Creating Behavior Plans That Actually Work in SPED

👋 Episode Summary

Hey friends! Today we’re getting into the real stuff, behavior plans that actually work. Not just the ones that check a box or look good at a meeting, but plans that truly support our students (and us!) in the day-to-day chaos of special education life.

I’m sharing exactly how to build behavior plans that are neuro-affirming, doable, and focused on connection over compliance. If you've ever stared at a blank behavior form thinking, "How do I even start?" this episode is for you.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

Why punishment-based plans fall flat, and what to do instead
How to identify the real reason behind behavior (spoiler: it’s not always what it looks like)
How to write clear, objective, trackable behavior goals
What supports to build in before behavior happens
Why teaching replacement skills is non-negotiable
How to keep things simple, consistent, and doable for your whole team

🧠 Key Takeaways:

Behavior is communication, your plan needs to reflect that.
Focus on support, not suppression.
Defining behavior clearly makes tracking and consistency possible.
Proactive supports (visuals, breaks, sensory tools) matter more than reactions.
Replacement behaviors must be modeled, practiced, and reinforced like crazy.
Your regulation plays a key role in your student’s success.

✅ Behavior Plan Building Steps:

Ditch the Punishment Mindset
➡️ Shift from "stop this behavior" to "support this student."
Find the Function (The WHY)
➡️ Escape? Attention? Access? Sensory? Get curious before reacting.
Define the Behavior Clearly
➡️ Say exactly what it looks like, not just "meltdowns" or "aggression."
Support Meaningful Progress
➡️ Set goals that are realistic and focused on growth, not perfection.
Build in Proactive Supports
➡️ Visual schedules, break cards, co-regulation, pre-warnings… all the good stuff!
Teach a Replacement Behavior
➡️ Give them a better, easier, more effective way to meet the same need.
Stay Consistent + Take Data
➡️ Keep it simple. Just be consistent enough to spot patterns.

💬 Let’s Connect:

Reviewing a behavior plan this week?
Tell me how it goes! I’d love to hear from you over on Instagram, or come grab some of my ready-to-use visuals and planning tools.

🧡 Final Thoughts:

Behavior plans aren’t about controlling kids.
They’re about understanding them.
They’re how we say, “I see you. I hear you. I want to help.”

And when we build them with compassion, curiosity, and calm, we don’t just change behavior.
We build trust. Connection. Safety.

And honestly? That’s the magic.

🎧 Hit play and learn how to create behavior plans that are practical, neuro-affirming, and actually make a difference.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, or send this to a fellow SPED teacher who’s in the trenches with you.