Daily Living Skills IEP goals for preschool (ages 3 to 5)
13 of the daily living skills templates in the library are written for preschool (ages 3 to 5). Each opens in the builder, where the grade band is a starting point and the baseline comes from your own assessment.
13 templates · 1 skill · Pre-K · How we write and review goals
Goals by skill
Numbers are illustrative; set targets from the student's own baseline.
Daily Living Skills Functional & Independence Skills
Wash hands following a step sequence
Handwashing
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.
Put on outdoor clothing before going outside
Dressing for outdoor recess
By the annual IEP review date, when the class gets ready to go outside for recess on a cold day, the student will put on outdoor clothing for cold weather using a picture sequence at the cubby, performing at least 6 of 7 steps independently, on 4 of 5 consecutive observed days, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected three days per week during cold-weather months.
Complete the restroom routine at school
Toileting routine
By the annual IEP review date, during scheduled restroom breaks and when the student requests the restroom, the student will complete the restroom routine, performing at least 7 of 8 steps independently, on 4 of 5 consecutive school days, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected daily at one scheduled restroom break.
Put on and fasten shoes without help
Shoes and fasteners
By the annual IEP review date, when shoes come off for rest time, PE, or a sensory break and the student is asked to put them back on, the student will put on both shoes and fasten them, performing at least 5 of 6 steps independently, on 4 of 5 consecutive observed opportunities, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected daily at one planned shoe-on time.
Eat lunch using utensils and a napkin
Mealtime skills
By the annual IEP review date, during lunch in the cafeteria or classroom with a packed lunch or school meal, the student will eat the meal using utensils and a napkin, performing at least 6 of 7 steps independently, on 4 of 5 consecutive observed meals, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected three lunches per week.
Take off a coat and hang it up
Coat off and hung up
By the annual IEP review date, at arrival, standing at the student's labeled hook with the coat zipped or snapped, the student will take off the coat and hang it on the labeled hook, performing at least 5 of 6 steps independently, on 4 of 5 consecutive school days, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected daily at arrival.
Preschool daily living skills goals are measured inside daily routines rather than with worksheets, and the criteria are small: a few opportunities a day, a handful of steps, short periods of time. Conditions name the routine (circle, centers, snack) so any adult in the room can take the data.
Matching data sheets
Each goal above links to the blank sheet built for its measure. These are the sheets this set of goals uses:
Frequently asked questions
What do daily living skills goals look like for preschool?
They describe a readiness or developmental skill performed during a classroom routine, with a criterion in opportunities or steps. The support level is written in, since most preschool goals start with prompting and fade it.
How often should preschool goals be measured?
A few opportunities on most days, recorded on a trial or task-analysis sheet. Short, frequent samples match how young children show skills.
Does a preschool IEP need the same parts as a school-age IEP?
Yes. Measurable annual goals, present levels, and progress reporting are required at every age under 34 CFR 300.320. Preschool IEPs may also address participation in appropriate activities rather than the general curriculum.
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