Implementation Science-Informed Planning for an AAC Circle Time Toolkit
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Circle time is a language-rich routine in early childhood classrooms and presents meaningful opportunities for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modeling. Despite strong evidence supporting AAC use with young children who ha ve communication delays, educators report uncertainty about how to embed AAC strategies into group instruction. Implementation science frameworks can support planning by aligning evidence-based AAC strategies with classroom context.
Methods: The purpose of this conceptual design project was to synthesize the AAC and early childhood literature and develop a framework to guide the future design of an AAC Circle Time Toolkit. A focused review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted examining AAC modeling in early childhood settings, AAC use within group routines such as circle time, and commonly reported implementation barriers in educational settings. The Fit-to-Context (F2C) framework was selected to structure toolkit planning. Within F2C Phase 1 (Co nceptualization), constructs from the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) were used to identify contextual determinants likely to influence implementation, including classroom workflow, educator characteristics, and resour ce constraints. Findings were synthesized to develop a preliminary conceptual framework illustrating how AAC modeling strategies may align with core circle-time components. Results: Across studies, consistent recommendations emerged emphasizing routine-b ased modeling, use of core vocabulary, visual supports, and low-burden integration strategies.
Discussion: This Phase 1 project establishes a theory- and context-informed foundation for developing an AAC Circle Time Toolkit. Next steps include IRB appro val, educator engagement, and co-design to support context-fit implementation.
Recommended Citation
Blanchard, Benjamin, "Implementation Science-Informed Planning for an AAC Circle Time Toolkit" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 7.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/7
Implementation Science-Informed Planning for an AAC Circle Time Toolkit
Introduction: Circle time is a language-rich routine in early childhood classrooms and presents meaningful opportunities for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modeling. Despite strong evidence supporting AAC use with young children who ha ve communication delays, educators report uncertainty about how to embed AAC strategies into group instruction. Implementation science frameworks can support planning by aligning evidence-based AAC strategies with classroom context.
Methods: The purpose of this conceptual design project was to synthesize the AAC and early childhood literature and develop a framework to guide the future design of an AAC Circle Time Toolkit. A focused review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted examining AAC modeling in early childhood settings, AAC use within group routines such as circle time, and commonly reported implementation barriers in educational settings. The Fit-to-Context (F2C) framework was selected to structure toolkit planning. Within F2C Phase 1 (Co nceptualization), constructs from the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) were used to identify contextual determinants likely to influence implementation, including classroom workflow, educator characteristics, and resour ce constraints. Findings were synthesized to develop a preliminary conceptual framework illustrating how AAC modeling strategies may align with core circle-time components. Results: Across studies, consistent recommendations emerged emphasizing routine-b ased modeling, use of core vocabulary, visual supports, and low-burden integration strategies.
Discussion: This Phase 1 project establishes a theory- and context-informed foundation for developing an AAC Circle Time Toolkit. Next steps include IRB appro val, educator engagement, and co-design to support context-fit implementation.