Functional Assessment

Performing a Functional Behavioral AssessmentThe purpose of a functional behavioral assessment is to describe, foresee, and recognize the purpose of kid’s behavior; increase the efficiency and competence of behavior involvement plans; and link assessment/appraisal to Individual Education Programs. A functional assessment could include the following steps as suggested by early childhood care and education: 1.Define challenging behaviors. The first step is to know problem/challenging behaviors and then specifically define the behavior in observable terms. It is useful to comprise examples of the behavior and the characteristic of the behavior that will be measured. Describe the kid’s behavior clearly and purposely. 2.Select observation type. The two basic approaches to observation are qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative observation is expressive in nature. The observer begins with ideas about what will be observed and describes the behavior that appears vital. An example of this type is the subjective record in which the observer writes a summary of what happened during the observation. Quantitative observation can be completed when the observer only watches what is happening. Many times qualitative observation leads quantitative observation.  3.Develop data collection procedures. Data can be collected using numerous different techniques. It's vital to document the occurrence of the behavior, the length the performance occurs, and the strength. Event recording works well if the behavior is rare. The kid's behavior can be observed constantly and counted using a tally sheet or wrist counter. Time gap is useful if the behavior is more common and a count of the behavior is made during a particular observation period.  4.Analyze the learning environment as it impacts kid behavior. Careful study of the physical surroundings can reveal information that is essential to understand the fundamental cause of a kid's behavior. Features to consider are those related to transitions between activities in the daily schedule, the classroom floor plan, and staffing patterns. Does the daily schedule imitate constancy, efficient transitions, and a rational sequence in learning activities? Are staff members allocated to areas with chosen roles and responsibilities that match the needs of individual kid learning needs? How is the classroom space allocated? Are learning areas prearranged to encourage kid autonomy and social communication with peers? Sometimes numerous different events happen and cause build-up of aggravation for the kid. Taken together these events may result in the kid expressing problem behaviors at a later time.  5.Interview others. A detailed interview allows individuals who have contact with the kid the opportunity to assess information about the kid in more detail. This group of people may include parents, classroom teachers, or any adults who have care giving responsibilities for the kid. The reason of the interview is to recognize all possible factors that may foresee or set the stage for the behavior to happen and those events that promote or support the problem behavior.  6.Hypothesis of the behavior’s function. The information gathered through kid observation and interviewing others will be examined to determine possible functions of the recognized problem behavior. The function of the behavior may be to achieve a desired outcome, or it may let the kid to escape or evade an undesirable outcome.  7.Develop a behavioral intervention plan suggested by nursery teacher training in Mumbai. From the data gathered through observation, a clear description of the difficulty behaviors and perhaps patterns of behavior will form the foundation for a plan. The function of the kid's behavior analysis should help in developing the intrusion plan.