First Visit
What to expect throughout the therapy process.
Our family-centered model is based on families being the foundation of the child’s development. We ask that at least one caregiver participate in therapy each week, to ensure that our therapy is informed, adapting as the child is growing, and to ensure that any questions related to carryover of strategies, skills, and/or exercises are answered consistently to ensure the child is able to use these new skills at home too. Our therapists know that we are only a small piece of the puzzle on each child’s journey. We treat with the mindset that supported children and empowered caregivers are going to be the biggest indicators of the child’s success.
Our therapists provide recommendations for carryover that can be completed throughout the child’s daily routine, without needing to purchase any supplies or equipment. The success of therapy relies heavily on carryover and insurance companies require therapists to assess each family’s carryover. We understand that caregivers may have preferred learning methods as well, and hands-on and verbal instruction may not be the caregiver’s primary learning method. If you prefer your therapist write down strategies, please let them know and they will bring paper into the session to write down strategies for carryover to accommodate those needs. Consistent parent/caregiver involvement is a critical component of our therapy model, and so, if this does not suit your family’s needs, we may not be the right match for your family.
The first session is the evaluation where the therapist will ask questions to determine what concerns the family has, how it is impacting the child’s daily life, as well as strengths and interests the child has. Therapists then complete evaluations and skilled observation to determine what factors may be impacting the child’s ability to participate in necessary tasks/skills. At the evaluation, the therapist and parent will co-create meaningful goals that are within the therapist’s scope of practice, are covered by the family’s insurance and are meaningful and necessary to the child and family. Our therapists answer questions and provide insight into what therapy might look like. They may even work on some tasks in the first session if time allows. Our goal is for every family to leave feeling like they have a better understanding of their child’s needs as they relate to the child’s overall development through the lens of OT, PT, and/or Speech.
Please remember to bring socks to all appointments, as all children, families, and staff are asked to leave street shoes at the door to decrease bacteria and dirt in play spaces.
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