Why We Use Positive Reinforcement at Kids First Services

At Kids First Services, every session is built on a simple idea: children learn best when they feel successful.  

That's why positive reinforcement is at the heart of how we teach. It guides how your child’s BCBA designs their treatment plan, how our RBTs work with your child day to day, and the progress you see at home.  

In this post, we’ll explain what positive reinforcement is, why we rely on it, and how you can use it with your child every day.

What is positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement happens when something is added right after a behavior and, as a result, that behavior happens more often in the future. The thing that’s added is called a reinforcer. For one child, it might be praise or a high-five. For another, it might be a favorite toy, a few minutes of a game, or a sticker.

What makes something a reinforcer isn’t whether we think a child should like it. It’s whether it actually helps that behavior grow. That’s why we always start by learning what your child loves. Your child’s BCBA uses structured preference assessments, along with observation and input from you, to find out what truly motivates your child, and we check in often because favorites change.

Here’s a simple example. A child who usually cries for a snack says, “Snack, please.” Their therapist immediately says, “Great asking!” and hands it over. Over time, the child learns that using words is the fastest way to get what they want, so they ask more often. In ABA, we call this teaching a replacement behavior: a more effective way for a child to communicate a need.

Isn’t that just bribery?

It’s one of the most common questions parents ask, and it’s a fair one. The difference comes down to timing and planning. A bribe is usually offered in the middle of a difficult moment to get a behavior to stop (“If you stop screaming, you can have candy”). Positive reinforcement is planned ahead of time and delivered after a child uses the skill we’re teaching. It rewards the progress, not the problem behavior.

Why we use it at Kids First

It teaches new skills, not just less of the hard stuff. Instead of focusing only on what we want a child to stop doing, we teach and reinforce what we want them to do, like asking for help, taking turns, or trying a new food.

It builds motivation. When learning feels rewarding, children want to keep going. Sessions become something to look forward to, not something to get through.

It builds trust. Our RBTs become people your child associates with fun and success. That relationship makes every goal easier to reach.

It’s designed to last. As your child masters a skill, we gradually fade the extra rewards and shift toward natural ones, like a friend’s smile, finishing a favorite activity, or the pride of doing it on their own. We also practice skills with different people and in different places, so they carry over into everyday life.

It celebrates every win. No step is too small. A new word, a calm transition, or a first high-five all deserve to be noticed.

What it looks like in a session

Most of our sessions happen right in your home, and sometimes at your child’s school, so your child practices skills in the places they’ll actually use them. A typical session might include:

• Finding what motivates your child. Our RBTs check in on favorite toys, games, and activities so reinforcers stay fresh and effective.

• Lots of specific praise. Instead of just “good job,” you’ll hear things like “You put your shoes on all by yourself!”

• Play-based learning. Many goals are built into games and everyday routines, so learning feels like fun.

• Celebrating progress together. We share wins with you, so the whole family can cheer your child on.

How you can use it at home

You don’t need to be a therapist to use positive reinforcement. Try these simple tips:

1. Praise the Growth. Notice and praise the behaviors you want to see more of, even small ones.

2. Be specific. Tell your child exactly what they did well: “Thank you for putting your cup in the sink!”

3. Reinforce right away. The sooner the praise or reward follows the behavior, the stronger the connection.

4. Know their favorites. Keep a short list of things your child loves, and save a few special ones for the skills that are hardest to learn.

5. Watch what you reinforce. Attention is powerful. If a tantrum reliably earns extra attention or a treat, it may happen more often, even though that’s not what anyone intended.

6. Stay consistent. Use the same approach every day so your child knows what to expect.

Parent training is part of every child’s program at Kids First. Your child’s BCBA and RBT can help you choose the strategies that fit your family and your daily routines.

Every win counts

At Kids First Services, we believe every child is labeled for greatness. Positive reinforcement helps us bring that greatness out, one small win at a time.

Have questions about ABA therapy for your child? Reach out to our team. We’re proud to serve military families with TRICARE, and we’re happy to walk you through what getting started looks like.

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