Articulation IEP goals for preschool (ages 3 to 5)
18 of the articulation 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.
18 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.
Articulation Speech & Language
Produce the target sound correctly in single words
Target sound in single words
By the annual IEP review date, given 20 picture or word cards containing To choose for the student: the target sound (such as /r/) in the initial, medial, and final word positions, the student will produce the target sound correctly in single words independently with at least 80% accuracy on target-sound productions, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
Produce the target sound in isolation and syllables
Target sound in isolation and syllables
By the annual IEP review date, given 20 trials of To choose for the student: the target sound (such as /k/) in isolation and in consonant-vowel syllables with different vowels, the student will produce the target sound in isolation and in syllables after an imitative model from the SLP with at least 80% accuracy on target-sound productions in isolation and syllables, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
Imitate words containing the target sound after a model
Imitated words
By the annual IEP review date, given 20 words containing To choose for the student: the target sound (such as /l/) in the initial position, each spoken by the SLP first, the student will repeat each word with the target sound produced correctly after an imitative model from the SLP with at least 85% accuracy on imitated target-sound productions, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
Produce the target vowel in words and sentences
Vowel sounds
By the annual IEP review date, given 20 picture or word cards containing To choose for the student: the target vowel (such as /i/ as in "feet" or the diphthong in "boat"), the student will produce the target vowel correctly in each word independently with at least 80% accuracy on target-vowel productions, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
Be understood by an unfamiliar listener in a recorded sample
Intelligibility to unfamiliar listeners
By the annual IEP review date, given a recorded 50-word sample of the student describing pictures or telling about an event, the student will speak so that an unfamiliar listener writes down the words correctly independently with at least 80% accuracy on words transcribed correctly by an unfamiliar listener, across 3 consecutive monthly samples, as measured by work-sample analysis collected monthly.
Produce early-developing sounds in words during play
Early-developing sounds in play
By the annual IEP review date, during a 15-minute play routine (such as snack, blocks, or pretend kitchen) set up to elicit 10 or more words with To choose for the student: the target early sound (such as /b/ in ball, bubble, bye), the student will produce the target sound in words during the activity after an adult model within the play with at least 80% accuracy on target-sound productions during play, across 3 consecutive weekly play probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
Preschool articulation 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 articulation 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.
IEP Atlas Pro
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