An Occupational Therapist specializes in helping children to improve their fine motor skills (hand writing and hand dexterity skills), adaptive development (eating, dressing, and self care activities), and sensory processing abilities (the ability to take in and manage auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli effectively within their environment).
Children who demonstrate developmental delays in their gross motor development may benefit from physical therapy services. A Physical Therapist specializes in helping children to improve their basic foundational motor skills (sitting, rolling, standing, and walking) so that the higher level gross motor skills needed for their continued physical development and ability to participate in general play activities can develop.
Eligibility is determined by formal testing procedures conducted by a registered occupational therapist and/or licensed physical therapist. Through a detailed evaluation of a child’s level of performance in these critical developmental areas, a plan of care can be created and implemented as necessary.
Occupational and Physical Therapy services are typically provided during the child’s school day. The mode of delivery of these services varies from: individual one-on-one sessions to establish foundational skills; group sessions to work on the social aspect of these physical skills; “push in” sessions to support a child’s current physical skills among their peers within the academic environment; and direct and indirect consultation services to discuss a child’s performance with his/her classroom staff and offer suggestions to further assist a child in their fine motor, gross motor, adaptive development, or sensory processing abilities. Parent training sessions are scheduled on a monthly basis to allow parents the opportunity to observe their child’s occupational and/or physical therapy sessions. These training sessions provide parents/caretakers with the skills to ensure carryover with their children in the home environment.
Recent Stories...
12.16.24 Here’s a great pre-writing activity. Ellyn has “Z” a young student who is building hand strength and endurance, hold a dry eraser, and ERASE a filled-in circle. The task requires holding the tool, pressing down with it, and moving it back and forth on the surface, something that takes attention, strength and continued effort. Z’s choice of reinforcer is this yellow balloon, which also gives her practice with her pincer grasp and eye-to-hand coordination.
11.22.24 R has discovered cleaning as a new interest! Walking from the Motor Room to his classroom with Ms. Meghan, he enjoys pushing a swiffer and hand broom. R loves to say hi to people and to offer to sweep their offices.
11.18.24 Little A, a determined Room 1 student, has been making impressive strides in his OT sessions with Ms. Lauren. Through their time together, A has proudly learned to write his name, a major milestone that showcases his developing fine motor skills. He has also mastered drawing a circle, an essential step in early handwriting and coordination. Most recently, he successfully laced a lacing board, a challenging activity that builds dexterity and patience. Ms. Lauren’s supportive approach and A’s enthusiasm create the perfect recipe for growth, as he gains new skills.
11/4/24
Two-year-old “C” is developing his fine motor skills in leaps and bounds with the support of his OT, Meghan. The two have formed a strong bond, and their teamwork is making C’s sessions both productive and fun. Today, with his favorite shape sorter, he practiced gripping and fitting different shapes, enhancing his hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. Then came the bead maze, where he worked on guiding the beads along the paths, improving his dexterity and focus. Using a spoon in a rice bin helped him in strengthening his little hands. With Meghan’s gentle guidance, C is not only learning critical motor skills but also gaining confidence in his abilities, all while building a warm and trusting connection.
9/19/24 E’s Bubbles
Meet E, a little girl who has made remarkable progress. Once considered nonverbal, E has been working hard to develop her communication skills. With the dedication of her teachers and therapists, she’s now starting to find her voice. During her recent physical therapy session, while working with bubble ropes, a favorite task that improves core and upper body strength, E surprised everyone by saying “bubbles” while practicing her exercises. It was a wonderful moment that highlighted just how far she’s come. Every step, twirl, jump, and word is a new step forward, and we couldn’t be prouder of her journey!
Summer is a special time for many reasons, one being the awesome MOTOR GROUPS that our OT/PT team comes up with for the kids. All classes have a time during the week to visit the motor room and participate in a series of fun and challenging activities arranged around a theme. This assists students with and without IEPs to practice their motor skills and maintain the results of their hard work all year, during the summer months.
This week’s theme is the BEACH. Students got to sift through sand to find shells, jump over some waves, balance on a surf board, bounce on a diving board, use an eye dropper to fill beachy shapes with colorful water, and catch a thrown beach ball.
This work’s featured class is Room 14.
7.12.24 The mat is curved, making a cushioned little bridge to bound over. Denise guides O as she runs across it, exercising balance and foot placement sequencing. More is in store for this energetic youngster, including hopping on one foot, jumping on both feet, running for a distance, and more!
7.8.24 Motor Groups
Since early May, we’ve been delighted to have Sydney with us! She’s an awesome graduate student from Sage Graduate School who is here to complete her field placement. Sydney is great with the kids and always wears a smile on her face!
6.20.24 “W” is a young learner in Room 14 who has worked hard in OT all year, working through challenges with determination and persistence. Here with Meghan, he proudly shows how well he writes his name!
5.31.24 Thank you Chenoa!
Chenoa is moving across the country, and we are so thankful for her time with us! Chenoa, we wish you the best of exciting new adventures - thank you for everything!
5.2.24 This young learner is multi-tasking with Denise. Using stairs, throwing back a thrown ball to another person, and jumping skills are all being addressed in one fragment of a session. Denise, always on the move, knows how to get her kiddos moving!
April is OT Month!
Cheers to our fabulous OT team! As April marks Occupational Therapy Month, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for your dedication, compassion, and expertise in supporting our students' growth and development. Our OTs are the cream of the crop! Happy OT Month!
“O” Jumps With Denise. 4.19.24
O has been working on a variety of skills all year, and when he is with Denise, he lights up with excitement to practice them.
Running and jumping activities are fundamental gross motor skills crucial for daily functioning. By incorporating these movements into PT sessions, O can enhance his coordination, balance, and overall physical abilities, improving his independence in various activities.
Denise’s use of ABA principles emphasizes positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. Engaging O in activities like running and jumping not only promotes physical development but also provides opportunities for reinforcing positive behaviors, such as following instructions, staying focused, and persevering through challenges.
By practicing running and jumping during PT sessions, O can transfer these skills to other environments, such as the playground or sports activities, fostering greater independence and participation in social and recreational activities.
Incorporating fun and motivating activities like running and jumping into therapy sessions can increase O’s engagement and motivation to participate actively. By making therapy sessions enjoyable and rewarding, O is more likely to maintain interest and enthusiasm, leading to more effective skill acquisition and progress.
Puzzle Pieces 4.16.24
Frequently in the classrooms, therapists will work on skills in students’ natural learning environments. What’s also beneficial in this particular scenario, is that Chenoa has two students taking turns to complete the puzzle together, fostering a sense of teamwork and friendship as they accomplish a challenge.
Drawing a Square in OT. 2.5.24
Let’s shine a spotlight on Occupational Therapy (OT) at Crossroads! J, with the guidance of his incredible OT, Ellyn, is mastering the skill of drawing a square. The journey of learning and growth is uniquely tailored to each child’s needs, and watching these milestones unfold is truly inspiring.
