CIBS RTO Coaching Specialist - Northern Illinois
About the Role
ISU is seeking an RTO Coaching Specialist to deliver high-quality professional development and technical assistance to school districts across Illinois to support the appropriate, safe, and legally compliant use of restraint and time-out, while reducing instances of improper implementation.
This role serves as a regional point of contact, supporting educators and school teams in accurately interpreting and applying Public Act 102-0339 and 23 IAC 1.285, distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate use of RTO, implementing required procedures with fidelity, and strengthening preventative and proactive systems that reduce the likelihood of crisis.
The RTO Coaching Specialist works collaboratively with school entity personnel, project leadership, and ISBE partners to build school team capacity, support consistent implementation practices, and promote sustainable systems that prioritize safety, compliance, and student well-being.
About the Center for Intensive Behavioral Supports (CIBS)
CIBS is a statewide initiative led by Illinois State University in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). CIBS develops and delivers professional learning, coaching, and resources to support schools in reducing the improper use of restraint, time-out, and isolated time-out (RTO) while strengthening preventative, proactive approaches that promote student safety and well-being.
Across Illinois, restraint and time-out are intended to be used only as emergency safety interventions in situations involving imminent danger of serious physical harm. However, variability in training, systems, and implementation has resulted in inconsistent practices across school settings. In many cases, staff are expected to make rapid decisions during crisis situations without sufficient preparation or systems of support, increasing the likelihood of improper or non-compliant use.
Public Act 102-0339 established clear expectations for schools to reduce the use of restraint and time-out through improved training, oversight, and implementation of preventative practices. The law emphasizes equipping school personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to behavior using de-escalation, restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, and effective behavior management strategies, while ensuring that restrictive interventions are used only when legally appropriate and necessary for safety.
Illinois Administrative Code 23 IAC 1.285 further defines the requirements for the use of restraint and time-out, including conditions for use, required procedures, staff training, documentation, and oversight. These regulations reinforce that RTO must be used only as a last-resort intervention, and that schools must prioritize less restrictive, preventative approaches.
Despite these expectations, many districts continue to face challenges in aligning practice with legal requirements, implementing consistent procedures, and building systems that reduce reliance on restrictive interventions. Improper use of RTO presents significant concerns related to student safety, compliance, and school climate.
CIBS addresses this need by providing training, technical assistance, and resources that help school teams understand and apply legal requirements, strengthen preventative systems, and improve consistency of implementation. This includes Regional Summits, scenario-based training, coaching, and targeted support aligned to district needs and corrective actions.
Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. Illinois State University does not authorize out-of-state work.