Parents can play a significant role in reinforcing and extending Community-Based Instruction (CBI) beyond the school setting. Because CBI focuses on applying skills in natural environments, families are uniquely positioned to provide additional opportunities for practice and generalization. Here are several ways parents can support CBI:
Reinforce Skills in Everyday Activities – Many CBI goals involve skills that naturally occur in family routines. Practicing these skills in multiple settings helps students generalize what they learn through school-based CBI. Parents can encourage their child to practice:
- Shopping and budgeting during grocery trips
- Ordering food at restaurants
- Using public transportation when appropriate
- Making appointments or checking in at community locations
- Managing money and making purchases
- Following schedules and time-management routines
Communicate with the Educational Team – Regular communication with teachers, transition coordinators, and related service providers helps ensure consistency between school and home. Parents can ask:
- What skills are currently being targeted in CBI?
- What level of independence is expected?
- How can these skills be practiced at home or in the community?
Encourage Independence – Parents often provide support out of necessity or habit, but CBI is most effective when students have opportunities to perform tasks independently. Families can:
- Allow extra time for their child to complete tasks
- Reduce prompts when appropriate
- Encourage problem-solving before offering assistance
- Provide opportunities to make choices and decisions
These experiences support self-determination and confidence.
Support Self-Advocacy – Self-advocacy is an important predictor of successful adult outcomes Community settings provide opportunities for students to communicate their needs and preferences. Parents can encourage their child to:
- Ask questions independently
- Request assistance when needed
- Explain accommodations or supports
- Participate in decision-making about their goals and future plans
Participate in Transition Planning – Parents are key members of the IEP team and can contribute valuable insight regarding their child’s strengths, interests, and long-term goals. During IEP meetings, families can:
- Discuss community skills they would like their child to develop
- Share observations about performance outside of school
- Suggest community experiences that align with future goals
- Help identify vocational or recreational opportunities
- Build Community Connections
Focus on Long-Term Outcomes – The ultimate goal of CBI is not simply completing activities in the community; it is helping students become as independent and engaged as possible in adulthood. Parents can support this goal by viewing everyday experiences as learning opportunities and encouraging their child to take an active role in community participation.
When families and schools work together, students receive more consistent opportunities to practice skills across settings. This collaboration strengthens skill generalization, promotes independence, and helps ensure that CBI experiences lead to meaningful, lasting outcomes.
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