Behavior Contracts

What are the target goals/objectives/outcomes?

When will it start/end?

Who is involved?

Who is responsible for...?

A behavior contract is a written agreement negotiated with a child and support team. This support team can consist of parent, classroom teachers, special education teacher, counselor, principal, etc. A behavior contract has many benefits, some are: motivates the child to accumulate points to receive rewards/privileges, the child has a significant role in the contract, decreases challenging behaviors, outlines clear expectations and outcomes for the child, and defines individual roles.

The behavior contract should include:

· The dates of when the contract will begin and end.

· A clear definition of the behavior the child is expected to exhibit. These goals should be in the child's repertoire and attainable.

· The contingencies for performing the desired behavior. These contingencies should be written out. How many points are needed to receive reinforcement or specific privileges.

· Bonus contingencies for desired behaviors or consequences for not performing the desired behavior

(optional).

· What each adult involved is expected to do. Who will be counting points to determine if criteria has been met, delivering reinforcement, and collecting the contracts to review data to make data driven decisions.

· How often/frequency of taking data? Will data be taken after 30 minutes, each hour, each subject, or morning/afternoon?

· Each team member should sign the contract.

A separate plan should be developed for generalizing and maintaining the desired behaviors when the contract can be faded or no longer needed.