Completing professional development training for school staff enhances the educator’s understanding of how to support their student’s learning. Following training, we see the school staff’s empathy increase, along with additional curiosity and engagement with their therapists in thoughtful discussions on how to help their students. Progress toward student IEP goals and objectives is enhanced as we see more consistent implementation of strategies suggested during the training that directly support student’s learning.
Choose from one of our popular training packages or go a la carte! Below is a listing of offerings; trainings can be customized to meet the needs of the school staff and are offered in-person or virtually. Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) meeting topics are also available to support parents.
HOW TO GET STARTED
To ensure an enriching experience, we kindly request a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice to prepare.
Kickstart the process with an initial 30 to 60-minute meeting where we dive deep into your goals, crafting a session that speaks directly to your school’s aspirations. Electronic handouts will be at your fingertips, ready to empower your team with valuable resources before the training even begins.
For in-person sessions, our team will bring our expertise to your school for in-person sessions, requiring only a screen, projector, sound system, and ample space to move. Our training includes engaging movement and breathing activities, ensuring an interactive experience that resonates long after the session ends.
Join us as we embark on this collaborative journey toward growth, inspiration, and empowered teaching!
Ready to get started?
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PACKAGES
Paraprofessional Training Package – 4 hours
Includes:
● 2-hour training in October or November
● 2-hour training in January or February
Elevate your team’s confidence and competence as they learn practical ways to implement IEP accommodations, supporting students with empathy and connection. Invest in your staff’s growth with practical training that not only enhances their daily work but also boosts employee retention rates. Following the first training session, a post-session survey will be given to the paraprofessionals to allow them to provide feedback and cater the second session to their unique needs; the content description of the second session may vary depending on the feedback of the team.
Creating a supportive learning environment conducive to individual students’ needs starts with a powerful collaboration between occupational therapists and dedicated paraprofessionals. In this training we will delve into the crucial role of OT as we discuss sensory processing differences and their impact on self-regulation and trauma on developing brains, empowering paraprofessionals to become allies in students’ growth through a deep understanding of ‘why.’ Paraprofessionals will be provided with information regarding sensory-based supports including specific instructions on the successful implementation of sensory breaks along with how to use in-class sensory-based supports to create a nurturing environment for every student. Join us for an interactive session where theory meets practice that includes opportunities to engage in movement and breathing activities, allowing for a firsthand experience of the transformative tools that can elevate student success through collaboration and understanding.
Time for questions and answers will be provided at the beginning of the session to ensure understanding of the information covered in the first training. Paraprofessionals will troubleshoot challenging scenarios, from navigating students’ resistance to taking breaks to supporting dysregulated learners with confidence. We will dive deeper into the critical role that motor skills play in academic success, along with school-specific assistive technology that can support older students in lieu of writing. Participants will walk away with practical strategies to enhance student growth Based on the paraprofessional’s feedback, the following topics may be included in this training: understanding and supporting the use of the Zones of Regulation, mindfulness, or diagnosis-specific information.
All Staff Training Package – 4 hours
Includes:
● 2-hour general education staff training
● 2-hour sped team training
This package can work well if you have one 2-hour professional development training session blocked for staff and each 2-hour training happens simultaneously with two of our expert staff. Both groups will unveil the heart of occupational therapy practices in the initial segment, delving into the profound ‘why’ behind our work.
All school staff will not only understand OT’s pivotal role in education but also discover practical strategies to elevate learning for all students, not just those receiving OT services. Dive deep into the core elements shaping learning, from sensory processing differences and motor skills development to the profound impact of self-regulation and trauma on young minds.
General education educators will walk away empowered with strategies to cultivate stronger student connections through relationship building, promote regulation with energizing movement breaks, and tailor approaches to support individual student growth. During this training, you will engage in experiential movement and breathing exercises, equipping yourself with tangible tools to support learning. You will leave armed with a toolkit of resources for movement breaks, ready to transform your classroom into a hub of engaged, thriving learners.
Special education specialists will delve into personalized approaches to empower every student on their unique path to success. Topics included will cover sensory-based supports including specific instructions on successful implementation of sensory breaks along with how to use in-class sensory-based supports to create a nurturing environment for every student. We will also dive deeper into discussing the critical roles of functional vision and motor skills. Participants will walk away with practical strategies to support student growth in these important areas, equipping your team with the tools to create thriving learning environments.
SPED Team Training Package – 3 hours
Includes:
● 2-hour sped team training
● 1-hour para-specific training
This package supports your SPED (special education) team of teachers, coordinators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure student success.
Special education specialists will gain an understanding of the heart of occupational therapy practices, delving into the ‘why’ behind our work and how we partner with school staff. Dive deep into the core elements shaping learning, from sensory processing differences, functional vision, and motor skills development to the profound impact of self-regulation and trauma on young minds. We will discuss approaches to empower every student on their unique path to success. Participants will gain insights into sensory-based supports including specific instructions on successful implementation of sensory breaks along with how to use in-class sensory-based supports to create a nurturing environment for every student. Your school team will walk away with practical strategies to support student growth in these important areas, equipping your team with the tools to create thriving learning environments.
Transforming the learning environment for students starts with a powerful collaboration between occupational therapists and dedicated paraprofessionals. Following the sped team training, the paraprofessionals will participate in this training that is specific to their job duties. The foundation of successful IEP (Individual Education Plan) accommodations implementation will be addressed to improve understanding of how to seamlessly integrate therapy supports in and out of the classroom. Paraprofessionals will troubleshoot challenging scenarios, from navigating students’ resistance to taking breaks to supporting dysregulated learners with confidence.
A LA CARTE OPTIONS
Transforming the learning environment for students starts with a powerful collaboration between occupational therapists and dedicated paraprofessionals. Following the sped team training, the paraprofessionals will participate in this training that is specific to their job duties. The foundation of successful IEP (Individual Education Plan) accommodations implementation will be addressed to improve understanding of how to seamlessly integrate therapy supports in and out of the classroom. Paraprofessionals will troubleshoot challenging scenarios, from navigating students’ resistance to taking breaks to supporting dysregulated learners with confidence.
The above information from the 1-hour training included. plus engage in lively discussions and immersive case studies, fostering collaborative problem-solving skills. We will dive deeper into the essential elements of school success, unraveling the critical roles of functional vision and motor skills. Walk away with practical strategies to champion student growth in these pivotal areas, equipping your team with the tools to create thriving learning environments.
We will unveil the heart of occupational therapy practices, delving into the profound ‘why’ behind our work. The school staff will not only understand OT’s pivotal role in education but also discover practical strategies to elevate learning for all students, not just those receiving OT services. Dive deep into the core elements shaping learning, from the intricate world of sensory processing differences and motor skills development to the profound impact of self-regulation and trauma on young minds.
Staff will walk away empowered with strategies to cultivate stronger student connections through relationship building, infuse vitality with energizing movement breaks, and tailored approaches to propel individual student growth. Engage in immersive movement and breathing exercises, equipping yourself with tangible tools to ignite learning. Plus, leave armed with a curated toolkit of resources for movement breaks, ready to transform your classroom into a hub of engaged, thriving learners.
Special education specialists will delve into personalized approaches to empower every student on their unique path to success. Topics included will cover sensory-based supports including specific instructions on successful implementation of sensory breaks along with how to use in-class sensory-based supports to create a nurturing environment for every student. We will also dive deeper into discussing the critical roles of functional vision and motor skills. Participants will walk away with practical strategies to support student growth in these important areas, equipping your team with the tools to create thriving learning environments.
SEAC MEETINGS
Sensory Processing Differences:
Understanding Your Child’s Needs and How to Help
1 hour — Prepare to unlock the secrets to understanding and supporting your child’s sensory processing needs in a way that transforms your parenting journey! It’s a maze that many parents navigate without a guide, unsure how to connect the dots between their child’s behaviors and their underlying sensory experiences. In this presentation, we’ll unveil the supportive role of Occupational Therapy in schools versus outpatient clinics, shedding light on sensory processing differences. Participants will explore practical therapy supports commonly seen in classrooms that can translate into your home environment, equipping you with a powerful toolkit of strategies. Resources for engaging activities to do at home as well as a list of community resources will be shared.
Getting the Wiggles Out in Winter
1 hour — Gear up for an adventure in unlocking your child’s full potential through play and physical activity! Winter in Minnesota brings its share of challenges for families, especially when it comes to keeping kids active and engaged during the cold, dark months. In this presentation, we’ll dive into the world of sensory processing, shedding light on why these behaviors escalate and how you can provide the support your child needs. Discover practical ideas and strategies to support your child at home and out in the community, transforming challenging moments into opportunities for growth and connection. You will walk away with a toolkit of activities featuring affordable equipment and clever uses for everyday household items. Additionally, you will be provided with a list of community-based resources specific to our area.
Practical Tools for Self-Regulation
1 hour – Join us for this interactive session where we will shine a light on the possible causes of challenging behaviors and empower your parenting toolkit. In this presentation, we’ll discuss the factors shaping your child’s self-regulation—the cornerstone of managing emotions and navigating the world with confidence. Discover the transformative power of relationships as we explore co-regulation techniques, unlocking the keys to fostering connection and harmony. Dive into the world of movement and muscle activities, uncovering fun and engaging ways to incorporate them into your child’s daily routine for enhanced focus and well-being. We will also discuss ways to nurture healthy sleep habits, setting the stage for your child’s optimal growth and development. Join us as we share with you valuable tools to support your child’s journey towards success and resilience.
Ready to get started?
Click to contact us!