about kits for independence

​After over 25 years of working with children and their families in a variety of settings including public schools, a private pediatric clinic, hospitals, and home health, I have learned that one thing is certain.  Children who are struggling with some daily activities at home or school benefit from, and positively respond to, extra supports such as structured routines, visual supports, clear expectations, and rewards for compliance or "good behavior".  What I found, however, was that these supports, such as a visual schedule, were not easily available for families and/or teachers who would benefit from them.  Pulling together all the materials I wanted and needed was time consuming and frustrating.

Therefore, I began creating easy to grab "kits" for myself, families, and teachers that would include beneficial strategies and supports for potty training, staying on task during school work, and facilitating compliance during structured activities.  These strategies include a Visual Schedule with a unique "flap down when done" method so there are no easily lost velcro pieces that are common with other visual schedules.  This also provides the child with visual step-by-step instructions that lowers anxiety and encourages them to complete the task.