Top 5 Things I Learned as a New Early Intervention Therapist ~ by Haley, Shine DT

Shine Developmental Therapist (DT) Haley wrote this list 2 months after joining us. Early Intervention in Illinois is a State run program, and as such can be cumbersome and confusing to navigate at first. However, there are so many positives to the family-based team approach! Let’s read about Haley’s Top 5 as a new therapist in this program:

Top 5 Things I Learned about Early Intervention (EI) as a New EI Therapist

  1. The team that surrounds each family in early intervention, truly cares about not only the child they treat, but the family as well. It is so important to EI providers to make sure that the entire family feels supported. Whether that is a listening ear or doing respite care, the whole family matters to the EI team.
  2. During my training period I was able to shadow many providers from many different disciplines. It was great to see how each provider whether they are an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or dietician, is  working towards the same goal. This goal is to help your child be successful and each of the dedicated members of the EI team takes that goal to heart.
  3. There are so many resources in our local community. So many programs that are available to children 0-3 years old, even if they are not in early intervention. This includes great programs like Communication Junction, sign language classes and Zumbini, a developmental music group. These programs can provide opportunities to connect with other families, and most importantly opportunities to connect with your children. Whether it is learning signs to help your child communicate, or just being silly together these are great opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.
  4. Parents are the best ally we have! Parents are the best teachers, advocates, and supporters of their children and their progress. Parents are key players in early intervention and this program could not operate without you. So keep up the good work!
  5. Probably the most important thing I have learned is that while your therapists work hard each week to make improvements with their clients, it is so important that parents integrate the tools we give them into their childrens’ daily lives. Think how much more we can achieve if these strategies are used on a daily basis. We need the parents’ help since we cannot be there on a daily basis. As I said before, parents are the best teachers their children have, please remember to keep teaching after therapy ends. You have the power to make an impact, we are just simply here to give you the tools and support you!

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An 8-week program for children age 4-5 with sensory processing differences

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Children with sensory processing differences have difficulty with regulation, which sometimes makes it difficult for them to interact with the world around them. Our Sensory Explorers group targets regulation in order to build engagement! This group is led by pediatric occupational therapist Mackenzie Baldock and developmental therapist/PLAY Project Consultant Brenna Thompson, both of whom specialize in using developmentally appropriate strategies to support children so they can learn new skills. Group meets once/week for 60 minutes.

Wondering if this class is appropriate for your child? Some characteristics of kids who benefit: easily frustrated with play, repetitive play, difficulty sitting/keeping still to engage in play, refuses to allow others to engage in play, unable to be messy, overly busy, quickly overwhelmed in a busy environment, picky eater, difficulty tolerating grooming/dressing/diapering routines, struggles with transitions/following a group plan/routine. 

Goals of the group include:

  • Child participating in a variety of sensory play activities
  • Engaging socially with others in the group
  • Providing a non threatening environment where children can experience new sensations with the support of a pediatric Occupational Therapist and PLAY Project consultant
  • Providing personalized resources to caregivers, so they better understand the sensory system and learn strategies to assist their child with regulation outside of group
  • Opportunity to meet with other local families
 
 

GROUP MEETS for 8 weeks:  Caregivers must stay on the premises to support their child and learn helpful strategies. Children will separate from caregivers for the session; caregivers can socialize at our coffee bar in the lobby (we will also provide a few toys for siblings to play). Caregiver education is a key component of this program. 

 

OPTIONAL Summary Report available at close of session. This 2 page report will summarize your child’s participation in the class and provide helpful sensory strategies to increase their participation in activities. This report could be given to teachers in classrooms & daycares or utilized to help educate other caregivers about ways to help your child participate. This option includes a 30 minute Zoom meeting with Brenna and MacKenzie to review the report and discuss your child’s progress in Sensory Explorers. COST: $100 due at sign up

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