Behavior Management & Communication Techniques Flashcards

Which of the following BEST describes the 'PECS' system used in early childhood settings?

Answer: A picture-based communication system in which a child hands a picture to request an item or activity

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is an augmentative communication strategy where children exchange picture cards to initiate communication.

A child consistently refuses to transition from outdoor play to circle time. The LEAST restrictive intervention to try FIRST is:

Answer: Give a five-minute warning and use a visual timer to signal the upcoming transition

A warning with a visual timer is a low-intrusiveness, evidence-based strategy that helps children regulate transitions by making time concrete and predictable.

In guidance-based discipline, the goal of setting a limit is primarily to:

Answer: Keep children safe and teach self-regulation skills

Guidance-based approaches view limits as teaching tools that build intrinsic self-control rather than external compliance through fear.

Which scenario is an example of using 'behavior-specific praise' effectively?

Answer: 'I like the way you walked quietly to your seat and sat down right away.'

Behavior-specific praise names the exact action the child performed, making it clear which behavior is being reinforced and increasing the likelihood of repetition.

A caregiver suspects a child's aggressive behavior serves the function of escaping a non-preferred task. The MOST function-matched intervention would be:

Answer: Embedding short breaks and choice into non-preferred tasks so escape is no longer necessary

When a behavior is escape-motivated, providing structured breaks and choice makes the escape function unnecessary, removing the reinforcement for aggression.

When writing an incident report following a biting incident, which information is MOST critical to include?

Answer: Objective description of the antecedent, behavior, and immediate consequence without interpretation

Incident reports should be factual and objective, capturing the ABC sequence without subjective interpretation to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Which professional collaboration practice is MOST aligned with ethical child care standards when addressing a child's persistent challenging behavior?

Answer: Consulting with specialists such as early intervention providers while maintaining family confidentiality

Ethical practice involves seeking specialist consultation to better serve the child while protecting family privacy and following confidentiality protocols.