Sample Daily Schedule for Our Special Education Students (CARES, Special Needs Learning Center, Transitional Kindergarten)

Thank you to our BCBA, Taryn Miller, for creating a sample daily schedule for students in the CARES, SNLC and TK programs.

Sample Schedule

8 A.M. to 9 A.M.   Breakfast/Get ready for the day. 

9 A.M. to 9:30 A.M  Work Bins/Morning Work (Use a first then or visual schedule to relay this information) Morning Work Resources Morning can be the best time to get these things accomplished. 

9:30 A.M. to 10 A.M.  Computer Education Games (Power Point Resources – do these with your children) and Computer Games (can be done independently: see resources below)

10:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.  Movement break - Go Noodle is a great resource for fun movement activities at home, play outside (blowing bubbles, riding bikes, side walk chalk are all great activities if weather permits), board games with family member or siblings.

10:30 Snack

11:00 A.M to 11:30  Reading  or Song Time- Reading a book of your choice with your child, listening to an audible story or reading independently when they are ready are great activities.  Ask them to point to or answer short questions as you read each page. Some online resource are ReadWorks.Org, Storyline Online, Scholastic Kids,

Stories/Songs that are highly engaging and have music: Super Simple Learning.  Bri Reads is another favorite

11:30 A.M. - 12:00 A.M. Art, Music, or Sensory Activity - Laurie Berkner Breaks (YouTube) and are great options for music activities. PBS Kids coloring, paint and sketch games are free options for art activities.  Use Kinetic Sand, Playdough, Rice, beans, water play – follow the interest of your child.  

12:00 P.M. – 12:45 P.M. Lunch - Include some physical activity using the suggests list above under movement break (walk, follow the leader,  "I am going to get you", ball play, etc.)

12:45 P. M to 1:45 Play Time: Take out your child's favorite toys and play with them.  Legos, trains, magnets, blocks.  Imitate and encourage creative and imaginative play.

1:45 P.M. to 2:30 P. M. Quiet Time Allow your child to rest, play quiet music or put on an educational science show. Take a Home Safari of the Cincinnati Zoo, check out the New England Aquarium free lessons, complete an activity on Mystery Science, or watch a video from Crash Course Kids.

We know the day does not end at 2:30, so feel free to try switching out activities with some of our Google Classroom items or from the resources listed on this page.  

Tips from our BCBA

Remember to keep a schedule/routine in place and be consistent to help your child adjust.  Predictability allows your child to know what to expect, what to do, and when to do it, which can provide a higher sense of comfort and security.  Consistency allows your child to know that you will respond the same way every time to their behavior often increasing positive behaviors and decreasing negative behaviors.  Rules and Clear Expectations create routines within environments and activities, which increase their independence and success over time.  Don't be afraid to increase structure in your home; it can make your child's life much easier and more enjoyable!