World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10, but a commitment to the awareness of and effective treatment of mental health issues is a year-round commitment, especially for those who work in schools.

The role of school-based behavioral technicians is becoming increasingly important. They contribute to students’ well-being every day through interventions and techniques that support their academic success, social skills, and successful growth and development.

 A Day in the Life of an RBT

The typical workday of a registered behavior technician (RBT) working in a school setting might include:

• Supporting students throughout the day, including unstructured time-frame breaks, lunch, or recess, and I provide classroom support as needed.
• Working with individual education program (IEP) teams to develop and implement data collection systems and interpret results as a means of evaluating student performance and the effectiveness of interventions, as well as contributing to future plans.
• Collaborating with other therapists, teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure students have the support they need. This starts with working directly with students and then implementing personalized recommendations and interventions.
• Creating, modifying, and utilizing various instructional and visual materials to further support student success.

Helping Students Reach Their Fullest Potential

Behavioral technicians provide invaluable services to both students and teachers. For instance, youngsters with emotional issues often struggle to progress academically and may even act out due to related frustration. RBTs are trained to handle such disruptive behavior with a toolbox of strategies to help troubled students and create a calming effect.

• Research strongly supports the positive effect of behavioral interventions in the classroom. One study reports on a school in Connecticut where results after hiring two behavioral specialists were tracked. It was found that referrals for disruptive student behavior fell by a third.
• Students who succeed in learning classroom etiquette and social skills can improve their academic outcomes and be more prepared to succeed, both in school and in life. Further, they are better able to navigate their school environment and thus do not impede the learning process for others.

Is An Educational Services Job Right for You?

In an inclusive learning setting, all students are reached and their experiences enhanced, regardless of where they are in their school or personal lives. Behavioral technicians, as well as other therapists and healthcare specialists who work in educational services, help students every day with all types of care.

If you’re interested in using your healthcare, therapy, or teaching skills in an educational environment where you can advance as a professional while making a real difference, search our open jobs, or contact Covelo Group today.