What are some example IPP goals?

Many parents are used to IEP goals, which should be very specific and written with the state standards in mind. IPP goals, on the other hand, are typically more broad and reflect a need that the child has. Here are some example IPP goals:

• CHILD will learn how to swim for safety.
• CHILD will identify all letter sounds.
• CHILD will use AAC or ASL (or approximations) to make a variety of requests throughout the day.
• CHILD will increase self-regulation.
• CHILD will decrease (or stop) eloping.
• CHILD will allow a peer to join an activity they are participating in 80% of opportunities.
• CHILD will independently go to the potty when they need to use the bathroom in 50% of opportunities.
• CHILD will hang out with friends twice a month.
• CHILD will participate in martial arts twice per week.
• CHILD will recognize opportunities to self-advocate.
• CHILD will learn to make basic meals.
• CHILD will learn to be responsible for their own schedule.
• CHILD will be able to apply formally instructed social skills and generalize them in community settings with typically developing peers.

Keep in mind that social-recreation and social skills are separate services, so you can write separate goals depending on the child's needs. A social skills class is a structured environment where the kids are explicitly taught social skills. Social-rec opportunities give them a chance to generalize the skill set they’re developing in a social skills class, especially in an environment with typically developing peers.

Note that if your child is in SDP, you should work with your independent facilitator to develop appropriate goals. For example, in SDP, a social skills goal can be worked on in any group activity like an art class.