Last Spring, I had the pleasure of working with several fantastic teams of preschool teachers dedicated to integrating AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) into their daily routines. Teams in Georgia, Virginia and Maryland shared their students with us both remotely and in person.  It’s always exciting to see the enthusiasm for helping emergent communicators, but it also highlighted the unique challenges faced in these busy classrooms, especially with multiple and often variable adults involved in the teaching process.

In preschool settings, routines are the backbone of the day. They provide structure and predictability, which are crucial for young children, particularly those who rely on AAC. Embedding AAC within these routines ensures that communication opportunities are consistent and meaningful. However, with different adults supporting in the classroom at various times, maintaining a standardized approach to AAC can be difficult.

Understanding the Challenges

One of the biggest hurdles is the variation in adults present in the classroom. Teachers, aides, therapists, and volunteers all play a role in supporting children. Each brings their own style and experience, which can lead to inconsistencies in how AAC is used and taught. This lack of standardization can confuse students and hinder their progress.

Moreover, preschool teachers are incredibly busy. Balancing curriculum demands, managing classroom behaviors, and attending to individual student needs is a Herculean task. Adding AAC instruction to this mix might seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it can be seamlessly integrated into existing routines.

Strategies for Standardization

To address the challenge of multiple adults, we need strategies that promote consistency. Here are a few ideas:

Create an AAC Handbook: Develop a simple, easy-to-follow guide that outlines the AAC strategies and tools used in the classroom. This handbook can be a quick reference for anyone working with the students.

Provide Easily Accessed Training Opportunities for Adults: YouTube is an excellent source of short training videos to teach the basics of AAC. Check out our AACchicks channel to get started!

Use Visual Supports: Post visual reminders of AAC strategies around the classroom. This can include charts with core vocabulary, step-by-step instructions for common routines, and pictures of AAC tools.

Consistent Modeling: Ensure that all adults consistently model the use of AAC during routines. This might require a bit of practice, but over time, it will become second nature.

Communication Logs: Maintain logs where adults can note observations, challenges, and successes related to AAC use. This fosters communication among the team and helps identify areas needing attention.

Basket of Activity-Specific Materials: Keep a basket of materials specific to each activity. This should include a script for adult partners to model vocabulary and messages on the AAC systems in a consistent manner with teacher-targeted words. Having these materials readily available helps ensure that everyone is using the same language and techniques.

Grab-and-Go AAC Plans: Prepare AAC supports that are easy to grab and go. These plans can include pre-made boards, quick reference guides, and other tools that can be easily accessed and used by any adult in the classroom. This ensures that AAC is consistently available and used, regardless of who is in the room.

The Power of Routines

By embedding AAC within routines, we provide children with predictable and frequent opportunities to communicate. This not only supports their language development but also builds their confidence and independence. And with a standardized approach, we ensure that all adults in the classroom are effectively supporting these young communicators.

Teaching AAC in busy preschool classrooms is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right framework and strategies, it’s entirely achievable. By focusing on consistency, utilizing activity-specific materials, and having grab-and-go plans, we can create an inclusive and supportive communication environment for all students.