Behavior Supports at School in New Jersey

When behavior is getting in the way at school, families usually ask the school team what is happening, request that the behavior be looked at systematically, and ask what supports are being used. Schools may conduct a functional behavior assessment and develop a behavior intervention plan. Requests are stronger in writing.

• Ask when the difficulties happen: which class, which time of day, which transitions, which people.
• Ask what happens right before and right after.
• Ask what the school has already tried and what changed.
• Ask whether your child is missing instruction, being removed from class, or being sent home.

Behavior is usually communication. A clear pattern is more useful than a list of incidents.

1. 1Ask for a meeting in writing

   Email the teacher and case manager. Ask to review the pattern and what supports are in place.

2. 2Ask about a functional behavior assessment

   This is a structured look at why the behavior is happening. Ask what it involves, who conducts it, and how the results will be used.

3. 3Ask about a behavior intervention plan

   If a plan exists, ask for a copy, ask who is trained on it, and ask how consistently it is being used.

4. 4Ask about communication between home and school

   A short daily or weekly note often helps more than long emails after difficult days.

5. 5Ask what data will be reviewed and when

   Agree on a date to look at the data together rather than waiting for the next crisis.

• School supports and clinical services are separate systems with separate paperwork.
• With your written permission, outside providers and the school team can share information.
• Ask each side what they need from the other, and put the request in writing.

• When and where is this happening most often?
• What is the school currently doing, and is it written down anywhere?
• Would a functional behavior assessment be appropriate, and what would it involve?
• Is there a behavior intervention plan, and who is trained to use it?
• How much instruction is my child missing?
• What data will we review, and when will we meet again?

• Repeated removals from class or early dismissals can affect learning; ask how they are being tracked.
• A behavior plan is only as good as its consistent use; ask who implements it.
• Discipline rules for students with disabilities involve specific protections; ask SPAN or Disability Rights New Jersey if you have concerns.
• Vicabell cannot evaluate behavior or recommend a specific intervention for your child.

• Email your child's case manager asking for a meeting to review when the difficulties happen and what supports are currently in place.

• Understanding Mobile Response in New Jersey
• IEP Basics: What Is Actually in an IEP?
• I Think My Child Needs Help at School — Where Do I Start?

• NJ Department of Education, Office of Special Education State information about special education in New Jersey public schools.
• SPAN Parent Advocacy Network New Jersey's Parent Training and Information Center for families of children with disabilities.
• PerformCare New Jersey Central point of access for New Jersey's Children's System of Care, including Mobile Response. Call 1-877-652-7624.