Effects of a supervisory treatment package on staff-mentally retarded resident interactions

Effects of scheduled activities vs. scheduled activities and supervision on staff-mentally retarded resident interactions were investigated. After baseline, scheduled activities that provided fixed times for resident training, custodial care, recreational activities, and organizational and house-keeping activities was instituted. Further, a supervision package was in effect consisting of (a) self-recording and public posting, (b) daily staff meetings, and (c) feedback and prompting. After a return to scheduled activities alone, the treatment was reinstated. Results showed that a supervision package (added to scheduled activities) produced a statistically significant decrease in the time that ward staff spent on custodial care as well as off-task and an increase in time engaged in training of residents. Follow-up measures taken while the treatment was still in effect affirmed the stability of the results.