Is it permissible for a teacher who is also a BCBA to use a listening chair for disruptive behaviors?

Is it permissible for a teacher who is also a BCBA to use a listening chair for disruptive behaviors?

• A. Acceptable
• B. Not acceptable
• C. Acceptable only with consent
• D. Acceptable only for minor incidents

Answer: (A)

Using a listening chair can be permissible when a BCBA-licensed teacher uses it as a brief, non-exclusionary time-out within a written behavior support plan. The idea is to give the student a moment to pause, regain self-control, and return to learning without being removed from the classroom. For it to be acceptable, the plan should specify exactly when it’s used, how long the student sits, what leads to leaving the chair, and how progress is measured. It should be the least restrictive option, paired with reinforcement for returning to appropriate behavior, and implemented with careful data collection. When these safeguards are in place, this approach aligns with ethical, evidence-based practice.

Using a listening chair can be permissible when a BCBA-licensed teacher uses it as a brief, non-exclusionary time-out within a written behavior support plan. The idea is to give the student a moment to pause, regain self-control, and return to learning without being removed from the classroom. For it to be acceptable, the plan should specify exactly when it’s used, how long the student sits, what leads to leaving the chair, and how progress is measured. It should be the least restrictive option, paired with reinforcement for returning to appropriate behavior, and implemented with careful data collection. When these safeguards are in place, this approach aligns with ethical, evidence-based practice.