Adapting the Check-In/Check-Out Process to Support Targets of Bullying

Bullying continues to impact students’ well-being, peer relationships, and learning. This article explores how educators can adapt the Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) system to proactively support students at risk of being bullied. By focusing on emotion regulation, assertiveness, friendship-building, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, educators can use CICO to build at-risk student confidence and connection. When integrated into existing multitiered systems of support, the use of CICO provides teachers with a practical, relationship-centered method to address bullying without requiring additional work or new resources.