Organization Station: Equipment to Minimize Unsafe Behaviors

Sometimes we work with referral students who engage in behaviors that are unsafe. They may climb cabinets to obtain favorite items or foods or they may elope from the classroom. In today's Organization Station, we will highlight some of the ideas we have seen teams put into place to help keep these students safe and minimize unsafe behaviors.

Unsafe Behavior: Eloping
The least restrictive way to deter students from unexpectedly leaving the classroom would be to place a portable barrier in front of the door to act as an added physical boundary such as a wheeled easel or portable divider.

Marissa Calhoun
Fairbrook Elementary, Beavercreek

The next level of physical support would be a child safety lock on the door which prevents the child from independently opening the door and leaving.

In some cases, we have seen classrooms use a baby gate to block the classroom door. This support is often used if the classroom door needs to remain open but they still need a strong physical barrier.

Unsafe Behavior: Climbing/Accessing Cabinets
It is often an effective behavioral intervention to sanitize the learning environment of any distracting or preferred items (i.e. toys, food, technology, etc.) during work times. But sometimes if the student knows where those items are, they may engage in unsafe behaviors trying to access them. This may include opening cabinets they are not permitted in or even climbing cabinets.

Using a lockable toy chest or shelf where preferred items can be stored and then opened during free times is a great physical structure. We like this example also because it is low to the ground so students are not trying to climb it.

Amy Beanblossom
Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum

When possible, place items in a lower shelf so that students are not trying to climb. Then, use child-proof locks to limit access. Locks can be used on cabinets, drawers, microwaves, or refrigerators.

Unsafe Behavior: Playing with Outlets
Exposed outlets can sometimes be a concern as well. Students may attempt to put pencils, toys, or fingers in the outlets or they may plug and unplug electronics. There are a variety of child-proof outlet covers available.

Horace Mann Elementary, Springfield

You can also block access completely to outlets or other stationary items on the wall (i.e. thermostat) by taping on plastic tupperware.

Robbie Whorton
Demmitt Elementary, Vandalia

Before utilizing these supports, we recommend consulting with your building administrators or maintenance staff to ensure they are permitted in your building. All of these supports should be used in conjunction with behavior modification to determine the function of the unsafe behavior and find replacement behaviors to address the need.