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Prevocational and vocational skills help children and teens learn how to participate in everyday activities and become more independent. Children develop these skills over time through everyday routines, practice, and opportunities to help at home, school, and in the community. Every child develops at their own pace, so focus on building skills that are appropriate for your child's age and abilities. Small opportunities to help, follow directions, complete tasks, and take responsibility can help children build confidence and prepare for the future.

Please note: The advice provided here is not a substitute for medical care.

Please seek the advice of your child's medical team before implementing any of the strategies discussed here.

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Infants

Babies are beginning to build the foundation for future independence through everyday routines and interactions with caregivers
They are learning to attend to activities, participate in simple routines, and explore their environment

Make it fun!

Give your baby opportunities to explore and interact with different materials
Use simple language to describe what you are doing
Encourage your baby to attend to an activity for short periods
Celebrate attempts to participate and explore

Little Kids

Little kids are developing more independence and can begin taking on simple responsibilities at home and school
They are learning to follow multiple steps, organize their belongings, communicate their needs, and complete tasks from beginning to end

Make it fun!

Have your child pack and unpack their backpack
Help organize school supplies together
Practice following two- or three-step directions
Use a simple checklist for daily routines
Let your child help prepare a simple snack
Encourage your child to ask for help or clarification when needed

Toddlers

Toddlers are beginning to become more independent and enjoy helping with simple activities
They are learning to follow simple directions, clean up, participate in routines, and take responsibility for their belongings

Make it fun!

Have your child put toys and belongings away
Let your child help with simple chores
Practice following one-step directions
Have your child help clean up after an activity
Let your child help put items where they belong
Encourage your child to complete simple routines with less help

Big Kids

Big kids can take on more responsibility and begin practicing skills that help them manage tasks more independently
They benefit from opportunities to practice planning, organization, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving

Make it fun!

Have your child make a simple checklist
Use a timer to practice getting ready on time
Let your child help sort and fold laundry
Have your child gather what they need before starting a task
Practice completing household chores from beginning to end
Work together to solve problems when something does not go as planned

Teenagers

Teenagers are developing skills that support greater independence at home, in the community, and as they prepare for future work, college, or volunteer opportunities
They can practice managing everyday responsibilities, planning activities, communicating their needs, and completing tasks with less help

Make it fun!

Have your teen help plan and prepare a meal
Practice grocery shopping and putting items away
Have your teen manage simple money activities
Encourage your teen to use a calendar, schedule, or reminders
Practice completing laundry and household chores independently
Encourage your teen to ask for help or explain what they need
Give your teen opportunities to complete familiar tasks with less support

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