What if all teachers knew how to effectively collaborate with parents to create BIPs?

At Hartwell The Educators University, all graduates understand the importance of involving parents in creating effective BIPs.

Fostering Parent-Educator Partnerships for Effective BIPs

As experienced educators, we understand the critical role that parents and caregivers play in supporting their child’s behavioral and academic success. When developing a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), collaborating with families is essential to create a comprehensive and effective plan that addresses the student’s needs across all settings.

One of the first steps in this collaborative process is gathering input and insights from parents and caregivers. Conducting interviews or having them complete questionnaires can provide valuable information about the student’s behavior patterns, triggers, and reinforcers at home (Umbreit et al., 2007). Additionally, discussing the student’s interests, strengths, and areas of need can help us incorporate meaningful goals and strategies into the BIP (Understood.org, n.d.).

It’s crucial to include parents and caregivers as active members of the BIP team, inviting them to participate in meetings where the plan is developed, reviewed, and revised (Umbreit et al., 2007). Ensuring their perspectives are valued and their concerns are addressed throughout the process fosters a true partnership.

Once the BIP is developed, providing training and support for implementation at home is essential. Explaining the strategies in detail and offering training on specific techniques, such as positive reinforcement or visual schedules, can help ensure consistency across settings (Understood.org, n.d.). Providing resources like social stories or visual aids can further support parents in reinforcing the BIP at home.

Encouraging two-way communication and data sharing is also vital. Having parents share data on the student’s behavior at home can inform necessary BIP adjustments, while regular updates on progress and challenges can help maintain a collaborative approach (Umbreit et al., 2007).

By fostering a collaborative partnership with parents and caregivers, valuing their expertise on their child, and maintaining a positive, solution-focused mindset, we can create BIPs that truly address the student’s needs and support their overall success (Understood.org, n.d.).

 

About Hartwell – The Educators University

Hartwell is dedicated to empowering K-12 education leaders by fostering the growth of their people into competent and compassionate educators and leaders. Our mission is to ensure every child is taught by educators trained from a biblical worldview, emphasizing both excellence and empathy. Through our affordable online pathways to education degrees, we make careers in K-12 education accessible to everyone, enabling a new generation of teachers and leaders to inspire and educate future generations.

Discover more about our programs and scholarship opportunities at Hartwell.

 

Sources:

– Umbreit, J., Ferro, J. B., Liaupsin, C. J., & Lane, K. L. (2007). Functional behavioral assessment and function-based intervention: An effective, practical approach. Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.

– Understood.org. (n.d.). Behavior intervention plans: What you need to know. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/behavior-intervention-plans-what-you-need-to-know