Haven Academy’s approach to Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is based on an understanding of the students we serve and their specific needs as kids in the child welfare system. Victims of trauma and abuse tend to have more attachment issues and trust issues than typically developing kids -behavior management systems that use demerits or taking things away (literally or figuratively) do not work for kids with attachment disorders. Instead, using behavior systems that honor and recognize their positive behaviors and allows for recognition accumulation gives kids a tangible incentive to work towards. Additionally, PBS also helps kids connect how their individual good routines contribute to the greater good of the whole class and school. E.g. If I get enough points, my whole class gets this award; I feel the benefit of the whole class reward and therefore have incentive to feel connected to and be a part of that community.

At Haven, our PBS system is supported by and consists of the following:

• PBIS 3 Tier System

• Haven and School-wide Expectations

• Positive Language

• Spirit Tickets

• Classroom Management

• Specialized Staff

PBS Overview

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is a behavior management system used to understand what maintains an individual's challenging behavior. People's inappropriate behaviors are difficult to change because they are functional; they serve a purpose for them. These behaviors are supported by reinforcement in the environment. PBS is focused on recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviors rather than punishing negative behaviors. While a positive reinforcement system works well for all kids, it is an essential approach for kids in the child welfare space.

Three- Tiered System

At Haven, we use a Three-Tier System to support all kids through a consistent and predictable school-wide environment. This framework mirrors the Response to Intervention (RtI) system we use for academics, and our approach to mental health supports. It is a proactive approach that starts with universal supports for all students. These expectations are framed positively (they focus on the preferred behaviors), and are consistent from class to class and from one adult to another.

Learn more about the 3 Tiered Model by reading through Haven’s Trauma Sensitive Environment and SEL Approach.

PBS at Haven is supported by Haven’s unique staffing model, specifically designed to support learning in a child welfare-impacted space. The support staff on both the social-emotional team and a behavior specialist have both education and clinical backgrounds with specialization in Learning and Behavior Disorders, Emotional Disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Child Psychology, and Child and Family Mental Health Therapy. In collaboration with teachers and other administration, Haven’s specialized staff have created and consistently implement behavior systems that are specifically designed to support Haven’s population.

Review the Haven Org Chart for more details on all staff in the Haven Community.