October 9th, 2014

We are excited to be a pilot project with CCAC offering more support for our children!

Occupational therapists through CCAC (Community Care Access Center) will become part of school supports in October 2014. They will help teachers learn more about how children develop motor and sensory skills. They will also screen children who may need further assessment. Here is some further information about the new program.

What is an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapists are health professionals who work with children in many different settings. They know a lot about fine and gross motor and sensory skill development.  Fine motor skills are things like printing and writing, cutting with scissors, opening juice boxes and doing up zippers.  Gross motor skills include things like jumping, getting onto the school bus, climbing stairs and running.  Sensory skills include things like coping strategies to manage noise levels and too many things to look at, as well as movement breaks for kids who have a hard time sitting still.

What will they do in the school?

Occupational therapists will spend time in our classrooms, gym and playground.

They will:

  • Observe and screen children by looking at fine, gross motor and sensory skills
  • They will offer teachers different materials, tools and methods that make it easier for children who need help to learn and do motor and sensory-based activities
  • Help teachers understand how they can use activities in the classroom to help children develop motor and sensory skills.
  • Coach teachers and be available to answer their questions

If an occupational therapist feels your child is having more difficulty learning new motor and sensory skills than is typical for his or her age, you will be contacted and a further assessment may be recommended.

If you have any questions about this program, please feel free to call and speak with a Pediatric Care Coordinator at the Community Care Access Center.  Their number is (519) 748 – 2222.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in this service, please contact the school office to let us know.