The Ultimate Visual Schedule

Are you looking for a simple way to design and manage your students' schedules? This HUGE pack contains over 700 pages of editable schedule cards! There are 72 picture icons in 16 color options and 4 different sizes. Two files are included in this pack. The auto-populating PDF saves you time and energy. Change the title on one card and it will auto-populate onto each set. The editable PowerPoint allows for more flexibility. Change the font and add your own clip art. 

Check out the video preview below for a closer look at what is included. Or, download the preview from TPT for a peek at all 72 picture symbols. 

Auto-Populating PDF Includes:

-Large whole class schedule cards

-Full page station cards

-Small individual schedule cards (16 colors) 

-Medium individual schedule cards (16 colors) 

-Large individual schedule cards (16 colors) 

-Small word only schedule cards (16 colors) 

-Check schedule cards (16 colors) 

-First/Then boards (16 colors) 

Editable PowerPoint includes: 

-Blank versions of all schedule cards (16 colors and all sizes) 

Have you used The Ultimate Visual Schedule in your classroom?  If so, let me know! I love to hear about how teachers are using my resources.  You can send me an email at autumn@supportsforspecialstudents.com or tag me on Instagram. 

Resources for Supporting IEP Goals at Home

Do you find yourself scrambling to pull together resources for families to use to support IEP goals at home?  You're in luck! I created this pack to save you time, while also providing families with the supports that they need to help their child meet their IEP goals. Included in this download you will find everything you need to create a system for storing a wide variety of print-and-go flashcards focusing on common basic skills. 

This pack includes a letter to families to send home after an IEP meeting, 34 sets of basic skills flashcards, and hanging file folder tabs. In addition, an editable flashcard template and folder tabs are included so that you can customize the resources to meet your individual needs. 

Literacy Flashcards:

Uppercase letters

Lowercase letters

CVC words

Silent -e words

Initial blends

Ending blends

Initial consonant digraphs

Ending consonant digraphs

Vowel digraphs

Blends in isolation

Digraphs & trigraphs in isolation

Vowel digraphs (vowel pairs) in isolation

Calendar Words (Days & Months) 

Color words 

Numbers words

Dolch Sight Words

Math Flashcards: 

Colors

Shapes

Number 1-10

Numbers 11-20

Numbers 21-50

Numbers 51-100

Numbers 101-500

Numbers 501-1000

Subitizing ten frames

Subitizing twenty frames

Addition facts

Subtraction facts

Time on an analog clock

Time on a digital clock 

US coins (black and white)

US coins (color) 

Color patterns

Have you used this resource in your classroom?  If so, let me know! I love to hear about how teachers are using my resources.  You can send me an email at autumn@supportsforspecialstudents.com or tag me on Instagram. 

CVC Hands on Bundle

I am so excited to share with you this HUGE bundle of hands on CVC activities! Each of the five activities provides a different way to practice reading, writing, and spelling CVC words.  Let's take a closer look at whats included.

These CVC File Folders are the perfect activity for building phonics skills in beginning readers!  There are 8 file folders included in this resource; one for each vowel and 3 mixed review folders. Download the preview on TPT for a look at the entire resource.

These clip cards provide the perfect opportunity to build fine motor strength during literacy time!  There are 124 clip cards included in the CVC Clip Card pack. Clip cards cover all 5 short vowels and are presented in 2 different formats. 

Format 1 - Match picture to one of 3 word choices

Format 2 - Match the word to one of 3 picture choices

I love to use interactive books with my students. The easy prep books that can be assembled multiple ways in order to meet the unique needs of your students. There are 8 interactive books included in this resource; one for each vowel and 3 mixed review books.

These differentiated flip strips are the perfect grab-and-go activity for any classroom.  There are 32 CVC flip strips included in this resource. Each flip strip contains 14 strips of skill building fun! Download the preview on TPT for a look at the entire resource. 

Strips included:

-8 Read and Circle

-8 Trace

-8 Copy

-8 Spell and Write

The paper saving, easy prep design of these cards make them a great option for busy teachers on a budget. There are 300 word building cards included in this resource. The cards cover all 5 short vowels and are presented in 5 different formats. 

Types of Cards:

-Letter Match

-Initial Sound

-Medial Sound

-Ending Sound

-Full Word

Have you used these Hands-on CVC Activities in your classroom?  If so, let me know! I love to hear about how teachers are using my resources.  You can send me an email at autumn@supportsforspecialstudents.com or tag me on Instagram. 

Editable Special Education Data Sheets

This collection of data sheets was designed to streamline data collection in the special education classroom. The bundle contains a variety of multi-use data sheets in addition to sheets designed to measure specific skills in the areas of basic reading, basic writing, basic math, behavior, and adaptive. EDITABLE versions are included for each data sheet. Check out the video clip below or download the preview from TPT for a peek at the entire bundle! 

This is a forever growing bundle - meaning, all additional data sheets that I create in the future will be included at no additional cost. The price will increase with each update, so download now to get the best deal. 

There are currently 41 sheets included in this bundle. 

Two versions of the data sheets are included in this download - A non-editable PDF version and an editable Powerpoint version.

Data sheets currently included: 

Progress Snapshot

Multiple Goals & Objectives

Small Group Goals

General Data Tracking

General Data Form 1

General Data Form 2

General Data w/Prompts 

Repeated Trials (5) 

Repeated Trials (5) w/Prompts

Repeated Trials (10)

Graphed Repeated Trials (5) 

Graphed Repeated Trials (10)

Task Analysis 

Task Analysis w/Prompts

Duration

Frequency 

Frequency - Multiple Behaviors

Frequency - Weekly Collection

Interval 

ABC (Antecedent - Behavior - Consequence) Data 

ABC Data - Checklist 

Numbers to 10

Number to 20

Numbers to 100

Colors 

Colors (black & white printer compatible) 

Shapes

Capital Letters - Form 1

Lowercase Letters - Form 1

Capital Letters - Form 2

Lowercase Letters - Form 2

Boxes for Writing Letters or Numbers

Copying Uppercase Letters

Copying Lowercase Letters

Copying Numbers

CVC Word List

Silent -e Discrimination Word List

Blends Word List (Initial & Ending)

Digraphs Word List

Bathroom Data - Form 1

Bathroom Data - Form 2

Have you used this resource in your classroom?  If so, let me know! I love to hear about how teachers are using my resources.  You can send me an email at autumn@supportsforspecialstudents.com or tag me on Instagram. 

March Sensory Bins

Have you been interested in trying out sensory bins but don't know where to start? This pack of easy prep rainbow and St. Patrick's Day sensory bin activities makes it simple to incorporate hands on fun into your classroom during the month of March and are a great addition to your classroom centers! 

This pack focuses on foundational academic skills and is perfect for any prek, kindergarten or special education classroom. There are 12 activities included, each activity focusing on a different basic skill.

Activities Included:

• Errorless Candies
• Errorless Clovers
• Color Sorting Shamrocks (3 cards)
• Shape Sorting Gold Coins (2 cards)
• Counting 1-5 Roses (2 cards)
• Counting 1-10 Clovers
• Ordering 1-10 Stars 
• Counting 11-20 Clovers and Hearts (2 cards)
• Uppercase to Lowercase Gum-ball Letter Match (2 cards)
• Letter to Sound Shooting Stars (2 cards)
• Rhyming Gold Coins
• CVC Leprechauns

Are you looking for sensory bins to get you through the entire year?  This resource is part of the Monthly Sensory Bin Bundle and can be found at a discount HERE. 

Have you used this resource in your classroom?  If so, let me know! I love to hear about how teachers are using my resources.  You can send me an email at autumn@supportsforspecialstudents.com or tag me on Instagram. 

Positive Behavior Intervention Flipbook

Are you looking for fresh intervention ideas? This flipbook is packed full of easy to implement positive behavior supports and interventions. You will find a brief overview of the ABC's (antecedent - behavior - consequence), how to determine the function of behavior, and specific interventions to address each function (sensory, escape, attention, and tangible/obtain) of behavior. 

There are 2 versions of the flipbook. 

Version 1 is a half page version that provides quick access to intervention ideas. It is perfect for paraeducators and support staff to keep on hand. 

Version 2 is full sized and contains an extra tab for data collection. 

You will also find two versions of behavior tracking data collection sheets included in the download.  The easy checkbox format makes it a breeze to track and analyze student behavior. 

Are you interested in seeing more?  Download the preview for a peek at the US version of the flip books or check out the preview video.

Have you used this resource in your classroom?  If so, let me know! I love to hear about how teachers are using my resources.  You can send me an email at autumn@supportsforspecialstudents.com or tag me on Instagram. 

How to Find Answers to Your Special Ed. Law Questions

Special eduction law can be a bit gray at times.  Although it should be clear cut, it can be difficult to get explicit answers to some of the basic questions that pop up in the day-to-day life of a special education teacher.  

Here is a scenario that you may have run into before.  You need to set up an IEP meeting, but have been unable to confirm a meeting time with the family.  How many attempts do you need to make to set up an IEP meeting with a family? What do you do if they don't respond? Can it all be done through email and phone calls or does one of the attempts need to be a letter? Does one attempt need to be a certified letter? 

While there are laws related to these questions (which you can find HERE), you may find the answer given still leaves you a bit confused.  

When it comes to these questions, and many more, the law does not give specifics.  The specifics tend to come from each state's interpretation of the law and from court case rulings.  

So how is a special education teacher supposed to make sense of the scattered out information and try to teach at the same time?  

Well... it's really hard.  

Some districts have incredible administrators who have a deep understanding of the law, current court cases, and best practice.  Many of these districts also reach out to lawyers for guidance.  They do the leg work so you can focus on providing your students with what they need to be successful.  With that being said, it is still in everyone's best interest to know how to seek out the answers to your own questions.

If you do not have this level of support in your district, you will have to take the extra steps to become informed of your role and responsibilities as a special education teacher.

I cannot answer all of your questions here.  However, I can provide you with some links and resources that will empower you to become more informed and confident in your understanding of special education law.  I am going to share a ton of information.  I recommend bookmarking this page so that you can refer back to it as questions arise throughout the school year.

But first, let's start with the basics. There are three main federal laws that address disabilities.  I recommend you click on the links and skim through each of the laws.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - The primary purpose of IDEA is "to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living." IDEA (2004) This is a major law in the world of special education and there is a lot jam packed into this act.  You can use the search feature on this page to find information related to a specific topic. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - This is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability.  This law is less applicable to public education, but is still valuable to review. 

Section 504 Rehabilitation Act - Section 504 extended civil rights to people with disabilities in education and other settings.  The act outlines the need for a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) which may include reasonable accommodations.  Unlike IDEA, students do not need to qualify for an IEP to fall under the umbrella of 504 services.  Please note - this is why it is extremely important that the accommodations listed in the IEP or 504 plan are being followed.  If they are not, it becomes a civil rights issue, not just a special education issue. Click on Subpart D for information related directly to preschool, elementary, and secondary education. 

If reading through those three acts seems daunting, don't worry.  I am going to share with you some great resources for synthesizing the plethora of information found above. 

WrightsLaw - I cannot recommend this site enough.  It is run by Pete Wright, an attorney who represents children with special needs, and Pam Wright, a psychotherapist who has worked with children and families since the 70s.  They summarize court cases in a way that is easy to understand and provide concrete takeaways from the rulings.  They have also written numerous books related to special education law and provide training around law and advocacy throughout the country.  Make sure you sign up for their newsletter to stay on top of current court cases.  The website has quite a bit of information and can be a little difficult to navigate.  However, you can click HERE to watch a quick video about how to sift through all of the information.  

Center for Parent Information and Resources - This website was produced under the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.  While it is geared primarily toward parents, it serves as a great resource for anyone working with students with special needs. Their resource library provides links to documents related to disability services and special education. This site is easy to navigate and the information is accurate and concise.  

National Education Association (IDEA & Special Education) - This site offers "IDEA Briefs" to explain developments about and aspects of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  They are presented in a question and answer format, and are quick and easy to read. The site also offers a nice summary of the 2004 reauthorization of IDEA found HERE. 

Department of Education - The specifics surrounding special education law can vary between states.  Search your state's department of education website for state specific laws, codes, and policies.  You can search for your state HERE and get a list of helpful links. 

State Specific Education Association - Many states have their own rules and regulations that expand upon those found in IDEA.  Your local union (if applicable) may have resources to help you learn more about special education law in your state.  If you are unable to find answers on the website, don't hesitate to reach out to your local union reps to see if there are any resources or training opportunities that may be available for special education teachers. 

Understanding the law is a huge undertaking and I hope that this post has given you some guidence and resources to make it a bit easier.  Do you have any other go-to resources for special education law?  Please share in the comments below!