Mental Health Services For Children

School Based Programs

Behavior Modification

The RBHA’s School-Based Programs use a behavior modification model that has demonstrated effectiveness in helping children change their behavior.

Each day, your child will:

• Receive feedback about how their behavior has impacted their success in school and their relationship with others
• Receive coaching and guidance throughout the school day
• Learn positive behaviors to replace negative behaviors
• Earn points based on good behaviors
• Work individually with his or her case manager
• Work with peers in groups to practice skills and learn new skills
• Have the opportunity to advance levels, save points, earn rewards, and attend trips that enhance new skills

The Level System is an opportunity for your child to earn recognition for improvement and to help others in the program.

Level I

Your child will participate in orientation to the program. He or she will meet others who participate in the program and begin building a relationship with the RBHA team. Along with the parent, he or she will develop goals to identify behaviors they wish to work on and learn how the program works. As your child begins to learn and practice new skills, he or she will be trying to meet a goal of earning 70% or more of their points each day to earn rewards and participate in special activities. Most rewards are tangible items that the child can see and feel. At this stage, children need tangible items, such as stickers and pencils, to reinforce positive behaviors.

Level II

On the second level, your child will be expected to earn 80% of their points each day as they build more skills and begin to use those skills in various places, such as the classroom, on the playground, on the bus, and in the cafeteria. He or she will learn patience as they have the opportunity to save points for more desired rewards. He or she will be tested on their knowledge and new skills to advance to the next level.

Level III

On the third level, your child is using his skills on a more consistent basis and in more places outside of school, such as in the store or at home. He or she is learning to delay rewards, feel proud of his new skills, and help others in the program.

Level IV

The last level is for graduates, who have demonstrated positive behaviors for at least 90% of the time and are ready to mentor others. He or she requires less tangible rewards and is appreciative of other types of rewards, such as praise, recognition, and the feeling of satisfaction in helping others. He or she will need to maintain positive behaviors for a three-month period in order to graduate from the program.