This session is part of two comprehensive series:
Therapies in the School 25th Annual Conference PROGRAM B – ON-DEMAND 11
and
Therapies in the School 25th Annual Conference 2024 – ON-DEMAND 11
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Observable behavior is a signal. When behavior is “good”, it signals that the child is regulated and ready to learn. If the observable behavior is concerning, that means there’s a problem on the inside and we have to find out what that problem is in order to help kids meet the expectations of school. Stickers and tokens are not going to solve the problem, but understanding a child’s sensory and regulation needs will allow us to support children and improve behavior proactively and collaboratively. This course will provide real life examples of what’s happening in classrooms and strategies to improve behavior durably. Participants will have a new understanding of what behavior is based on advances in neuroscience and leave with actionable strategies that focus on validation, sensory safety, co-regulation and meeting kids where they (and their bodies and brains) are.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Identify how the sensory systems impact behavior in school and at home.
- Modify the traditional “functions of a behavior” to a more supportive, neuroscience informed description of behavior.
- Integrate realistic strategies into the school day that empower kids and help them meet our expectations when they are faced with self-regulation challenges.
AUDIENCE
School-Based Therapists
COURSE SCHEDULE
I. What’s Going On in School
- Present real stories of “big” behaviors and the behavioral interventions that followed. Identify current, familiar behavioral interventions and present an alternative approach to supporting students.
II. Re-Framing Behavior
- Identify the 4 traditional functions of a behavior and present an alternative mindset that focused more on the student and their support needs, not simply the observable behavior.
III. The Model of Child Engagement
- Backed by advances in neuroscience, The Model of Child Engagement is a framework that identifies felt safety and regulation as precursors for participation. This model empowers clinicians to pause and address the needs of the student instead of using behavioral strategies to maintain participation.
IV. Sensory Processing and Sensory Validation
- We cannot impose our own sensory preferences on others. Identifying and honoring a child’s unique sensory preferences, as well as creating sensory safe environments, is vital for optimal learning.
V. Strategies
- Actionable items to improve regulation and behavior, and a new language to advocate for change with teachers and administrators.
VI. Post-Test
Greg Santucci has been a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for 25 years and is currently a Supervisor of Occupational Therapy at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Jersey. In addition to his work at CSH, Greg is also the Founding Director of Power Play Pediatric Therapy. He is certified in Sensory Integration and the creator of the Model of Child Engagement, a neurodevelopmentally informed approach to improving felt safety, regulation and participation in children of all levels of ability. Greg presents both nationally and internationally on topics related to sensorimotor development, sensory processing, regulation and behavior. He recently received the Award of Merit from the NJ Occupational Therapy Association for his advocacy work related to neurodiversity-affirming care. He is a proud Penn State and Thomas Jefferson University graduate, but his most cherished title is that of “Dad” to two amazing teenage children.
Greg Santucci receives an honorarium from Education Resources.
Greg Santucci has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Once you purchase an online course you will have access to the course materials. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam.
Once you purchase an online course, you will have the opportunity to take an exam to test your retention of the material. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam. The exam must be completed with a pass rate of 80% or more in order to receive your certificate of attendance.
