Sometimes the issue isn’t that your behavior plan is “bad”—it’s that it’s not being followed with fidelity. Before you rewrite the whole thing, pause and check: are all staff on the same page, teaching replacement skills, and delivering reinforcement consistently? In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares some tough love and practical reminders about when you actually need a new plan versus when you just need to work the one you’ve got.

🔑 Key Takeaways
⦁        Consistency is critical—most plans fail because they aren’t followed, not because they’re wrong.
⦁        Fidelity matters: check if reinforcement, teaching, and responses are happening as written.
⦁        Communicate with your team before making major changes.
⦁        Small tweaks may help, but give the current plan time to work.
⦁        Collect data first, then decide if a new plan is necessary.

📦 Resources Mentioned
⦁        Related episodes: Start the FBA mini-series here → https://abainschool.com/ep31part1 and FBA Miniseries on Antecedent Strategies → https://abainschool.com/ep51
⦁        Do We Need an FBA? blog post → https://abainschool.com/do-we-need-an-fba/

⦁        FBA template → https://abainschool.com/mkmg or https://abainschool.com/pmcf

🙌 Join Us & Share
⦁        Join the conversation in our Facebook group
⦁        Subscribe so you don’t miss future Misfit Minutes and full-length strategy episodes
⦁        Share this episode with a teammate who needs proactive classroom strategies!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Being a BCBA in a public school means more than behavior plans—it’s about collaboration, data, and supporting teachers on RTI and MTSS teams. In this episode, we share tips for building relationships, starting with Tier 1 strategies, and making sure your role feels valuable (not overwhelming!) to your general education colleagues.

🔑 Key Takeaways
• Start simple: Review Tier 1 supports before jumping to FBAs or complex plans.
• Bring tools: Have ready-to-use data sheets and low-prep interventions for teachers.
• Collaborate first: Ask teachers what’s already working and build from there.
• Show, don’t tell: Bring visual examples like token boards or contracts to spark ideas.
• Build trust: Celebrate teacher wins and keep follow-ups short, consistent, and encouraging.

📦 Resources & Links
• Free Tier 1 Interventions Checklist → https://abainschool.com/tier1
• Related Episodes: Ep. 58 Bridging the Gap → https://abainschool.com/ep58 and Ep. 14 Life as a School Based BCBA guest → https://abainschool.com/ep14

🤝 Join Us
💬 Share how you support RTI/MTSS teams in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes with practical BCBA strategies → https://www.youtube.com/@themisfitbehaviorists
📢 Share this episode with your RTI team, BCBA colleagues, or administrators to spark collaboration and support!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Offering students simple choices can reduce pushback and boost cooperation. In this Misfit Minute, we break down how to turn everyday directives into opportunities for autonomy and engagement.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Choice = Power: Even small choices give students autonomy and reduce resistance
• Circle Time Example: Let students choose where or how they sit instead of forcing one option
• Directive Reframe: Switch “Put your things away and line up” to “Do you want to line up first or pack up first?”
• Weekly Challenge: Rewrite one classroom directive as a choice that works for you and your students

📦 Resources Mentioned

• Related episodes: Pre-Correcting Behavior → http://abainschool.com/mm7 and FBA Miniseries on Antecedent Strategies → https://abainschool.com/ep51
• Free classroom tools & resources inside the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits

🙌 Join Us & Share

• Join the conversation in our Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
• Subscribe so you don’t miss future Misfit Minutes and full-length strategy episodes
• Share this episode with a teammate who needs proactive classroom strategies!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Teaching little ones with big feelings can be equal parts joyful and challenging. In this episode, we share five simple, effective strategies for supporting early learners in preschool and special education settings. From using visuals to keeping it playful, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can try tomorrow.

🔑 Key Takeaways
•  Keep it visual: Use simple schedules, choice boards, and social stories to support communication and independence.
•  Narrate everything: Model positive language with calm, playful tones (think Mr. Rogers or Miss Rachel style).
•  Prevention matters: Catch behaviors early with pre-corrections, sensory breaks, and proactive supports.
•  Repetition is key: Expect to teach skills 50+ times—consistency builds mastery.
•  Play is better than lecture: Embed learning into games, role play, and parallel play for lasting impact.

📦 Resources & Links
•  Related Episodes: Episode #64 Preschool Circle Time
    Episode #18 Behavior Management Basics
•  If you need some preschool circle time ideas, check these out!

🤝 Join Us
      💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group
      🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
      📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
      💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group  

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

This week’s Misfit Minute is all about catching behaviors before they escalate. Caitlin breaks down how to spot the earliest warning signs—like a shift in posture or a sigh—and why waiting until the meltdown starts is already too late. Learn how small, proactive strategies can prevent big challenges in the classroom.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Escalation is the “tip of the iceberg” — behaviors begin long before yelling or refusal.
• Early signs might include subtle changes like silence, avoidance, or body language.
• Use antecedent strategies such as offering choices, adjusting tasks, or modifying the environment.
• Proactive support reduces the likelihood of major problem behaviors.
• Reflection matters: ask, “What could I have done a few minutes earlier?”

📦 Resources Mentioned

• Related episode: FBA Miniseries on Antecedent Strategies 
• Free classroom tools & resources inside the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 

🙌 Join Us & Share

• Join the conversation in our Facebook group 
• Subscribe so you don’t miss future Misfit Minutes and full-length strategy episodes
• Share this episode with a teammate who needs proactive classroom strategies!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

If it’s not generalizing, it’s not functional. In this episode, we break down what true mastery looks like, how to plan for maintenance from the start, and practical ways to “teach loosely” so skills stick across people, places, and materials.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Redefine Mastery: Ditch “80% for 3 days” as the finish line—probe across time (weeks), people, places, and materials.
• Plan for M+G Early: Write IEP goals that embed generalization (different staff, tables, exemplars) and maintenance checks.
• Teach Loosely ≠ Teach Sloppily: Use multiple exemplars (sizes, fonts, colors), varied instructions, and rotate staff from day one.
• Schedule Maintenance: Build in review times (e.g., Friday maintenance, quick sweeps after work sessions) and intersperse mastered items.
• Use Natural Opportunities: Count lunch boxes, read names on cubbies—teach outside the data squares for real-life use.
• Team Communication Wins: Share what works across classroom, gym, lunch, recess; align prompts and exemplars.
• Match the Learner: Some learners need tight scaffolds; others generalize quickly—individualize criteria and pacing.

🧰 Strategies You Can Use Tomorrow

• Goal Writing Upgrades: “Match letters with different colored cards, at different tables, with different staff, across two weeks at 80%.”
• Exemplar Rule of 3: Teach each concept with ≥3 versions (e.g., tiger photos, clipart, figurine).
• Mastered Bin System: Keep a “M” bin of mastered targets to intermix with new learning.
• Quick Maintenance Routines: 3–5 min daily spot-checks; Friday review block.
• Motivate Naturally: Embed practice before preferred activities (recess, lunch) for built-in reinforcement.

📦 Resources & Links

• Related Episodes: Episode #16 Probe vs Trial-by-Trial data and Episode #5 DTT vs NET

🤝 Join Us
      💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group
      🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
      📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
      💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group  

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

This week’s Misfit Minute is all about a tiny tool with a big payoff—sticky notes! 📝 Audra shares a quick and easy praise strategy you can implement immediately to boost positive behavior, make students feel seen, and encourage classroom-wide reinforcement. Perfect for preschool, special education, and any classroom that thrives on connection and encouragement. 💛

🔑 Key Takeaways
📝 Use sticky notes as quick, visual praise for behaviors you want to reinforce
👏 Simple compliments like “I love how you raised your hand” can go a long way
👀 Visible notes spark peer motivation when classmates see positive recognition
🌟 Focus on students who need extra encouragement—small praise makes a big impact
🎯 Challenge: Pass out 5 sticky notes a day this week and see the difference!

📦 Resources Mentioned
💡 More quick classroom reinforcement ideas inside the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
🔗 Get these FREE Beat the Teacher visuals → https://abainschool.com/6n7u

🙌 Join Us & Share
💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group for extra resources → https://abainschool.com/misfits
🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on evidence-based strategies
👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a teammate who needs an easy win for positive behavior support!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Preschool circle time doesn’t have to be chaos! 🎶 In this episode, we share simple strategies to keep little learners engaged, structured, and having fun—while meeting every student where they are. 🌟

🎧 Key Takeaways
• Purpose of Circle Time: Sets the tone for the day, offering structure and fun through songs, weather checks, and IEP skill practice. Adaptations are key to meeting the students where they are! 🌞
• Four Pillars of a Balanced Circle Time:
     1. Physical Movement: Gross or fine motor activities to keep kids engaged 🏃‍♂️
     2. Sensory Engagement: Incorporate sight, sound, and touch 🌈
     3. Social Interaction: Encourage greetings, peer interactions, and communication 🤝
     4. Cognitive Development: Incorporate pre-academic tasks like counting and identifying letters 🔤
• Circle Time Duration: Tailor it to your learners’ needs, generally 10-15 minutes for preschool, with shorter increments for younger or less-attentive children ⏱️
• Handling Refusals: Modify circle time to include small groupings, alternate activities, and sensory breaks for students who need it 🙋‍♂️
• Make It Fun: Use creative methods like sticker rewards, visual aids, and fun songs to maintain engagement and make learning enjoyable 🎶✨

🧰 Resources & Links
• Ideas for circle time songs: Simple, fun tunes like "Jack Hartmann" songs to keep kids engaged and interactive 🎵
• Visual aids: Use yes/no boards, weather charts, and name cards to boost participation and social skills 📊 Check out these circle time resources!
• Alternative activities: Quiet corner activities like puzzles for students who need a break 🧩 Try these calm corner visuals:
• Related Episodes: Misfit Minute #9 A fun circle time activity and Episode #18 Behavior Management Basics 

🤝 Join Us
      💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group
      🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
      📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
      💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group  

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Reinforcement isn’t a trick, a loophole, or a bribe—it’s an evidence-based strategy that builds real behavior change. In this quick Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares a practical way to explain the difference between reinforcement and bribery—perfect for staff training or team refreshers.

🧠 Key Takeaways:
🔄 Reinforcement is proactive, planned, and delivered after the desired behavior
🚫 Bribery is reactive, often given during or after problem behavior to stop it
💼 Think of it like a paycheck: you work first, then get paid—that’s reinforcement!
🧠 Reinforcement is rooted in decades of research and builds long-term independence
🗣️ Use simple analogies (like paychecks) to help staff and families understand the difference

🛠️ Resources & Mentions:
💡 Great clip to use in staff meetings or paraprofessional trainings
📄 Want a free reinforcement vs. bribery handout? Check the Facebook group!

🙌 Join Us & Share
📱 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for quick, practical tips
💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group for extra resources https://abainschool.com/misfits
🎧 Subscribe to catch all our behavior strategy drops
👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a teammate who needs some fresh ideas!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Are you drowning in data but still missing progress? In this episode, we’re talking about the five most common data collection mistakes we’ve seen (and made!)—and how to fix them. Whether you're a BCBA, teacher, or therapist, these tips will help you streamline your systems, support your staff, and actually use the data you're collecting.

🧠 Key Takeaways:
📊 Too much data = too little connection — Prioritize quality over quantity.
🧍‍♀️ Inconsistent systems can lead to confusing or unusable data—align your team early!
🧾 Vague definitions = meaningless data. Use clear, shared operational definitions.
🧩 Wrong tools = no follow-through — Choose formats your team can actually use.
⏰ Data with no review is wasted — Schedule regular check-ins and use what you gather.

🧰 Resources & Links
      🎯 Caitlin's IEP data tracker forms • Audra's FREE data forms via the weekly newsletter 
      🧩 Related Episodes: Misfit Minute for the best clipboards • Episode #16 Probe vs Trial data • Episode #13 Keeping Materials Organized

🤝 Join Us
      💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group
      🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
      📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
      💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group  

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!