Special EducationLevel 1 · Implementer Training

Prompting and Independence

How do we help students learn — without doing the work for them?

Practical prompting for RBTs, paraprofessionals and other behavior staff in schools: choose the least intrusive prompt, fade it on purpose, and build students who try on their own.

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At a glance

What’s included

8modules on prompting, fading and independence

5prompt levels, from independent to physical

K–5reading, writing and math case studies

PDUsfor RBTs (approval pending)

Is this for you?

Built for the adults who sit beside students.

Who this is for

RBTs supporting students in K–5 classrooms
Paraprofessionals and instructional aides
Other behavior staff in school settings
Schools and agencies training their support teams

Skills you’ll gain

Choose the right prompt type for the task and the student
Use a least-to-most hierarchy with planned wait time
Fade prompts with time delay, partial prompts and stimulus fading
Log prompt level and success with simple data tools

Outcomes you’ll achieve

Students who attempt tasks before asking for help
Fewer signs of learned helplessness
Prompts that fade instead of becoming permanent
Clear data to share with the teacher and BCBA

The prompt hierarchy

Always start with the least intrusive support.

Give 3–5 seconds of wait time first. Move up only as needed — and plan the fade from the start.

STEP 1

Independent

STEP 2

Gestural

STEP 3

Verbal

STEP 4

Model

STEP 5

Physical

Fade signal

3 correct in a row

Three consecutive correct responses at the same prompt level means it’s time to reduce support.

If the student regresses

Step back one level

Rebuild success, then fade more gradually.

Reinforce

Effort, not just accuracy

“I see you started — great trying!” builds independence.

Course structure

Eight modules, from first prompt to full independence.

Short, practical lessons with a knowledge check after each module.

Understanding Prompting

What a prompt is — and isn’t. Temporary help that invites a response, never the adult doing the work.

Types of Prompts

Gestural, verbal, visual, model and physical prompts — and matching each to the task and the student.

Prompt Hierarchies

Least-to-most support, 3–5 seconds of wait time, and planning the fade the moment a prompt is introduced.

Prompt Fading

Time delay, partial prompts, stimulus fading and reducing verbal cues — fade after 3 correct in a row.

Avoiding Learned Helplessness

Spot the signs early, encourage problem-solving and reinforce independent attempts.

Prompting in Academic Tasks

Task analysis, prompting, reinforcement and error correction in K–5 reading, writing and math.

Classroom Scenarios

A 4-step scenario framework practiced with real reading, writing and math cases.

Course Wrap & Application

Bringing the tools together into everyday classroom practice.

Credit & certificates

One course, the right credit for each role.

RBTs need 12 PDUs in each 2-year renewal cycle. This course is being prepared as RBT Professional Development under the BACB’s RBT PD requirements. Approval pending.

RBTs

RBT PDUs once approved, on the BACB’s official form
Content tied to the RBT role and Ethics Code
Knowledge checks in every module

Paraprofessionals & staff

BxM certificate of completion
Same full course and materials
PDUs are available to RBTs only

Pricing

For one staff member or a whole school team.

Individual

$149 per person

All 8 modules
Knowledge checks and case studies
Certificate of completion

Enroll Now

Study your way, track every step.

Self-paced modules

Learn on your schedule with structured content.

Knowledge checks

Check your understanding after each module.

Case studies

Practice decisions with K–5 reading, writing and math scenarios.

Completion certificates

Earn a certificate when you finish the course.

Ready to help students do it themselves?

Begin building practical behavioral science skills today.