Eat using a self-feeding device
When to use this goal
For students with very limited arm strength who are fed by an adult and whose OT or AT specialist has found a mobile arm support or a powered self-feeding device that fits. Device trials and present levels decide fit.
- Baseline
- Count ten bites at three device sessions, recording each as started and completed by the student, started with a cue, or adult fed. Note fatigue and the foods that work best with the device.
- Tips
- Self-feeding, even part of a meal, gives the student choice of bite and pace and can change how they experience lunch with peers. Staff need training on setup and cleaning.
- Limits
- Food textures, liquid thickness, positioning for safe swallowing and any swallowing precautions come from the student's feeding or swallowing plan, which this goal never changes. Device choice belongs to the OT and AT specialist; insurance and funding can take time. The goal counts bites, not intake.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID mt-fd-027.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, during lunch, given the mobile arm support or self-feeding device set up by staff, the student will bring a bite to the mouth using the device's switch, joystick or arm support as the OT taught after staff set up the device in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, on 3 of 4 observed meals, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly at lunch.
Baseline: 2 of 10 opportunities.
- Condition
- Observable behavior
- Criterion
- Measurement method
Measurability check11 of 11 met
Met: Observable behavior. Stated as an action.
Met: Condition. Stated.
Met: Unit fits the behavior. Opportunities fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Opportunity (trial) recording gives opportunities data.
Met: Review timeframe. Stated.
Met: Baseline and target compatible. Same unit, change in the right direction.
Met: Aligned with area of need. Still about Feeding & Mealtime Skills.
Met: Level of support. Defined.
Met: Blanks filled in. Nothing left to fill in.
Checks structure and wording only. Whether the goal fits the student is the team's call.
Short-term objectives (optional)
When are objectives required?Required for students on alternate assessments (34 CFR §300.320(a)(2)(ii)); some states require them for everyone.
Paste into your IEP system
Most district systems have a separate box for each part of a goal. Copy them one at a time, or all at once as labeled text.
- Area of need
- Motor & Sensory Skills (OT, PT & Adapted PE) - Feeding & Mealtime Skills
- Baseline
- 2 of 10 opportunities.
- Annual goal395 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, during lunch, given the mobile arm support or self-feeding device set up by staff, the student will bring a bite to the mouth using the device's switch, joystick or arm support as the OT taught after staff set up the device in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, on 3 of 4 observed meals, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly at lunch.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- During lunch, given the mobile arm support or self-feeding device set up by staff
- Behavior
- The student will bring a bite to the mouth using the device's switch, joystick or arm support as the OT taught after staff set up the device
- Criteria
- In at least 8 of 10 opportunities, on 3 of 4 observed meals
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- Twice weekly at lunch
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Opportunity tracker. One box per opportunity in each session.
Opportunity tracker
Opportunities- Student label:
- Target:
- in at least 8 of 10 opportunities
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 observed meals
- Collection schedule:
- twice weekly at lunch
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, during lunch, given the mobile arm support or self-feeding device set up by staff, the student will bring a bite to the mouth using the device's switch, joystick or arm support as the OT taught after staff set up the device in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, on 3 of 4 observed meals, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly at lunch.
Key: + demonstrated independently · P demonstrated with a prompt (note type) · − not demonstrated · NA no opportunity occurred
| Date | Activity / context | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | # + (of 10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Record up to 10 opportunities per session, matching the goal's denominator.
- Define in advance what counts as an opportunity so every data collector records the same thing.
- Count only + marks toward the criterion unless the goal specifies prompted responses.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.