Next Steps in Professional Growth

      The findings in this research can be used to further improve instructional practices. When implementing DTT with toddlers, it is important for educators to understand that student growth can be gradual for this population. Educators need to be patient when teaching young students new skills. Skill acquisition may take time, but DTT should continue to be implemented as intended so that students can gain important skills. Also, understanding that some regression may take place is important knowledge for instructional practice. If a student is having quite a bit of regression or is having difficulty acquiring a skill (more so than usual), necessary accommodations can be made for the student in order to optimize his or her success.
      Parents and caregivers should also be involved in the efforts of improving their children’s skill acquisition. Since DTT has been shown to be effective for teaching students skills in the classroom, information can be shared with parents and caregivers regarding their child’s progress and the specific skills the child is working on in the program. Perhaps knowing the skills their child is working on at school will allow parents and caregivers to create more opportunities to implement these skills at home or in other settings. This can help the child maintain and generalize the skills that they have learned.