Self-Contained Skills Assessment

Self-Contained Skills Assessment Checklist

A Practical Tool for Special Educators

Get a clear snapshot of a learner’s strengths, needs, and next steps without guesswork. The Self-Contained Skills Assessment Checklist helps you assess, plan, teach, and track progress across key domains so instruction is intentional, measurable, and meaningful.

Download your FREE editable 30-page checklist to begin today!

Why This Checklist Matters

This tool was designed for educators and teams working with learners in self-contained classrooms who want:

A compassionate, whole-child snapshot of current ability levels.
Actionable data — not just notes — that can be used for planning and IEP goals.
Clarity on what to teach next across daily living, communication, motor, and pre-academic skills.

Whether you’re preparing for an IEP meeting or building daily routines, this checklist turns everyday observations into meaningful growth.

What’s Inside

This editable 30-page packet includes:

1. Student Overview
Mobility, communication modes, attention, self-care, toileting, feeding, behavior.

2. Daily Living Skills (ADLs)
Feeding, handwashing, dressing, fasteners, hygiene.

3. Communication
Verbal & AAC use, following directions, requesting/protesting, early language skills.

4. Gross & Fine Motor
Balance, playground navigation, grasping, tool use, pre-writing strokes.

5. Pre-Academics
Attention/readiness, matching, receptive/expressive skills, early literacy & math, classroom behavior.

6. Editable Pages
Customize with your own targets or program needs.

How to Use It

1. Establish a Baseline
Observe natural routines (arrival, centers, lunch, transitions) and rate each skill.

2. Set Priority Targets
Choose high-leverage skills across domains and plan instruction around them.

3. Plan Instruction
Break skills into teachable steps with prompts and visuals.

4. Track & Adjust
Reassess every 6–8 weeks and revise goals as needed.

From Checklist to Goals

Use your assessment results to:

Write measurable goals for IEPs or individualized learning plans.
Identify entry points for instruction that build independence.
Communicate baseline and progress clearly with teams and families.