Autism Classroom Setup Checklist
Starting out every year with setting up an Autism Unit or self-contained classroom can be super overwhelming. There is just so much to plan and get established so your students can start off the year strong.
I started teaching mid-year and struggled with all the catchup. It really was a baptism by fire. I had to learn everything the hard way… but my struggle was for your benefit. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself.
If you are here reading this, you know how important it is to set up a classroom the right way, especially with students who thrive with consistency and predictability. Starting off all wrong and having to change things multiple times may be a recipe for behaviors.
Starting strong matters and you’ll need a plan to make it all work out.
Things to Think About
When it comes to a quality guide and checklist to setup a Self-Contained or Autism Unit, we’ve got you covered. After years of starting up my own classroom, supporting other teachers as they started there, and helping veteran teachers revamp their rooms to be more successful, I have a collection of checklists and guides to help you be your best self.
Setup Checklists
If you are like me, a good checklist is priceless. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with adding a checkmark to completed tasks is like OCD crack. It makes you feel good. That is where these checklists make so much sense… they break down the entire process into seven manageable lists, giving you the perfect starting point and making sure you don’t forget the important stuff.
You’ll start with the Where to Start checklist, which you can do in your jammies while binge watching. It just a collection of things you’ll need to think of and decide on before you ever set foot into your classroom or know all the kids on your caseload. You will love being able to get started even before things get started.
After you have gotten some starter things checked off your list, you can move on to the Classroom Setup Decision Guide and the Classroom Setup- Physical Structure checklists. These two checklists will help you make some essential decisions about the layout of your room and make some choices as to what you will ultimately need. There is nothing worse than putting in a ton of time and energy setting up your classroom only to have it not work at all and then having to start over. Nothing worse. Using these two lists are super helpful!
Next you will want to prepare for your academics and IEP goal activities. Bust out the next two checklists, Planning for Academics and Prepping Academics. Now you can address the needs of your students and set up some good systems in your classroom. You will want to stock your classroom with things you actually need and can use, so getting through these checklists will help you make sure you can get the right items from the start.
Finally, you will target some of the things you’ll need in place to keep behaviors at bay. Working through the Visual Supports and Procedures checklists will get your classroom ready to support students with Autism and those who have severe and profound disabilities. When you get through the lists, you will be ready to rock!
Supporting Documents
The guides are just the start… as you work through the guides, they will ask you to complete some documents that will support you in the setup process. These supporting documents are essential to getting off on the right foot.
Start of the year right with a Parent Questionnaire Worksheet and script so you can make first contact with parents knowing you’re asking all the right questions. You will be able to get some firsthand information about your incoming students and also make a good first impression with parents and guardians. You will also want to build good relationships with your partner teachers and support staff. That is where the Tell Me More and Would You Rather activities come into play. You will love the ready-made team building activities that will get you staff laughing and bonding, right from the start.
There are also documents to support you as you work through your IEP meetings… those include several data collection sheets so you can find the version that you like best as well as IEP-at-a-Glance and BIP-at-a-Glance worksheets so you can have critical student information at your fingertips. You will also have a Teacher Feedback Sheet to give other teachers as you prep for your IEP meeting.
Finally, there are a few supporting documents that will help you setup your classroom. You will need the Schedule Planning Worksheet and Guide, Classroom Planning Worksheet and Guide and Classroom Centers Planner as well as two different Center Data Collection Sheets to use once you get your centers going.
And, so you are ready for the inevitable, a Fire Drill Evacuation List and Visuals also come support your setup process. If you start school at the end of the month, you know you will have at least one fire drill in the first few weeks of school. Be prepared!
Ultimate Guide & Checklist to Setup a Self-Contained or Autism Unit
If you need some guidance and support as you set up your Autism Unit or Self-Contained classroom, then you have to get this packet today. You know you need the support to be successful, so start by clicking here and get organized, prepared, and set up for a great school year!