SPECIAL NEEDS BY STATE IN FLORIDA · FREE SAMPLE · FICTIONAL EXAMPLE

Visual daily schedule

This sample shows: a first/then board, a full routine, planned pauses, and a simple schedule change.

First, then

FIRST

Choose shapes for the garden

THEN

Listen to a favorite song

Keep the child’s established visuals and communication supports available. The board previews the sequence; it is not a rule for withholding a needed break.

Our short routine

  1. Settle in
    Choose the work spot and bring the communication system.
  2. Make art
    Choose and arrange the garden shapes.
  3. Music pause
    Listen, play, or rest according to Alex’s preference.
  4. Count a collection
    Move up to five large pictures onto a mat.
  5. Rest and snack
    Follow the family’s established snack routine; no feeding changes are suggested.
  6. Shared story
    Read the short plant story and choose the ending.
  7. Library outing
    Bring the selected book bag and established access supports.
  8. Finish the day
    Choose one piece of work to keep; clear the work area together.

When the day changes

If the library visit is canceled, change that card to “Read at home” and move it before the rest card if Alex prefers. The full schedule can be rearranged without recreating all the cards. Its first two cards supply the first/then board.

Individualize the labels

Short label
“Music pause” is easier to scan than a long instruction.
Predictable ending
Keep “Finish the day” as the last card when that helps the child.
Access note
The printable symbols are simple visual aids. Use familiar pictures alongside them when needed.