Step 1.9 Decide when to give the cue

The cue (or task direction) can be given:

at the first prompt level.
at each step of the prompt hierarchy. This is most appropriate when a toddler is first learning the skill.

Example 1

Target Stimulus:

When the toddler is thirsty or has finished a small portion of juice, the cup is empty.

Cue:

A pitcher of juice which is placed on the table and out of reach

Prompt Level	Prompt	Characteristics of the Level
First	Indpendent	No prompts
Intermediate	First prompt Second prompt	Gestural prompt: The adult holds up juice pitcher, shrugs shoulders, and raises eyebrows as if to say, “What do you want?” Verbal prompt: The adult says, “What do you want?”
Most	Model prompt	Model prompt: The adult says, “Juice.” Taylor says, “Juice.” Adult pours Taylor more juice.

Indpendent

No prompts

First prompt

Second prompt

Gestural prompt: The adult holds up juice pitcher, shrugs shoulders, and raises eyebrows as if to say, “What do you want?”

Verbal prompt: The adult says, “What do you want?”

Model prompt

Model prompt: The adult says, “Juice.” Taylor says, “Juice.” Adult pours Taylor more juice.

Example 2

Target Stimulus:

The toddler's mouth is covered with food during a meal or a snack.

Cue:

A napkin

Prompt Level	Prompt	Characteristics of the Level
First	Indpendent	No prompts The adult says, "Wipe mouth."
Intermediate	First prompt Second prompt	Gestural prompt: The adult points to the napkin on the table. Model prompt: The adult holds up the napkin and models wiping their mouth.
Most	Last prompt	Partial physical prompt: The adult moves the toddler's hand to the napkin and assists with bringing the napkin to his mouth.

Indpendent

No prompts

The adult says, "Wipe mouth."

First prompt

Second prompt

Gestural prompt: The adult points to the napkin on the table.

Model prompt: The adult holds up the napkin and models wiping their mouth.

Last prompt

Partial physical prompt: The adult moves the toddler's hand to the napkin and assists with bringing the napkin to his mouth.