Start Strong with the Pre CICO Checklist for Check-In/Check-Out (CICO)

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Before launching Check-In/Check-Out (CICO), most schools focus on forms, schedules, and point sheets. But the real success of CICO begins with conversations, not point cards. The Pre CICO Checklist for Check-In/Check-Out helps schools start with clarity, connection, and consistency. It is a simple, printable tool that helps teachers and CICO coaches prepare together, center the student experience, and build a Tier 2 system that feels supportive and sustainable. It’s also a great way to coach adults away from point cards towards quality conversations with kids and youth.

-by Dr. Tim Grivois, Executive Director

What the Pre CICO Checklist Includes

This CICO starter resource includes everything teams need to launch Check-In/Check-Out effectively:

  • Teacher and Coach Pre-CICO Checklists that outline the essential first steps for adults supporting the program

  • CICO Logistics Templates to plan where, when, and how check-ins will happen (editable in Canva)

  • Student Interest Inventories to help students share what matters to them, what helps them feel supported, and what their goals are

Each component helps teams move from forms and points to relationships and habits. When the system begins with consistency and shared understanding, students experience CICO as encouragement rather than compliance.

Here is a gallery view of all components. Note: Link to editable tempate below.

A five-step teacher checklist titled “Teacher’s Pre-CICO Checklist.” It includes: 1) Learn the scholar’s goal, 2) Decide how to communicate with the coach, 3) Practice recognition and feedback, 4) No worries about schedules or forms, and 5) Begin Check-In/Check-Out. The footer shows TGS Educational Consulting’s contact information.
A black-and-white infographic titled “Our School’s CICO Logistics.” It lists five items with simple icons: 1) Where and when CICO happens, 2) What to do if a substitute is teaching, 3) Who to contact if something isn’t working, 4) How long feedback conversations should take, and 5) A short explanation that CICO is a relationship-centered support focused on connection, consistency, and growth.
A coach-facing infographic titled “Our School’s CICO Logistics.” It includes five sections: 1) Where and when to meet scholars, 2) What to do if not available, 3) Who to contact if something isn’t working, 4) How long Check-In and Check-Out conversations should last (2–4 minutes), and 5) A note that CICO is a relationship-centered support focused on connection, consistency, and growth.
A five-step checklist titled “Coach’s Pre-CICO Checklist.” It includes: 1) Learn the scholar’s goal, 2) Chat with the scholar’s teacher, 3) Practice check-ins and check-outs, 4) Introduce yourself to the scholar, and 5) Begin Check-In/Check-Out. The design mirrors the teacher version and includes TGS Educational Consulting contact information.
A one-page student survey titled “CICO Student Interest Inventory.” It asks about favorite activities, colors, foods, and music; who helps them feel calm; and how they like to be supported. The final section invites the student to set a CICO goal together with their teacher or coach.
A one-page reflection form titled “CICO Student Interest Inventory – Older Scholars.” It asks students about their interests, favorite subjects, supportive adults, and how they like to receive feedback. The last section guides them to set a personalized CICO goal with their teacher or coach.

Why a Pre CICO Checklist Matters

Starting CICO well prevents confusion, burnout, and mixed messages later on. Teachers know what to do, coaches know how to support, and students feel seen.

When adults take time to clarify logistics and learn about each scholar before CICO begins, the process feels calm and collaborative. That is exactly how students learn best.

Research on PBIS Tier 2 supports shows that structured, relationship-based interventions are most effective when adults share clear expectations and maintain predictable routines. The Pre-CICO Checklist makes that possible from day one.

How to Start Check-In/Check-Out with the Pre-CICO Checklist

  1. Download the Pre-CICO Checklist and share it with your CICO team.

  2. Customize the Logistics Page for your school, including where and when check-ins happen, who to contact, and what to do if someone is absent.

  3. Use the Student Interest Inventory to co-create the scholar’s goal before the first day of CICO.

  4. Practice Check-In and Check-Out Conversations using the CICO Conversation Guide. It’s at the top of the page.

Every piece of the Pre-CICO process is about building trust and making daily CICO interactions short, positive, and meaningful.

A Relationship-Centered Approach to PBIS Tier 2

The Pre-CICO Checklist is a powerful tool to remember that CICO is about the conversation, not the paperwork. Each check-in is a chance to connect, recognize effort, and help students practice habits that lead to success.

When we focus on connection, consistency, and growth, Check-In/Check-Out becomes a promise of belonging to each child/youth we invite to participate.

Download the Pre-CICO Checklist

Download the Pre-CICO Checklist for Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) and start your Tier 2 supports with an onboarding tool to get your team on the same page. You’ll have everything you need to prepare teachers, coaches, and students to begin CICO the right way, grounded in relationships, clarity, and shared purpose.

Click here for template.

You can find just about anything you need to get started / elevate your school’s behavior support framework here. And, if it helps to think through how this might look for your team, I am always glad to talk it over with you.

If CICO is up and running but drifting in practice, the CICO Coach Starter Kit can give your team a simple way to realign. The tools inside help coaches return to the foundations, rebuild consistency, and keep the routine working for students.

Dr. Tim Grivois’ approach to CICO was recently featured in a guest blog at the School Social Work Association of America’s website!

Click here to read the article: https://www.sswaa.org/post/guest-blog-making-cico-work-for-school-social-workers

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