Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) &
Extensive Support Needs (ESN)
Design instruction directly around students' Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives.
Embed goals across subjects and daily routines (e.g., counting goals during snack time).
Use progress monitoring tools to adjust instruction based on student data.
Modify content, process, and products based on students’ readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles.
Provide multiple ways for students to engage with the material and demonstrate understanding.
3. Incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Plan lessons using UDL principles:
Multiple means of representation (visuals, videos, symbols)
Multiple means of action/expression (AAC, pointing, selecting)
Multiple means of engagement (games, music, movement)
🔗 Resource: CAST UDL Guidelines
4. Design Thematic Units
Plan weekly or monthly thematic units that integrate multiple subject areas.
Themes like “community helpers,” “seasons,” or “transportation” provide meaningful context and repetition.
Allows you to reuse vocabulary and concepts across different formats.
5. Use Visual Supports and Schedules
Plan instruction using visual aids such as first-then boards, sequence cards, and classroom schedules.
Helps students anticipate, process, and participate in activities.
🔗 Tool: Boardmaker
6. Create Adapted Materials
Simplify reading passages, enlarge print, add symbols, and include tactile elements.
Use task boxes, adapted books, and hands-on manipulatives tailored to student levels.
🔗 Resource: Tar Heel Reader – Free, accessible books
🔗 Resource: The Autism Helper – Adapted curriculum tools
7. Integrate Life Skills and Academics
Embed functional life skills (e.g., hygiene, communication, community signs) into daily lessons.
For example, teaching math through grocery store role-play or reading a recipe to build literacy and sequencing.
8. Incorporate Assistive Technology
Plan for students to access and interact with content using AAC, tablets, switches, or eye gaze systems.
Allow alternative response modes for participation and assessment.
🔗 Tool: TouchChat AAC App
🔗 Tool: Choiceworks Visual Schedule
9. Build in Repetition and Generalization
Repeat core concepts using varied materials and settings.
Plan structured and unstructured opportunities to generalize skills (e.g., greeting peers during circle time and recess).
10. Use Data-Driven Instruction
Collect ongoing observational and performance data.
Use it to adjust pacing, groupings, and supports to meet students’ evolving needs.
Goalbook - Creating high-quality IEPs and delivering effective, individualized instruction
Unique Learning System (ULS) – Standards-based curriculum tailored for special education
Readtopia – Literacy curriculum for students with complex needs
Project Core – Literacy and communication supports for students with significant disabilities
The IRIS Center: Instructional Planning and Adaptation Modules
Attainment Company – Adapted books, life skills materials, and special education curriculum
Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs Blog – Instructional ideas and tech tips
News-2-You – Weekly symbol-supported current events for instruction
Understood.org – Planning supports and explanations of student learning profiles
The Autism Helper Curriculum Units – Pre-made lesson plans and units for various skills
Additional Resources
*Preschool Learning Foundations
*Dyslexia Resource Choice Board