Behavioral, Emotional and Social Training Program (BEST)

The BEST program uses a team approach to serve students with disabilities whose social, emotional and behavioral needs significantly impede their ability to access curriculum exclusively in the general education environment. Programming can include multi-grade grouping and can range from a full self-contained environment to the use of consultative services only.  BEST classes are currently located at Kingsley School for grades K-6 and O’Neill Middle School for grades 7-8.

Essential elements include:

  • Safe, positive and predictable environment staffed by program specialists who provide consistent and immediate direct instruction
  • Behavioral intervention planning and positive supports to increase school appropriate behaviors
  • Explicit instruction in coping/emotional, behavioral, social skills and sensory regulation
  • An integrated team approach to proactive systematic response to behavior whose skill set specifically addresses social /emotional needs
  • Access to general education environment and peers with support
  • Flexible and individualized academic instruction that emphasizes core instruction aligned to state standards

The BEST program is designed to support students who exhibit:

  • Limited coping skills or an inability to consistently access coping skills independently
  • Anxiety and anger that impedes progress
  • A need for direct instruction to acquire social skills (dealing with others, managing emotions)
  • A range of learning needs and instructional learning levels
  • Mental health needs
  • A need for structure and integrated motivators
  • External locus of control
  • A need for space and relationship building with limited amounts of staff.

Program resources:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
    • What is CBT?
      • CBT is a form of therapy that encourages children to look at their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It shows them how to replace negative thoughts with more realistic, positive ones.
      • Rather than focusing on the past, CBT helps kids focus on the present and the future, and to realize they have control over their behaviors.
  • Social Emotional Curriculums include: 
  • Visuals
  • Positive Behavior Supports, including token economy, individual and classroom incentives, student goal setting, high levels of positive reinforcement , including programmatic data collection.
  • Sensory Tools and Strategies, including access to motor room,  trampoline, fidgets, sensory path, circuits, movement breaks, etc.
  • Quiet Classroom Corner (i.e. Zen Den, Calm Corner)
  • General Education Curriculum (Benchmark, Bridges, StudySync, etc.)