Basic Life Skills Checklist

This list was designed with the special needs child in mind. However, it may also be used as a guide for any child if used age appropriately.

Reading

___Recognizes all letters of the alphabet.

___Knows the difference between vowels and consonants.

___Can read two and three letter words.

___Can read three and four letter words.

___Understands the context while reading orally.

___Understands the context while reading silently.

___Understands the context while listening to others read orally.

___Recognizes and uses task-related words, abbreviations, acronyms, and codes.

___Can identify factual information.

___Follows procedural directions to complete a task.

___Can determine the main idea in reading and other related tasks.

___Uses table of context and index to locate information.

___Skims or scans text to determine the relevant information.

___Can sort and arrange documents or objects.

___Can distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information while reading.

___Can follow sequenced information given in an illustration.

___Can identify and apply parts from an illustration.

___Can identify and apply parts form a key or legend.

___Can use a template for a guide.

___Can make inferences and draw conclusions.

___Can interpret codes and symbols.

Writing

___Knows how to look word up in the dictionary to find the correct spelling.

___Knows how to use spell check programs on the computer.

___Knows how to use the keyboard to write letters and papers.

___Can write a basic sentence.

___Can write a basic paragraph.

___Can write name, address and telephone number.

Mathematics

___Can count and write numerals 0 to 10.

___Can count and write numerals up to 100.

___Can write numbers in written word form.

___Can read, write, and count single and multiple whole digits.

___Can add, subtract, multiply, and divide single and multiple digit numbers.

___Uses addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve problems.

___Can round off single and multiple digits.

___Knows how to average a group of numbers.

___Understands fractions and can use them in real life situations.

___Understands percents and can use them in real life situations.

___Understands decimals and can use them in real life situations.

___Understands weight and measurements and can use them in real life situations.

___Can use and read charts, tables, and graphs.

___Can find the relevant information on charts, tables, and graphs.

___Can distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information on charts, tables, and graphs.

___Can make a simple chart, table and graph.

Personal Safety

___Uses common safety knowledge.

___Knows procedures for emergency situations.

___Selects appropriate course of action in an emergency.

___Has memorized the emergency number 911.

___Knows how to dial 911.

___Can recite name, address, and telephone number.

___Knows who is a stranger and who is not.

___Knows not to talk to strangers.

___Knows what is good touches and what is bad touches.

___Can safely cross the street by self.

___Knows how and can catch a bus to a predetermined destination.

___Locks the door upon entering and leaving a vehicle

___Locks the door upon entering and leaving the house or apartment (living quarters).

___Has a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and knows how to properly use it.

___Has a fire evacuation plan.

___Has an evacuation plan in case of other emergencies.

Communication

___Understands verbal directions.

___Can follow verbal directions.

___Can understand and follow verbal directions; however, needs the information given out in smaller steps in order to achieve the task.

___Can demonstrate or vocalize needs and wants (speak, write, sign or use a communicator).

___Speaks clearly.

___Can confidently use the telephone or other telecommunications device.

___Speaks or communicates politely.

___Speaks or communicates at a rate easily understood by others.

___Speaks or communicates at an appropriate volume.

___Does and will listen to advise, and will accept assistance.

___Listens to learn and for understanding.

___Can screen irrelevant information and distractions.

___Verifies understanding by restating or repeating the message.

___Verifies comprehension by asking questions.

___Knows how and can use the telephone appropriately in various situations.

Problem Solving

___Classifies and matches objects by color, size and/or significant markings.

___Will ask for help when needed to problem solve as a team.

___Will offer help to others.

___Can summarize information.

___Uses various sources of information.

___Recognizes cause and effect relationship.

___Can predict outcome.

___Can draw a conclusion.

___Can identify alternative strategies.

___Can make decisions.

___Can and will choose an alternative if needed.

___Identifies resources and tools need for a task.

Personal Care

___Can dress self.

___Dresses appropriately for the weather.

___Knows how to brush teeth and performs the task on a regular basis.

___Knows how to care for hair and does so.

___Can and does bath self regularly.

___Knows what medicines are taken and when.

___Has consistently demonstrated in a responsible manner the ability to take all medications in the correct dosage amounts and at the correct time.

Employment

___Knows and has mastered all communication skills.

___Knows the proper behavior for a job interview and has practiced.

___Knows how to fill out a job application and had filled out one or more samples.

___Has a written list of references including the names, telephone numbers, and addresses.

___Will ask questions when he/she doesn’t understand.

___Understands his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Home Management

___Knows how to safely cook with the stove, in the microwave, and a toaster oven.

___Knows how to safely use basic appliances.

___Knows how to make bed and clean bedroom.

___Knows how to clean various parts of the home and what cleaners may be used.

___Can handle cleaners in a safe manner.

___Understands the importance of safely handling and storing all cleaners.

___Uses safety when handling and storing cleaners.

___Has learned and used basic organization strategies.

Money Management

___Has a savings account, and understands the value of saving.

___Has a checking account.

___Knows how to write checks.

___Understands how to balance checkbook.

___Understands that the balance on the statement, balance given by the teller, or balance listed at an ATM machine is more than likely not accurate.

___Understands that in order to know how much money you have in a checking account you must keep all deposits, and withdrawals accurately in the check register.

___Keeps the check register accurate in order to know the balance of the check book.

Child Care

___Has taken a class or studied how to take care of children.

___Has taken care of various ages of children while indirectly being supervised.

___Has taken care of children for short period of time unsupervised.

___Has taken care of children for several hours or more unsupervised.

___Knows how to change diapers.

___Knows how to heat bottles appropriately and does not use the microwave to heat a bottle.

___Knows how to prepare food and feed various aged children.

___Is trained in CPR and First Aid.

___Knows what is safe activities for various ages.

Community Living Skills

___Can navigate his or her self through town.

___Knows what services are available if assistance is needed.

___Has a doctor and a dentist that is close to home.

___Has a telephone in home.

___Is a member of a church close to home.

Although there are many skills that can be listed in several categories, each skill is listed only in one category. If the skill is mastered, it is considered to be mastered in all applicable areas.