If anyone is feeling like me, I get my lesson plans done and materials prepped all weekend, and then the week goes by with no time! This year is new to me as I am re-learning my role as an Autism classroom teacher. I have a new team, in a new district, with new students. I have a lot to learn and have had to sit down and prioritize my to-do lists. With the help of all of my team members and support staff, I have created my top ten list of things that I need to have done by the 4th week of school. In this post, I will share my list, along with resources from The Autism Helper to help implement!
- Collect Baseline Data for IEP Goals:
- Why it matters: Collecting baseline data will help identify where a learner stands in comparison to previous benchmarks in their IEP. It is also important to take baseline data using the assessment that your program uses before starting the curriculum. Baseline data provides a starting point to identify regression and helps track progress.
- Tools to help:
- Review and Understand All IEPs
- Why it matters: Our learners have the right to their accommodations and supports starting on day one that they enter our classroom. Organizing the needs of each learner is the top priority in creating a safe learning environment.
- How to do it: Create a quick-reference sheet for each student with their IEP highlights (e.g., goals, supports, accommodations, BIP). This year I am trying to use Google Classroom as the “hub” for all of the information all of my team members would need.
- Create a Visual Schedule for Students
- Why it matters: Visual supports help reduce anxiety and improve understanding for our learners. Visual schedules will show what is coming, what is all done, and when we will do certain activities. Having a consistent schedule along with the visuals is a benefit for everyone.
- Tools to help:
- Set Up Data Collection Systems
- Why it matters: Consistent data tracking is necessary in order to make instructional decisions. This is also important to show progress in all areas of the learner’s day as well as IEP goals.
- Tools to help:
- Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Why it matters: Behavior intervention plans list a learner’s maladaptive behaviors as well as the proactive and reactive strategies. All team members must implement the proactive strategies, as well as be on the same page and consistent with the reactive strategies when a behavior may occur.
- Tools to help:
- Establish Classroom Routines & Structure
- Why it matters: Predictability helps students with autism feel safe and learn better.
- Tools to help:
- Work Task System
- Work Task Mega Pack
- Errorless Work Task Mega Pack
- Life Skills Work Task Mega Pack
- Communication Based Work Tasks
- Reading Comprehension Work Task Mega Pack
- Vocational Work Task Mega Pack
- Math Work Task
- Advanced Work Task Mega Pack
- Daily Work Level 1
- Leveled Daily Work 0.5
- Science and Social Studies Work Task Mega Pack
- Daily Leveled Work 2
- Develop Communication Supports
- Why it matters: Our learners have the right to communication in any way that they need. My team and I are now sure that our learners have high-tech and low-tech communication.
- Tools to help:
- Build Strong Paraprofessional/Support Staff Collaboration
- Why it matters: You need a team that’s consistent and trained to support your students.
- Tools to help:
- Plan for Inclusion Opportunities
- Why it matters: LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) is part of the IEP. Specials
- Tools to help:
- Maintain Ongoing Communication with Families
- Why it matters: Family involvement improves outcomes.
- Tools to help:
Although this list may seem like a lot, once all of these are in place, the classroom environment increases with independence and success.Bonus tip: You can keep a master binder or Google Classroom with all of the resources your team is using!
- Tools to help:
Latest posts by Heather Hoeft, B.S., M.Ed., LBS1 (see all)
- Embedding Social Skills Into Every Lesson - November 24, 2025
- Top 10 Must-Do Tasks from a Self-Contained Elementary Teacher - September 22, 2025
- Setting Up the Classroom Environment for Independent Learners - August 20, 2025
