Wash hands following a step sequence
Live goal preview
By the annual IEP review date, before eating snack or lunch and after using the restroom, the student will wash hands at the sink using a picture sequence posted at the sink, performing at least 8 of 9 steps independently, on 4 of 5 consecutive school days, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected at one planned handwashing time each day.
Baseline: 4 of 9 steps independently.
- Condition
- Observable behavior
- Criterion
- Measurement method
Measurability check10 of 10 met
All structural checks are met.
Met: Observable behavior. The behavior is stated as an action.
Met: Condition. The goal states when or under what conditions the behavior occurs.
Met: Unit fits the behavior. Task-analysis steps is a reasonable way to quantify this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. The success criterion is stated with a number and unit.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Mastery rule and collection schedule are stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Task-analysis checklist can produce task-analysis steps data.
Met: Review timeframe. The goal includes a timeframe.
Met: Baseline and target compatible. Baseline and target use the same unit and show change in the intended direction.
Met: Aligned with area of need. The wording still relates to Daily Living Skills.
Met: Level of support. The level of support is defined.
What this checks: the goal's structure and wording, using fixed rules: observable behavior, condition, criterion, method, mastery rule, timeframe, baseline/target consistency, and support. It can't judge whether the goal is appropriate, ambitious enough, or legally sufficient for a particular student. That requires assessment data and the IEP team.
About this template
- Level guidance
- Fits students whose present levels show skipped or incomplete handwashing steps or reliance on hand-over-hand help. Observation of current performance, and OT input where motor or sensory factors are involved, decide fit, not grade.
- Baseline considerations
- Observe the routine on at least 3 typical days before setting a target. Mark each step as independent (no adult prompt of any kind), completed with support (note the prompt type), or not completed. Count only independent steps toward the baseline, and note which steps are missed most often; those may need direct teaching rather than more practice. Use the classroom sink for observation when possible so the student's privacy in the restroom is respected.
- Usage notes
- Adapt steps to the actual fixtures (automatic faucets and dispensers remove some steps). Consult the OT if water temperature, soap texture, or the noise of air dryers is a barrier.
- Known limitations
- Measures the sequence, not how clean the hands are. Data collected only at the classroom sink may not reflect performance in the restroom.
- Source
- Original IEP Atlas draft (AI-assisted) based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. Template ID
fn-dl-001.
Short-term objectives (optional)
When are objectives required?Federal IDEA regulations require benchmarks or short-term objectives only for students who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate academic achievement standards (34 CFR §300.320(a)(2)(ii)). Your state or district may require them more broadly.
Matching data sheet
Task-analysis checklist. Your goal counts steps done independently, so the sheet marks each step in each session.
Task-analysis checklist
Task-analysis steps- Student label:
- Target:
- performing at least 8 of 9 steps independently
- Mastery rule:
- on 4 of 5 consecutive school days
- Collection schedule:
- at one planned handwashing time each day
- Method:
- Task-analysis checklist
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, before eating snack or lunch and after using the restroom, the student will wash hands at the sink using a picture sequence posted at the sink, performing at least 8 of 9 steps independently, on 4 of 5 consecutive school days, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected at one planned handwashing time each day.
Key: I completed independently · S completed with support (note prompt type, e.g., G gesture, V verbal, M model, P physical) · N not completed
| Step | Session 1 Date: | Session 2 Date: | Session 3 Date: | Session 4 Date: | Session 5 Date: | Session 6 Date: | Session 7 Date: | Session 8 Date: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Turns on the water and adjusts it to a comfortable temperature | ||||||||
| 2. Wets both hands | ||||||||
| 3. Gets soap from the dispenser | ||||||||
| 4. Rubs palms, backs of hands, and between fingers | ||||||||
| 5. Keeps scrubbing until the timer or song ends | ||||||||
| 6. Rinses all soap off | ||||||||
| 7. Turns off the water | ||||||||
| 8. Dries hands with a paper towel or air dryer | ||||||||
| 9. Throws the paper towel in the trash | ||||||||
| Steps independent (I) | ||||||||
| Initials / notes |
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Write the date at the top of each session column. Mark each step I, S, or N.
- Total the number of I marks for the session. The goal counts steps completed independently (target: 8 of 9).
- Use the least intrusive prompt first and record the prompt actually needed.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets with formulas for the calculated columns. Sheets are blank: IEP Atlas doesn't store student data.