This session is part of two comprehensive series:
26th Annual Therapies in the School Conference PROGRAM A – ON-DEMAND 12
and
26th Annual Therapies in the School Conference – ON-DEMAND 12
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This practical and informative class examines the impact of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) on a child’s ability to participate in school activities fully. Participants will learn how DCD may interfere with academic and social engagement, focusing on two key challenges: difficulty with fine motor skills (such as handwriting and tool use) and poor gross motor coordination (which may lead to avoidance of playground games or physical education). The course will also cover effective accommodations to support students with DCD in the classroom.
Finally, participants will apply their knowledge by selecting an evidence-based evaluation tool when working with a child with DCD. This course is ideal for occupational therapists, educators, physical therapists, and support staff working with children in school settings.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identify two ways Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) may impair a child’s ability to participate in school activities
- Select four appropriate accommodations for a client with DCD to maximize their function in school
- Choose an evidence-based evaluation tool to address a functional concern/deficit for a child with DCD, using the provided case study.
AUDIENCE:
School-based therapists including OTs, PTs, SLPs and Special Educators.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Clinical Practice Guidelines for DCD- what is DCD and what is it not?
- What is Dyspraxia?
- What is Apraxia and how does it differ from DCD?
- Neurology of DCD
- Mirror Motor Neurons
Case Studies – See how DCD presents
Justification for services from EI through School Age
- Making services educationally relevant, functional and participation-focused
Accommodations for School- in and out of the classroom
Checklists and Other Tools Used for DCD Evaluation and Service Planning
Functional Treatment to builds skills, participation and function in and out of the classroom
Post-test
Dr. Melissa K. Gerber, OTD, OTR/L is a seasoned and respected clinician with extensive experience in pediatrics. She began her career in adults in inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation and acute care. Currently, she has been working for the Great Neck Public Schools for the past 24 years.
She is president of 4MYKIDSOT, a private practice where she provides therapy and evaluations. Dr. Gerber has presented at Education Resources, Therapies in the Schools on Visual Processing: Treat, Remediate, Refer. She also teaches Developmental Coordination disorder course for ERI. In 2023, she co-published The School Based chapter in The Quintessential OT.
She is enthusiastic to share her experiences and provide strategies that can be incorporated immediately. She completed her master’s and doctorate degrees from Quinnipiac University while working full time in the schools.
Financial Disclosures: Melissa Gerber receives an honorarium from Education Resources, Inc.
Non-Financial Disclosures: Melissa Gerber has no relevant non-financial 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.
Continuing Education Hours for disciplines not listed below: 3 contact hours (0.3 CEUs). Intermediate level. License #______________.
Education Resources Inc. is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 13946. This Distance Learning-Independent Course is offered at 3 contact hours 0.3 CEUs (Intermediate Level, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge & Professional Issues). AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products or clinical procedures. This course can be used toward your NBCOT renewal requirements for 3 units. Provider for the FL Occupational Therapy Association CE Broker for 3.5 CE Hours - approval #____. This course has been approved by the MD State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for __ Continuing Education Hours. This session applies 3 CE hours toward approval but must be combined with entire Program A sessions to receive approval by the MN Board of PT, #___. Approval #___ by the NJ State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 3 CECs. Approved sponsor by the State of IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for Physical Therapy for 3.5 contact hours. Approved provider by the NY State Board of PT for 3.6 contact hours (0.36 CEUs). Education Resources is an approved agency by the PT Board of CA for 3 contact hours. This activity is provided by the TX Board of PT Examiners accredited provider #2810017TX for 3 CCUs and meets continuing competence requirements for PTs and PTAs licensure renewal in TX. Approved Provider for OK State Board of Medical Licensure & Supervision #BAP202310003. Approved Provider by the NM Board of Physical Therapy for 3 CE Hours. 3 hours of this course qualify towards the discipline-specific hours for the 20-hour requirement for NDTA re-certification. They do NOT qualify towards the 8-hour NDTA Instructor requirement for re-certification.
Education Resources Inc., 266 Main Street, Suite 12, Medfield, MA 02052 508-359-6533
