Crisis Prevention Intervention tips for Special Education

Crisis Prevention Intervention Top Ten Tips For De-escalation:
1. Be empathetic - What someone is going through might be the most important thing in their life.
2. Respect personal space - There's scientific evidence that demonstrates that allowing for personal space can often decrease someone's anxiety!
3. Use non threatning non-verbals-Be cognizant of your facial expressions, tone of voice and movements.
4. Remmain calm-Your response directly effects whether the behaviour escalates or not.
5. Focus on feelings-How a person feels is often the heart of the matter.
6. Ignore challenging questions-Try to bring their focus back to how you can work together to problem solve.
7. Set Limits-Keep it very simple and clear.
8. Choose wisely on what you insist upon-Be accommodating.
9. Allow for awkward silence-Talking to fill the space can sometimes be unhelpful. Silence is a teaching strategy that can be used as a way to allow the child time to process what is happening in the moment.
10. No rush-Even if there is a time limit give students your attention.
Thank you!
References
Colvin, G (2004). Managing the cycle of acting-out behavior in the classroom. Eugene, Oregon: Behavior
Associates.
Sprague, J. & Golly, A. (2005). Best behavior: Building positive behavior support in schools. Longmont,
Colorado: Sopris West.
Sprick, R. Garrison, M. & Howard, L. (1998). CHAMPs: A proactive and positive approach to classroom
management. Longmont, CO: Sopris West.
Sugai, G. Colvin, G. (2006 version). Positive behavior support: Primer on crises and emergency
responses. Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: University of Oregon.
Wright, Jim. School-Wide Strategies for Managing Defiance / Non-Compliance.
www.interventioncentral.org
Walker, H.M., Ramsey, E., & Gresham, F.M. How Disruptive Students Escalate Hostility and Disorder-
and How Teachers Can Avoid It. American Educator. Winter 2003/04.
Wright, D.B. et. al. The BSP desk reference: A teacher and behavior support team’s guide to developing
and evaluating behavior support plans. Positive Environments, Network of Trainers (PENT).
www.pent.ca.gov.