Free TCI Behavior Support and Intervention Hierarchy Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the TCI Intervention Hierarchy, what is the foundation and first level of intervention?
- Physical Restraint
- Crisis Co-regulation
- Emotional First Aid
- Proactive and Environmental Strategies (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Proactive and Environmental Strategies
The TCI model emphasizes prevention as the most effective strategy. Creating a supportive, predictable environment and using proactive strategies to meet children's needs form the foundation of the hierarchy and can prevent many crises from occurring.
Question 2: Which of the following is the best example of 'Managing the Environment' as a behavior support technique?
- Telling a child to 'calm down'.
- Removing a distracting object from a child's desk before a lesson. (Correct answer)
- Placing a child in time-out after they misbehave.
- Praising a child for good behavior.
Correct answer: Removing a distracting object from a child's desk before a lesson.
Managing the environment involves proactively changing the physical or social setting to reduce stress and prevent escalation. Removing a potential trigger, like a distracting object, is a direct example of this technique.
Question 3: A staff member says, 'I can see you're really angry that the game is over. It's tough to stop when you're having fun.' This statement is an example of what TCI technique?
- Setting Limits
- Directive Statement
- Active Listening and Validation (Correct answer)
- Applying a Consequence
Correct answer: Active Listening and Validation
This response identifies and validates the child's feelings ('angry,' 'tough to stop'). It demonstrates that the adult is listening and trying to understand the child's perspective, which is a core component of Emotional First Aid and de-escalation.
Question 4: In the TCI Intervention Hierarchy, when are 'Safety Interventions' such as physical restraint permitted?
- When a child is being defiant and refusing to follow directions.
- To prevent minor property damage, like tearing a book.
- When a child poses an immediate, serious danger to self or others. (Correct answer)
- As soon as a child begins to yell loudly.
Correct answer: When a child poses an immediate, serious danger to self or others.
Safety interventions are the highest and most intrusive level of the hierarchy. Their use is strictly limited to situations where a child's behavior poses an immediate, serious risk of physical harm to themselves or others, and only when less intrusive methods have failed.
Question 5: What is the primary goal of 'Crisis Co-regulation' during a moment of crisis?
- To teach the child a new social skill in the moment.
- To provide support that helps the child regain self-control. (Correct answer)
- To distract the child from the source of their anger.
- To overpower the child and force compliance with rules.
Correct answer: To provide support that helps the child regain self-control.
Co-regulation involves the adult offering their own calm, centered presence and support to help a child manage overwhelming emotions they cannot handle alone. The adult 'lends' their self-regulation to the child, with the goal of helping the child calm down and regain self-control.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT considered a proactive/preventative strategy in TCI?
- Building caring relationships with children.
- Setting clear and consistent expectations and routines.
- Using Emotional First Aid. (Correct answer)
- Managing the physical environment to reduce triggers.
Correct answer: Using Emotional First Aid.
Emotional First Aid is a reactive strategy used at the first sign of a child becoming upset to de-escalate the situation. Proactive strategies are things done *before* a child shows signs of distress, such as building relationships, managing the environment, and setting clear expectations.
According to the TCI Intervention Hierarchy, what is the foundation and first level of intervention?