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Expanding Behavioral & School Safety Supports Across Montana
Supported Through the Blue Impact Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana
The Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MTPLC) is proud to be a recipient of the Blue Impact Grant through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) to support the expansion of school-based behavioral health and prevention services across Montana.
Through the Closing Behavioral Health Gaps in Rural Montana Schools initiative, MTPLC is expanding access to evidence-based behavioral health supports for Montana Small Schools Alliance (MSSA) member schools and reservation-based schools throughout the state.
This statewide initiative strengthens educator capacity, improves early intervention systems, and helps schools build sustainable behavioral health supports aligned with MTSS and IDEA frameworks.
Available Behavioral Health & School Safety Supports
BCBA Consultation & Behavioral Supports
Schools receive access to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)-led services designed to strengthen schoolwide behavioral health systems and student supports.
Services may include:
- Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
- Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
- Classroom management coaching
- MTSS alignment and implementation support
- Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 behavioral supports
- Data collection and progress monitoring
- Direct classroom observation and consultation
- Staff coaching and implementation support
- Behavior Skills Training (BST)
- Student support planning and intervention development
These services help schools improve early intervention practices, strengthen educator confidence, and reduce crisis-driven responses.
MTSS & Behavioral Systems Development
MTPLC works collaboratively with school teams to strengthen sustainable schoolwide systems including:
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Schoolwide prevention systems
- Behavioral intervention procedures
- Tiered student support frameworks
- Early identification and intervention processes
- IDEA and 504 alignment
- Positive behavior supports
- Data-informed decision making
- Sustainable behavioral health systems for schools
Professional Learning & Coaching
Schools receive ongoing professional learning, consultation, and implementation support through MTPLC’s behavioral health and student support team.
Training and coaching may include:
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation strategies
- Trauma-informed practices
- Classroom behavioral supports
- Prevention-focused intervention systems
- Data-based problem solving
- Staff implementation coaching
- School climate and student support practices
- Behavioral health and wellness supports
- Systems-level planning and sustainability support
MTPLC’s Training & Professional Learning Specialist provides follow-up support to help schools integrate practices into daily instruction, intervention systems, and schoolwide behavioral frameworks.
Mental Health Resource Navigation & Student Support Coordination
MTPLC also supports schools through coordinated mental health and student support services, helping schools strengthen connections between students, families, educators, and community resources.
Support may include:
- Referral pathway coordination
- Resource connection and navigation
- Family support coordination
- Community partnership alignment
- School-based consultation
- Student support planning
- Coordination with existing school and community services
These supports help reduce barriers to behavioral health access for rural, remote, and reservation-based communities.
MTPLC’s Approach
MTPLC’s work is grounded in:
Prevention-Focused Systems
Strengthening proactive behavioral supports and early intervention before concerns escalate.
Rural & Tribal Equity
Reducing barriers for schools with limited access to behavioral specialists or mental health professionals.
Evidence-Based Practices
Using data-informed and research-based approaches to improve student and school outcomes.
Sustainable Capacity Building
Helping schools build systems that continue long after initial implementation support.
Collaborative Partnerships
Working alongside MSSA, Tribal Education Departments, special education cooperatives, behavioral health partners, and community organizations to strengthen coordinated student support systems.
Learn More About Available Support
Schools, districts, cooperatives, and community partners interested in behavioral health and school safety support services are encouraged to connect with MTPLC.
Contact:
Jessica Johnson
[email protected]