About Us

Center for Intensive Behavioral Supports

teacher sitting in circle time with young students The Center for Intensive Behavioral Supports (CIBS) project at Illinois State University partners with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to develop professional learning and resources to reduce the use of physical restraint, time-out, and isolated time-out.

On August 13, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 219 (“HB 219”) into law as Public Act 102-0339, which amended the Illinois School Code regarding the use of isolated time-out, time-out, and physical restraint interventions in schools. Public Act 102-0339 resulted in the ISBE establishing the following goals:

1. Develop annual training based on field research and best practices focusing on:

Crisis de-escalation
Restorative practices
Identifying signs of distress during physical restraint and time-out
Trauma-informed practices
Behavior management practices

2. Create an “Alternatives to Time Out and Restraint Recognition Program,” to share best practices that work with students based on age, Individualized Education Program, and placement.

The CIBS project develops online professional learning modules and resources at no cost to districts, special education cooperatives, nonpublic and private entities.