School Routine Checklist – Free Data Collection Tool

For many students, getting through the daily school routine can be just as challenging as academic work. From finding their classroom in the morning to remembering to pack up at the end of the day, these functional skills require organization, independence, and consistency. Some children may struggle with transitions, self-care, or appropriate social behaviors, making it important for educators and related service providers to track progress and provide support. The School Routine Skills Checklist is a simple, free tool designed to make tracking daily functional skills easier. Available in both Excel spreadsheet and PDF formats, this checklist allows teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other school professionals to quickly collect data over time. By recording observations consistently, providers can see patterns, monitor progress, and adjust interventions when needed. This checklist is from the Complete Life Skills Checklist Packet.

You can download the free printable at the bottom of this post.

School Routine Checklist Skills

The checklist covers a wide range of everyday school skills, such as:

• Finding the classroom in the morning
• Removing coat and unpacking backpack
• Putting homework and belongings in the proper location
• Displaying appropriate behaviors during group and individual work
• Interacting appropriately with peers
• Following directions
• Completing assignments
• Transitioning between subjects and rooms
• Preparing snack or lunch items
• Walking in a class line
• Participating safely in physical activities
• Using the bathroom and water fountain independently
• Keeping desk and materials organized
• Recording homework assignments
• Using the computer at an appropriate level
• Packing up at the end of the day and finding transportation

These functional life skills go beyond academics. They set the foundation for independence and success in school.

How the School Routine Checklist is Scored

The School Routine Skills Checklist uses a 7-point scale to measure independence:

• 0 – Unable to perform the skill
• 1–2 – Performs less than half of the skill (1–25% or 26–50%)
• 3–4 – Performs more than half of the skill (51–75% or 76–100%)
• 5 – Completes skill with verbal cues, occasional prompts, or setup
• 6 – Completes skill independently with no assistance

By scoring consistently over time, providers can clearly see how a student’s functional independence improves.

When to Use the Checklist

This tool is especially helpful when:

• Collecting baseline data for IEPs or progress reports
• Monitoring a student’s ability to manage daily routines across the school year
• Identifying areas where extra support, strategies, or accommodations may be needed
• Demonstrating functional skill growth to families and school teams

Because it is quick to use and easy to understand, the checklist can fit into daily routines without adding a heavy workload for staff.