Handwashing Task Analysis (Free Printable) \| StreamABA [ ![StreamABA](https://streamaba.com/build/assets/logo-dark-Bta4omRy.svg) ](/) [Home](https://streamaba.com) [Blog](https://streamaba.com/blog) [ Log in ](https://streamaba.com/login) [ Goto the Live Demo ](#get-started) [Home](https://streamaba.com) [Blog](https://streamaba.com/blog) [Log in](https://streamaba.com/login) [ Goto the Live Demo ](#get-started) 1. [Free ABA resources](https://streamaba.com/resources) 2. / 3. [Task analyses](https://streamaba.com/resources#task-analyses) 4. / 5. Handwashing Task Analysis Task analysis Handwashing Task Analysis =========================== A printable step-by-step handwashing task analysis with prompt-level tracking columns, ready to teach with forward, backward, or total-task chaining. 4 min read Updated September 30, 2026 For BCBA RBT Parent Teacher Print / Save as PDF Print the sheet only When to use it -------------- Use this task analysis to teach independent handwashing. Common times to practice are before meals, after using the toilet, after outdoor play, and after touching messy materials. The steps follow widely used public-health handwashing guidance: wet, lather, scrub for about 20 seconds, rinse, and dry. They are broken into smaller steps for teaching. Adjust the steps to match the learner’s sink, faucet type, soap (pump or bar), and drying method (towel, paper towel, or air dryer). Some families turn the water off while scrubbing to save water, and others leave it running. Either is fine. Follow the family’s routine and edit the steps to match. How to fill it in ----------------- 1. **Adjust the step list** to the learner’s setting. Remove, split, or add steps as needed. Taller sinks may need a step stool, which can be added as a step. 2. **Run a baseline probe** before teaching, and write whether you used a single-opportunity or multiple-opportunity probe. 3. **Pick a chaining method.** Total-task chaining is common for handwashing because the chain is short and many learners already have some steps. Backward chaining can also work well, with the learner finishing by drying their hands. 4. **Teach at natural times** (before snack, after the toilet) rather than as extra drills, when you can. 5. **For each session, write the date** at the top of a column and record the prompt level needed on each step using the key. 6. **Total the column** and calculate the percentage of steps done independently. Safety note: check water temperature before teaching. If the learner can’t yet adjust the temperature safely, the adult sets it, or the faucet’s maximum temperature is turned down, and “adjust the temperature” is taught later. Common mistakes: - Accepting a quick rinse without lathering and scrubbing. Scrubbing is the step that matters most for clean hands. - Letting “scrub for 20 seconds” stay a vague step. A song, a count, or a visual timer makes it teachable. - Teaching only at one sink. Plan to practice at home, school, and a public restroom. The sheet --------- Type on the sheet, then print it. Click any line or box to fill it in. What you type stays in this browser tab. It is never sent or saved. Clear what I typed Print the sheet Handwashing Task Analysis ![StreamABA](https://streamaba.com/build/assets/logo-light-CHa2KuSW.svg) https://streamaba.com/resources/task-analyses/handwashing Client:Instructor:Setting / sink: Chaining method:Prompt strategy:Mastery criterion: Step #StepDate: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: 1Turn on the water2Check or adjust the water to a comfortable temperature3Wet both hands4Get soap (one pump or rub the bar)5Rub palms together to make lather6Scrub the back of each hand7Scrub between the fingers8Scrub each thumb9Scrub fingertips and under nails against the opposite palm10Keep scrubbing for about 20 seconds (song, count, or timer)11Rinse hands under the water until the soap is gone12Turn off the water13Dry hands with a towel or dryer14Throw away the paper towel or hang up the towelSteps independentSteps taught / probed% independentInitials Prompt-level key (adjust to match the learner’s program): CodeMeaningFPFull physical: hand-over-hand guidance through the stepPPPartial physical: light touch or brief guidanceMModel: adult demonstrates the stepGGestural: pointing or motioning toward the next stepVVerbal: spoken cue for the stepIIndependent: completed correctly with no prompt-Incorrect or no responseNTNot taught or not probed this session Summarizing the data -------------------- **Percent independent** = steps scored I divided by steps taught or probed, times 100. Worked example: in one session the learner independently completes steps 1, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, and 14. They need a model on steps 6 through 9, a verbal cue on step 10, and the adult sets the temperature on step 2 (scored FP or NT, depending on your program). - If all 14 steps were taught: 8 / 14 x 100 = 57% independent - If step 2 was scored NT: 8 / 13 x 100 = 62% independent The data shows the learner has the start and end of the routine but needs support on the scrubbing steps (6 through 10). That tells you where to focus teaching. Tips ---- - Visual supports, such as a picture sequence taped above the sink, can speed up learning and can be faded later, or kept if the learner uses them independently. - A 20-second song or visual timer turns the scrub time into a clear, teachable step. - Some learners avoid certain soaps or water temperatures because of sensory sensitivities. Offer choices, such as foam or liquid soap or a paper towel or cloth, and note what works. - Once mastered, check that the skill holds up in new places, such as school, restaurants, and relatives’ homes. ![StreamABA](https://streamaba.com/build/assets/logo-light-CHa2KuSW.svg) Free from StreamABA · https://streamaba.com/resources/task-analyses/handwashing More task analyses --------------------- [ Browse all free resources ](https://streamaba.com/resources) - [ Task analysis ### Making a Simple Sandwich Task Analysis A printable task analysis for making a simple spread sandwich, with safety and allergy notes and prompt-level tracking for each session. BCBA RBT Parent Teacher 5 min read ](https://streamaba.com/resources/task-analyses/making-a-simple-sandwich) - [ Task analysis ### Putting On a T-Shirt Task Analysis A printable task analysis for putting on a pullover t-shirt, head-first method, with prompt-level tracking and notes on backward chaining. BCBA RBT Parent 4 min read ](https://streamaba.com/resources/task-analyses/putting-on-a-t-shirt) - [ Task analysis ### Toothbrushing Task Analysis A printable toothbrushing task analysis that breaks brushing into mouth sections, with prompt-level tracking columns for each teaching session. BCBA RBT Parent 5 min read ](https://streamaba.com/resources/task-analyses/toothbrushing) Live demo · No sales call Ready to put the clipboard down? ---------------------------------- StreamABA collects the same data in session and runs intake, scheduling, authorizations, and billing in one place. Get instant access to the live demo. No sales call, no meeting. HIPAA compliant · Signed BAA · Built for ABA Website Work email Goto the Live Demo ![](https://streamaba.com/build/assets/icon-BglRoXWC.svg) [ ![StreamABA](https://streamaba.com/build/assets/logo-dark-Bta4omRy.svg) ](/) The all-in-one practice management platform built specifically for ABA therapy providers. 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