Prompt Hierarchy (Staff Training)

Scenario: Circle Time in the Classroom

The teacher is leading a circle time activity, and a student seems unsure about where to sit. The paraprofessional points to an empty spot on the carpet to guide the student to the correct location.

• Gestural

• Full Verbal

• Partial Physical

• Proximity

Scenario: Math Worksheet

During a math activity, a student is struggling to understand a problem. The teacher provides additional information and guidance by explaining each step of the problem. The student completes each step as the teacher is explaining verbally.

• Full Physical

• Modeling

• Full Verbal

• Partial Physical

Scenario: Transitioning to Lunch

A student is having difficulty transitioning from the classroom to the lunchroom. The staff gently guides the student by placing a hand on their back to help them move in the right direction. The staff do not force the student to walk in a different direction.

• Partial Physical

• Light touch and shadowing

• This is restraint

• Full Physical

Scenario: Reading Aloud

While sitting in a small group, a student is asked to read from the board. The student has trouble decoding a challenging word while reading independently. The teacher reads the sentence aloud, emphasizing the correct pronunciation of the word, then asks the student to read the same sentence again.

• Phonemic

• Within Stimulus

• Positional

• Modeling

Scenario: Music Class

In a music class, a student is unsure when to start playing their instrument. The staff member gives a subtle nod, indicating the beginning of their part in the musical piece.

• Indirect Verbal

• Direct Verbal

• Gestural

• Light touch and shadow

Scenario: Science Class Experiment

During a science experiment, a student seems unsure about the next step. Without speaking, the staff member writes the next step on a whiteboard and places it in front of the student. The staff member then says "What's next?"

• Indirect Verbal

• Visual Prompt

• Physical Prompt

• Phonemic

Scenario: Difficulty Transitioning

After earning an activity break, a student has difficulty transitioning away from the preferred activity. The staff member presents the student with a First-Next cue card to help the student transition away from the activity.

• Modeling

• Visual Prompt

• Indirect Verbal

• Full Phyiscal

What is the MOST intrusive prompt type?

• Physical

• Verbal

• Visual

• None of these choices

Once a student has shown they can perform a skill across multiple trials, what prompt level is most appropriate to begin with?

• Physical

• Verbal

• Visual

• None of the above

What is the least intrusive VERBAL PROMPT in the hierarchy?

• Indirect Verbal

• Partial Verbal

• Phonemic

• Direct Verbal