GET INVOLVED AND STAY INVOLVED!
Parent involvement plays a crucial role in the success of occupational therapy (OT) services for children. Collaborating with parents allows therapists to create a holistic and comprehensive approach to therapy that extends beyond the therapy sessions themselves. Here's why parent involvement is so important in OT services and education:
WE TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR CHILD!
We treat every child as our own, dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to their success.
Consistency and Reinforcement
Parents are with their children every day and can reinforce the skills and strategies learned during therapy sessions. When parents are actively involved in therapy, they can integrate therapeutic activities into daily routines, providing consistent practice and reinforcement of skills.
Understanding of Child's Needs
Parents have a unique understanding of their child's strengths, challenges, and preferences. By PROMOTING YOUR CHILD’S educational sessions provided by therapists, parents gain valuable insights into their child's needs and abilities. This understanding allows them to better support their child's progress and advocate for their needs.
Continuity of Care
Collaboration between therapists and parents ensures continuity of progress across the educational and home settings. When parents are part of the therapy team, they can communicate with other caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals to ensure consistency in interventions and support strategies.
Parent
Resources
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) https://www.aota.org/
- The Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Foundation: https://sensoryhealth.org/
- Understood.org: https://www.understood.org/ provides practical advice and resources for parents of children with learning and attention issues. Their website offers articles, expert advice, and tools to help navigate the process of seeking OT services and support. Discover more at Understood.org.
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
While primarily focused on mental health, NAMI provides resources and support for families dealing with various mental health challenges. Their website offers information about anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, which may benefit from OT interventions. Learn more at https://www.nami.org/Home
- https://www.toolstogrowot.com
- https://www.theottoolbox.com/parent-toolbox/
Sensory Processing Resources
www.sensoryresources.com - Overview of sensory processing.
http://spdfoundation.net - Sensory tool for research, education, and advocacy.
www.zonesofregulation.com - The Zones is a structured, cognitive behavioral method designed to facilitate self-regulation by classifying the various emotions we feel and states of alertness we experience into four distinct zones. The Zones curriculum offers strategies that empower students to enhance their awareness and independence in managing their emotions and impulses, addressing their sensory needs, and boosting their conflict resolution skills.
www.sensorysmarts.com - Details on sensory processing disorders, activities for a sensory diet, and effective strategies for addressing sensory difficulties at home and in school.
Fine & Visual Motor Resources
www.eyecanlearn.com - Enjoyable eye workouts to enhance visual processing abilities.
www.krazydad.com - Complimentary printable puzzles, including mazes, Sudoku, crosswords, and logic games.
www.therapyfunzone.net - Skill-organized activities (crafts, games, printables).
www.allkidsnetwork.com - Crafts you can print, coloring pages, worksheets, and so much more. Easily filter by season, holiday, activity, or skill level.
http://www.dltk-kids.com/ - Design chore or reward charts, printable crafts, coloring pages, and engaging activities.
www.do2learn.com - A wealth of free resources available for individuals with special needs.
Therapy Products
www.funandfunction.com - A curated collection of therapeutic products, engaging games, and educational toys
www.therapyshoppe.com - Discover cutting-edge sensory solutions, learning toys, occupational therapy resources, and specialized items for autism or special needs. Perfect for enriching play, enhancing self-regulation, facilitating sensory integration, improving handwriting, developing motor skills, fidgeting, and more....
**Materials & Resources**
www.therapystreetforkids.com - An excellent website for Occupational Therapy home programs, brimming with activities across various skill areas.
www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com - A comprehensive source of activities and information covering all skill domains.
www.otplan.com - Choose the skills you wish to focus on and the materials at your disposal. This site generates relevant activities, making it a fantastic resource for busy professionals!
www.jillkuzma.wordpress.com - A valuable collection of resources, handouts, and visuals aimed at enhancing emotional regulation and social skills.
Holiday Social Story - A customizable social story designed to assist individuals in preparing for holiday events and gatherings.
Recommended Books:
The Incredible 5-point scale by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis
The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel
Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller
Building Bridges through Sensory Integration by Ellen Yack, B.Sc., Paula Aquilla B.Sc., OT, and Shirley Sutton B.Sc., OT
Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson, EdD and Richard Guare, PhD
Smart but Scattered Teens by Richard Guare, PhD, Peg Dawson, EdD, and Colin Guare
www.therapystreetforkids.com – An excellent website featuring a wide range of Occupational Therapy home programs filled with activities for various skill areas.
www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com – A comprehensive source of activities and information covering all skill areas.
www.otplan.com – Choose the skills you wish to target along with the materials at your disposal, and it will generate activities for you. An ideal resource for busy professionals!
www.jillkuzma.wordpress.com – A fantastic site offering valuable resources, handouts, and visuals focused on emotional regulation and social skills.
Teacher
Resources
Tools to Grow – A membership-based website offering a wealth of resources, activities, worksheets, and educational materials designed for educators.
The OT Toolbox – A collection of blogs, courses, and worksheet bundles (both free and paid) tailored for occupational therapists, teachers, and parents.
The Inspired Treehouse – An OT/PT duo focused on enhancing child development through straightforward activities, engaging blogs, and informative handouts for both parents and professionals.
Growing Hands-on Kids – Expert advice, tools, and strategies to empower parents, educators, and professionals in nurturing hands-on learners.
WooTape/Legi Liner – Provides structured writing lines for students who benefit from support.
Kore Wobble Stool – An adaptive seating solution designed for active sitting.
BrainWorks – A sensory diet tool featuring a systematic approach that allows for the creation of custom picture cards.
SnapType – A Google and iPad app that enables users to capture a worksheet and type directly onto it.
ReadWrite – An iPad app equipped with word prediction, spell check, speech-to-text, and text-to-speech functionalities, along with additional valuable features.
MissRenee_OT – Teletherapy resources specifically designed for school-based occupational therapists.
GoNoodle – Engaging movement and mindfulness videos for children, available for both school and home, with an integrated point system.
School Moves
– An excellent resource to facilitate movement integration within classroom settings.
Our Location
Suffolk County, Long Island, NY
Bright Star OT