Use of Interdisciplinary Motor/Speech Groups to Promote School Readiness in Young Children

Written by: Olivia Easterbrooks-Dick, MS, OTR/L, Abbey Craig MS, OTR/L, Emily Lesher, MS-CCC-SLP and Jaymie Stavdal MS, OTR/L

originally published October 7, 2020

Self-Study Articles are scholarly articles on current topics related to sensory integration and sensory processing disorder.

Description: Children with sensory-processing and language challenges are at a higher risk for functional difficulties related to school performance. Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists are uniquely qualified to support the development of motor, language, social, and regulation skills related to school readiness. Interdisciplinary sensory motor/speech group programs can be particularly useful for promoting skill development in these areas. This self-study article will describe the rationale for use of interdisciplinary groups and a service delivery model to prepare young children four to six years old for success in early school years, using a multifaceted approach to support skill development. It will also present Ready, Sense, Learn, a school vacation group program, as an example of such a program.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this article readers will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the need for school readiness services for children with sensory processing and integration challenges.
2. Identify the value and need for the collaboration of OT and SLP to promote school readiness in preschool-age children.
3. Apply practical information provided in this self-study to develop a school readiness group with a sensory-motor and language focus.

Course Level: Introductory. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Suitable For: Occupational therapists, OT assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, teachers, educational advocates and consultants, speech language pathologists

AOTA:
Domain: Areas of Occupation
Process: Intervention

Contact Hours: This course is worth 1.0 contact hours or 0.1 AOTA CEUs.

Completion Requirements: To receive contact hours for this course you must read the article in its entirety, and complete the accompanying assessment.

ADA/Section 504: If you require special accommodations, please contact the Spiral Foundation at admin@thespiralfoundation.org or (617) 969 – 4410 ext. 231.

Continuing Education:

Occupational Therapy Practitioners/ Occupational Therapy Assistants: The Spiral Foundation is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.