Supporting the Individual: Creating Behavior Plans for Children with Extra Needs - post

Why Do Some Children Need a Different Plan?

Every child is unique. Some children #learn how to share and follow rules very quickly. Other children have "extra needs." These children might have a disability, or they might just learn differently. When a child struggles to follow the group, it is not because they are "bad." It is usually because they lack a specific skill.

As a teacher, your job is to be a detective. You need to find out why a child is struggling. Instead of using the same rules for everyone, you can create an Individualized Behavior Plan. This is a special map that helps one specific child succeed in your classroom. In 2026, this kind of #InclusiveEducation is the best way to make sure no child is left behind.

How Can You Start a Behavior Plan?

Creating a #plan does not have to be scary. You start by watching the child closely. This is called observation. You want to see what happens right before the child has a hard time.

• The Trigger: What happened first? Was the room too loud? Was it time to clean up? 

• The Behavior: What did the child do? Did they shout, hit, or hide?

• The Result: What happened after? Did they get a toy? Did they get to go outside?

When you understand these three things, you can start to help. To learn more about how to observe children correctly, you can take Assessing through Observation. This course teaches you how to keep track of what children are doing without getting overwhelmed.

What Are the Best Tools for Extra Needs?

Children with extra needs often need to "see" the rules, not just hear them. Visual tools are very helpful for children who are still learning English or those who have trouble focusing.

• Picture Schedules: Use photos to show what happens next. This helps children feel #safe because they know what to expect.

• First-Then Boards: Show a picture of a task (First, we clean up) and then a picture of something fun (Then, we go outside).

• Choice Boards: Give the child two good choices. This helps them feel like they have some control.

If you are working with very young children, you might need special training. The CDA Infants/Toddlers: Individualized Learning and Inclusion course is perfect for learning how to handle big emotions in little bodies.

How Do You Teach a New Skill?

A behavior plan is not about "stopping" a child. It is about "teaching" a child a new way to act. If a child hits because they want a toy, we must teach them how to ask for the toy with words or a sign.

This is part of #ClassroomManagement. You must be patient. A child might need to practice a new skill 50 times before they remember it. Always use positive words. Instead of saying "Don't run," try saying "Use your walking feet." This tells the child exactly what to do.

Can You Partner with Families?

You cannot do this alone! Families know their children best. When you create a plan, talk to the parents. Ask them what works at home. When the school and the home use the same plan, the child learns much faster.

If you want to read more about how to work with families and handle tough days, check out this article: Managing Behaviors in the Early Childhood Education Classroom. It has many tips for staying calm when things get difficult.

What If the Plan Is Not Working? 

Sometimes, you try a plan, and the child still struggles. That is okay! It just means you need to change the plan. Maybe the child needs more rest time. Maybe the activities are too hard for them.

A good teacher is always learning. Using #ProfessionalDevelopment helps you find new ideas for your behavior plans. If you need a quick guide to help you remember the steps, look at this ChildCareEd Resource Page. It has many downloads you can print and use in your room today.

How Do You Handle Stressful Moments?

It is hard to help a child if you are feeling frustrated. When a child has a "meltdown," take a deep breath. Remember that the child is having a hard time, not giving you a hard time.

If you feel like you need more help with children who have specific disabilities, the Special Needs: From Referral to Inclusion course can give you the deep knowledge you need to be a true #leader in your school.

Join Our Teaching Community!

Do you have a trick that works in your classroom? We want to hear it! Our community of teachers is the best place to find support and new ideas.

Follow us on Facebook at ChildCareEd! We share daily tips on behavior guidance and fun #classroom-activities. Come join us and see what other teachers are doing!

Why Is This Work So Important?

When you create a behavior plan, you are giving a child a gift. You are telling them, "I see you. I care about you. I will help you learn." This builds a child's confidence.

Helping a child with extra needs might be the most important part of your job. It takes a lot of heart and a lot of patience, but seeing that child smile and succeed makes it all worth it. You are not just a teacher; you are a hero for that child.