How do I request behavior training for my child's aide or teacher?

Teacher and aide training can be written into the IEP to support your child. If your child is actively having behaviors that need training, you are in a better position to try and get it written into the IEP.

First, request an IEP meeting and try to get a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA). The FBA helps answer the question "What should the staff do when the behavior happens?" The goal of the FBA is finding alternative ways of managing the behavior.

Ask in the meeting what training is going be provided to the aide. The training should be written into the IEP for the teacher and aide. (Make sure to write the title or role of the person receiving the training, such as "teacher" or "aide," not the person's name.) Training should be for current staff and any time there is a change in staff. You can specify the number of minutes, such as 2 hours, with time to go back to the trainer to ask questions/troubleshoot.

Some districts have sections in the IEP document for “additional supports.” If your child's IEP doesn’t have that section, the training should go in as a service.