daily Communication Form.
Daily Communication Form Kiln Creek and Yorktown
Daily Communication Form Woodside Lane
Social Skills Instruction focuses on teaching students effective communication, problem-solving, coping, and anger-management skills.
All staff are certified in crisis management techniques. The primary goal is to work with students to prevent crisis situations. If a student’s behavior does escalate to crisis level our staff work as a team to quickly and safely de-escalate the situation and calm the student.
The Adapted Physical Education and Recreational Therapy Programs offer a variety of recreational and educational experiences focusing on the development of life skills including problem-solving, positive social skills, communication and cooperation within a team.
At the Woodside Lane campus our school-wide positive behavior system teaches students appropriate behavioral expectations and rewards student progress. Our students know it as STARR: Safe Students Teaching All Respect and Responsibility.