how to work with families.pdf

Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Families

A Model of Individualized Positive Behavior

Support for Home and Community

by

Glen Dunlap, Ph.D.

University of Nevada, Reno

Phillip S. Strain, Ph.D.

University of Colorado, Denver

Janice K. Lee, M.Ed., BCBA

University of Nevada, Reno

Jaclyn D. Joseph, Ph.D., BCBA

University of Colorado, Denver

Christopher Vatland, Ph.D.

University of South Florida, Tampa

and

Lise Fox, Ph.D.

University of South Florida, Tampa

Contents

  1. Introduction to Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Families (PTR-F) ... 1
  2. How to Work with Families ... 17
  3. Initiating the PTR-F Process ... 27
  4. PTR-F Assessment (Functional Behavioral Assessment) ... 49
  5. PTR-F Intervention ... 87
  6. Coaching the Family to Implement Plans with Fidelity ... 109
  7. Using Data and Next Steps ... 145

About the Authors

Glen Dunlap, Ph.D., is a research professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. Glen has worked for many decades as a researcher and teacher in the areas of positive behavior support, early intervention, autism and related disabilities, child protection, families, and family support. He has authored more than 240 articles, books, and book chapters.

Phillip S. Strain, Ph.D., is Professor of Educational Psychology and Director of the Positive Early Learning Experiences Center in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado, Denver. Dr. Strain has published extensively on young children with autism and prevention of challenging behavior.

Janice K. Lee, M.Ed., BCBA, is a member of the research faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno, focusing on early intervention and positive behavior support.

Jaclyn D. Joseph, Ph.D., BCBA, is project coordinator for the randomized controlled trial of Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Young Children at the University of Colorado, Denver.

Christopher Vatland, Ph.D., is a research assistant professor at the University of South Florida, focusing on positive behavior support and family engagement.

Lise Fox, Ph.D., is a professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and co-director of the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities.

How to Work with Families

In Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Families (PTR-F), the family is central to all aspects of the model. The effectiveness of the model relies on family-centeredness, partnering with families to develop interventions tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Understanding family dynamics is crucial to the assessment, planning, and implementation processes.

Guidelines for Supporting Families Through the PTR-F Process

  1. Establish and Maintain Collaborative Partnerships: Family engagement is essential. Families must feel valued as partners throughout the PTR-F process.
  2. Remain Family-Centered in All Aspects of the PTR-F Process: The approach should be adaptable to the family's unique configuration and needs, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration with all caregivers.
  3. Ensure Contextual Fit of Behavior Support Plans: Interventions must align with the family's values and lifestyle to ensure durability and effectiveness.
  4. Use a Strength-Based Approach: Focus on both challenges and strengths. Successful strategies are rooted in understanding and building upon family strengths.
  5. Recognize the Importance of Coaching and Support: Coaching facilitates implementation, helping families to apply new strategies effectively in natural settings.
  6. Provide Support Tailored to Family Needs and Preferences: Communication must be clear and inclusive to foster understanding and collaboration.

Universal Parenting Practices

Families can employ universal practices to prevent challenging behaviors:

  1. Provide high rates of positive attention and praise for appropriate behavior.
  2. Maintain predictable daily schedules to help children feel secure and understand expectations.
  3. Develop consistent routines within those schedules to foster familiarity.
  4. Clearly define behavioral expectations tailored to specific routines and situations.

Designing Individualized Interventions

When challenging behaviors emerge, the involvement of family members is crucial. Their insights into the child's behavior can inform effective intervention strategies. Families' historical experiences and strategies should be incorporated into individualized plans to ensure relevance and appropriateness.

SUMMARY

Families are essential to the PTR-F process, having invaluable insights and strengths that contribute to successful interventions. Valuing and including families ensures collaborative efforts that lead to lasting changes in both child behavior and family dynamics.