Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach designed to improve behaviour through proactive strategies, rather than reactive punishment. When applied to early childhood development, PBS offers a nurturing and structured environment that promotes healthy emotional and social growth. This foundation not only helps prevent future behavioural issues but also encourages lifelong positive interactions. This article explores how PBS can be used effectively in early childhood to foster healthy development and build the groundwork for positive behaviour.
Understanding Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
Positive Behaviour Support PBS is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a personalised approach. It focuses on understanding the reasons behind challenging behaviour, often referred to as the ‘function’ of behaviour. By identifying triggers and patterns, strategies are designed to reinforce desired behaviours while reducing or preventing unwanted ones.
In early childhood, PBS can be particularly impactful as young children are in the early stages of developing emotional regulation, communication skills, and social understanding. PBS helps to guide this process, ensuring that children learn constructive ways to express themselves and interact with others.
Why Early Childhood is a Critical Stage
Early childhood, typically defined as birth to age five, is a crucial period for development. During these formative years, children learn the fundamental skills that will shape their future behaviour. Brain development is rapid, and experiences during this time significantly influence cognitive, emotional, and social outcomes.
This is also the stage where children start to learn how to communicate their needs and emotions. For some, this can lead to frustration and challenging behaviours, especially if they struggle with communication or emotional regulation. By introducing PBS early on, parents, educators, and caregivers can help children navigate these challenges in a positive way.
Key Principles of Positive Behaviour Support in Early Childhood
Understanding the Child’s Needs
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- One of the key elements of PBS is understanding the child’s individual needs and reasons behind their behaviour. Whether it’s frustration due to limited communication skills or overstimulation in a noisy environment, PBS focuses on identifying and addressing these underlying causes.
Prevention over Reaction
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- Instead of waiting for challenging behaviours to arise and then responding, PBS emphasises prevention. This involves creating environments that minimise triggers for negative behaviours and teaching children alternative, positive ways to get their needs met. In early childhood settings, this might mean structuring the environment to reduce sensory overload or providing clear, visual cues to help children understand expectations.
Teaching New Skills
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- Rather than focusing solely on eliminating unwanted behaviours, PBS prioritises teaching new, appropriate skills. For young children, this might include learning how to share, take turns, or express emotions through words instead of actions. Over time, these new skills replace challenging behaviours.
Consistency and Routine
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- Young children thrive on routine. Predictability helps them feel secure, reducing anxiety and the likelihood of acting out. PBS encourages the establishment of clear routines and expectations that are consistently reinforced. This gives children a sense of stability, helping them understand what is expected of them and how they can meet those expectations.
Positive Reinforcement
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- A core component of PBS is the use of positive reinforcement. Rewarding desirable behaviour encourages children to repeat those behaviours. This could be as simple as verbal praise, a sticker, or extra playtime. The key is to ensure the reinforcement is meaningful to the child, making them feel acknowledged and motivated.
Applying PBS in Early Childhood Settings
PBS can be applied effectively both at home and in early childhood education settings, such as nurseries and preschools. Here are some strategies for implementing PBS to support healthy development in young children:
1. Create an Environment that Encourages Positive Behaviour
The physical environment plays a significant role in influencing behaviour. For young children, an organised, predictable, and engaging environment can reduce the occurrence of negative behaviours. For instance:
- Clear Boundaries: Set up designated areas for different activities (e.g., playtime, reading, quiet time). This helps children understand what is expected in each space.
- Visual Supports: Use visual aids such as picture schedules or emotion charts to help children navigate their day and express how they feel. Visual cues are particularly helpful for children who are still developing language skills.
2. Use Simple, Positive Language
When giving instructions, use clear, simple language that young children can easily understand. Rather than saying, “Don’t run,” say “Please walk.” This helps children focus on what they should do, rather than what they shouldn’t. Positive phrasing reinforces the behaviour you want to see.
3. Model Appropriate Behaviour
Children learn by observing the adults around them. Modelling positive behaviour is a powerful tool in early childhood. Show children how to express frustration calmly, how to share toys, or how to ask for help politely. When they see positive behaviour in action, they are more likely to mimic it.
4. Teach Emotional Regulation
One of the main challenges young children face is managing their emotions. Teaching children to recognise and regulate their emotions is a critical component of PBS. This can be done through:
- Emotion Coaching: Help children label their emotions (e.g., “I see you’re feeling angry”) and offer coping strategies, such as taking deep breaths or asking for a break.
- Social Stories: Use simple, relatable stories that teach children how to handle specific situations, like making new friends or dealing with frustration.
5. Reinforce Positive Behaviour Immediately
Immediate reinforcement is crucial for young children. When they demonstrate positive behaviour, acknowledge it right away with praise or a small reward. For example, if a child shares their toy, you might say, “Great job sharing! That was very kind of you.” This immediate feedback helps children make the connection between their behaviour and the positive outcome.
Preventing Future Behavioural Issues
By laying the groundwork for positive behaviour in early childhood, PBS helps prevent future behavioural issues. When children are taught to express their needs in positive ways and are consistently reinforced for doing so, they are less likely to develop patterns of disruptive or aggressive behaviour as they grow older.
Moreover, PBS helps children develop essential life skills such as emotional regulation, communication, and social interaction. These skills are not only important for preventing challenging behaviours but also for ensuring that children thrive in school, at home, and in their future relationships.
Conclusion
Positive Behaviour Support offers a comprehensive and proactive approach to managing and guiding early childhood behaviour. By focusing on prevention, teaching new skills, and reinforcing positive actions, PBS builds a strong foundation for healthy emotional and social development. The early years are a critical time for shaping behaviour, and implementing PBS strategies during this period can set children up for long-term success, both academically and socially.
As parents, caregivers, and educators, embracing PBS can help create a positive, supportive environment where young children can flourish, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of positive behaviour and emotional well-being.