OCFS-6018. Plan for Behavior Management

Form OCFS-6018, titled "Plan for Behavior Management," is a vital document used by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to ensure child care providers have effective strategies in place to manage children's behavior in a positive and supportive manner. The primary purpose of this form is to develop and outline a comprehensive behavior management plan to address challenging behaviors and promote a safe and nurturing environment for children.

The form consists of sections where the child care provider or program must provide their name, address, and contact information. It requires the development of a behavior management plan, which includes identifying specific behaviors of concern and detailing the strategies and interventions to address these behaviors. The plan also emphasizes the use of positive reinforcement, communication with parents, and staff training to ensure consistent implementation.

Important fields in this form include the clear description of the behavior management strategies and interventions. Accurate completion of this form is essential as it helps child care providers create a structured approach to addressing challenging behaviors and maintaining a supportive atmosphere for children in their care.

Application Example: A group family day care provider encounters disruptive behavior in one of the children under their care. To address the behavior, the provider completes Form OCFS-6018, outlining a behavior management plan. The plan includes positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors, communication with the child's parents to ensure consistency, and strategies for redirecting negative behaviors. The provider also conducts staff training to ensure all caregivers are familiar with the plan and can implement it effectively.

Additional Document Needed: Along with the completed form, OCFS may require documentation related to staff training on behavior management techniques and any modifications made to the plan based on ongoing assessments of its effectiveness.

Alternative Form: While OCFS-6018 is specific to New York State, other states or jurisdictions may have similar requirements for behavior management plans in child care settings. However, the specific content and guidelines for these plans may differ, making OCFS-6018 unique to New York State.