NEW! On-Demand Birth to Three Conference Now Available

Exciting news! We’re thrilled to offer a brand new on-demand series aimed at the birth to three therapist. Meet more of your babies’ and toddlers’ needs with these multidisciplinary presentations and universal topics with Birth to Three Annual Conference – On-Demand. Earn up to 31 contact hours (3.1 CEUs) upon completing the full conference. 

Birth to Three Annual Conference – On-Demand is a collection of 12 sessions recorded at our 2-day virtual conference in April 2024. Whether you attended in April but couldn’t decide between sessions because there were so many great options, or you’re just learning about the conference for the first time, this on-demand offering now gives you a chance to pause, reflect and plan while watching (and re-watching!) this comprehensive birth to three series.  

Choose The Series That Works For You

Developed for birth to three OTs, PTs and SLPs, this collection of 12 sessions offers cross-discipline education that gives you the knowledge you need paired with practical interventions you can implement right away. With access to the full conference, you’ll view your clients’ needs through a multidisciplinary lens, with more practical knowledge and strategies to implement across topics like movement, communication, feeding, sleep, and adaptive equipment. There’s something for everyone!

Additionally, you have multiple choices for registration. Register for the full 2-day Conference, just Program A (Day 1) or just Program B (Day 2). Once you purchase, you will have access to the courses and downloadable handouts from our expert instructors for an entire year. Each session within the series can be viewed separately whenever it’s convenient for you! *Please note that individual sessions are not available for purchase.

Early Bird Promotion:

As a special early bird promotion, we’re offering $100 off the Full 2-Day Conference series. Use coupon code BTO3DISCOUNT at checkout by July 16, 2024. Offer only valid for the full 2-day conference and cannot be combined with other offers. Coupon code must be applied at checkout.

The Benefits of Group Learning

Learn as a group and save! Learning with peers can improve collaboration and lead to more thought-provoking discussion of the topics at hand. Below are the group rates and available savings:

  • Purchase one 2-Day Conference series for $749 and add up to 9 additional participants [CEU certificates] for $129/person.
  • Purchase one Program A (Day 1) for $499 and add up to 9 additional participants [CEU certificates] for $79/person.
  • Purchase one Program B (Day 2) for $499 and add up to 9 additional participants [CEU certificates] for $79/person.

*To register your on-demand group, please contact our office at:  info@educationresourcesinc.com or call 800-487-6530. Feel free to share this with your colleagues and staff!

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

With all the positive and glowing feedback from the 500+ attendees of the live virtual conference in April, we’re thrilled to share this on-demand opportunity so that you too can experience all this conference has to offer from the comfort of your home. Here are just a few of the hundreds of testimonials we received:

“Loved Janine Wiskind’s videos and how smoothly she transitioned between reflex integration techniques and paired them all together! Like a beautiful dance of reflex + strength + social engaged play! Wow!”

“Mary Billings was an excellent presenter! She was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much great information and examples that all of us can bring back to our own practice…I’m leaving this course feeling full of knowledge, ideas, and hope”

“Nicole Archambault’s presentation was super interesting and I learned a lot. I was most looking forward to this session as I have SO many sleep challenges in my practice and it did not disappoint!”

“The topic of ‘Handling for Postural Control’ was very relevant. I loved the videos and the presenters explaining what they were seeing. I really enjoyed the breakdown to each SLP, PT and OT. This was incredibly helpful!”

Earn on-demand CEUs this summer all while building your assessment and intervention repertoire for your young patients and families. If you practice in the birth to three setting, this is definitely a course you don’t want to miss!

Questions or want to register a group? Please contact ERI at info@educationresourcesinc.com or call 800-487-6530.

An Update on Caseload to Workload for School-Based Practitioners

How Are You Wrapping Up Your School Year?

Along with progress reports on goals, lingering evaluation reports and annual IEPs to finish, do you make time to reflect on your accomplishments and goals for the year? What would you change to work to your full potential, lessen the burden of paperwork, and commit to another year of hard work in the school system? Have you discussed the caseload to workload model for your setting? 

Please read the Update below written by expert School-Based Practitioner and ERI Faculty, Susan Cecere, PT, MHS. Sue offers hope and help with how to advocate for yourself and your students.

What’s The Magic Formula?
An Update on Caseload to Workload for School-Based Practitioners
written by ERI Faculty, Susan Cecere, PT, MHS

Workload has been a hot topic for school-based practitioners for the last 20 years. The reauthorization of IDEA in 2004 and its focus on inclusion and accountability facilitated the need for states and districts to look beyond the traditional service delivery models of “direct” and “indirect” and recognize the expanding roles for related providers based on the legislative changes.

No longer were SLPs, OTs and PTs just providing support for students who were eligible for special education and related services; there was now a requirement to support educational initiatives such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Response to Intervention (RtI), Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS). Coupled with increasing rigor in academic programs and ever evolving accountability systems, the caseload approach – providers assigned by the number of students receiving IDEA services regardless of intensity of need and associated work tasks, including licensure documentation requirements – no longer kept providers “afloat.”  

Professional organizations heard the frustrations of its members; in 2014, AOTA, ASHA and APTA authored a joint white paper, “Workload Approach:  A Paradigm Shift for Positive Impact on Student Outcomes” to draw attention to the challenges faced by providers. Over time, some states added caseload caps and authored guides to practice that mention the need for a workload approach, but few states have actual methodologies for workload calculation – a “magic” formula.

In 2023, the Oregon legislature tasked the Oregon State Department of Education (ODE) with conducting a study to determine an appropriate workload methodology for public school OTs, PTs and SLPs. In January 2024, the ODE submitted the report “House Bill 2618: School-Based Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech Language Pathology Workload Methodology” to the Oregon legislature.

This comprehensive report clarifies the terminology: “caseload” and “workload” and articulates in detail the roles and responsibilities of each discipline. A mixed method study process used to develop the report included group engagements, provider interviews, and a review of available literature and workload methodologies. The report reflects provider concerns including but not limited to: (1) inability to work to full potential, (2) feelings of being overburdened by paperwork and legal requirements, (3) students are not receiving the services they need (4) staff recruitment and retention and (5) provider shortages. Based on social media content related to caseload and workload, the feelings of surveyed Oregon providers align with national sentiment.

The ODE was able to make a recommendation for a workload methodology and metric starting point: The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCPI) workload methodology. ODE recognizes further analysis of this methodology for alignment with the Oregon education system is needed to develop a workload metric that would reflect the unique needs of Oregon and its communities. These recommendations include: the inclusion of early intervention and early childhood providers, school Medicaid billing as a workload consideration, provider shortages and state level infrastructure, training, and support for school districts during implementation.

I encourage all stakeholders to engage in caseload to workload discussions to advocate for needed changes to address the diversity of student learning needs and implement best practices. SLPs, OTs, and PTs should engage in advocacy efforts at the state and local level to provide quality services for students and provide what federal legislation requires of us to support all students in “further education, employment and independent living.”

References and Resources on Caseload to Workload

American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). ASHA Workload Calculator. https://www.asha.org/SLP/schools/Workload-Calculator/

American Speech-Language Association, American Physical Therapy Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, (2014). Workload Approach:  A Paradigm Shift for Positive Impact on Student Outcomes.

Burton, S., Buckley, S., Cecere, S., Cobb, S., Figueiredo, D., George, E., Kierstead, K., Lesch, D., Mastrilli, J., Vandervalk, K., Williams, J. (2008, 2015). Occupational and Physical Therapy Early Intervention and School-Based Services in Maryland. https://pprd.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/district/departments/special-education/programs-services/maryland_ot_pt_guide__revjune2015_2_11.pdf

Carlin, C., Watt., L. Fallow, W., Carlin, E., Shernavaz, V. (2103) Caseload Ratio Study:  Final Report to the Ohio Department of Education https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education/Service-Provider-Ratio-and-Workload-Calculation

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Workload Calculator Guidance. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ceNcV1-pgs9EQ4hcZJ5cLdY7JvSp2AxH/view

Seruya and Garfinkel Workload Resources https://www.garfinkelseruya.com/index.html

Struggling with Carryover? Try Something New to Unlock Your Full Potential

Written by Joann Sorg, MS, OTR/L and featured in the recent NANT newsletter.

Have you ever felt discouraged by lack of carryover from caregivers and colleagues? Do you sometimes scratch your head as you watch a caregiver or colleague attempt to execute what you taught them and wonder, is that really what they thought I meant? Wondering what might tip the scales towards follow through and better outcomes?

At ERI, we’re continually examining our instructional methods to ensure learners are taking away the crucial strategies and research they need to do their jobs well. As NICU clinicians educating both caregivers and your colleagues, we know that you also want to teach well so the adults learn and babies thrive. Here’s a look at Knowles’ adult learning principles, various teaching strategies, and ways to merge them to deliver the content your NICU patients and their caregivers need for their best outcomes.

Principles 1 and 2: Problem-Centered Instruction and Application to Real-World Problems

This rings loud and true in the NICU setting, where caregivers confront multiple challenges around their baby’s health and development. Clinicians can pair their teaching strategy to this principle by using props, simulations, and hands-on methods for edema mobilization, positioning for feeding, handling and more. When Holly Schifsky teaches Baby Beats and Breaths and Babies Bodies and Brains, she embraces hands-on learning. Schifsky uses dolls to model and demonstrate techniques for her learners. You can use these same instructional methods with caregivers by coaching them through practice on a doll, providing specific feedback to refine their skills and facilitating their comfort and competence.

Principles 3 and 4: Motivation and Relevance to Current Roles

Caregivers’ experiences around parenting in the NICU encompass emotional and practical challenges. This may cause a re-imagining of their caregiving role and further spark their intrinsic motivation. NICU clinicians can acknowledge and validate the emotional experiences of caregivers while delivering essential instruction that aligns with the caregiver’s drive to perform in their new role. While teaching on medical complexities and feeding challenges for small babies, both Anjanette Lee and Shanna Semmler relate strongly to their learners’ motivations and roles as NICU clinicians. You can apply these same principles as you use video demonstrations, small group discussions and real-world clinical scenarios in your caregiver education.

To dive deeper into adult learning principles, including Self-directed Learning and Utilization of Background Knowledge, check out the work of Malcolm Knowles and his contemporaries in the field of andragogy.

infant simulator teachingTeaching the Teachers – Sharing Knowledge Amongst Colleagues

For those practitioners recently immersed in the 2024 NANT conference, you’re likely bursting with new and revived ideas and research to share with your teams. Perhaps you’re planning a professional development presentation and thinking of how best to hold your audience’s attention. You want to enhance the likelihood they’ll retain and apply the information you’re eager to share. How about pairing the familiar lecture and slideshow format with some additional strategies to connect more deeply with your leaners, inspire their clinical reasoning and lead to a cascade of favorable outcomes for providers, caregivers and babies?

Bringing your educational content to life:

  • Role simulations – pair up with a colleague to practice caregiver education; In both roles, ask questions, get it wrong, address gaps in knowledge and refine hands-on techniques.
  • Use videos and photos for meaningful analysis and to otherwise illustrate your learning objectives.
  • Facilitate small group discussions as a vehicle for learning. Steer your participants toward improved reasoning and technical skills by connecting to those adult learning principles above. Tap into their motivation as clinical leaders, advocates, developmental experts and compassionate providers as you work through case applications.
  • Ensure your learners are on the right track – real-time checks for understanding, along with pre and post-test assessments are made easy by digital polling apps that promote engagement.

NANT and ERI embrace common values around education and clinical excellence. We’re all devoted to lifelong learning that serves our patients, from their earliest days and through their most daunting challenges.

References:

Gehl, M.B., Alter, C.C., Rider, N., Gunter, L.G., and Russell, R.B. (2020). Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of parent education in the neonatal intensive care unit. Advances in Neonatal Care, 20(1), 59-67.  

Kessler, M., Schuck, R., Rosenthal, C., Stobbe, D., Sinko, R. (2020). Caregiver education in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): A Review of the evidence. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4_Supplement_1).  

Peterson, D. (2023, April). 5 Principles for the teacher of adults. https://ThoughtCothoughtco.com/principles-for-the-teacher-of-adults-31638. 

Springer, C., Cooper, O., Elleman, B., (2023). The Effectiveness of parental education programs within neonatal intensive care units: A Systematic review. Research Directs in Therapeutic Sciences, 2(1), 2. 

 

Updated On-Demand Course: Pediatric Vestibular Therapy

Updated Content!

With greater awareness around vestibular dysfunction and rehabilitation in recent years, ERI’s vestibular expert, Inger Brueckner, MS, PT, has released an updated edition of her popular course on Pediatric Vestibular Rehabilitation with more than 75 references from just the last five years:  Pediatric Vestibular Therapy: Young Children Through Adolescents – ON-DEMAND.

What’s New?

Brueckner covers anatomy, function and development of the vestibular system, while presenting current research findings to guide effective treatment for various conditions and functional impairments. Learn how specific diagnoses relate to vestibular dysfunction; including POTS, COVID-19, cancer, cerebral palsy, hearing loss and other neurological disorders in children. Brueckner also addresses balance complexity and entropy in postural sway; multi-canal issues with BPPV; and medication effects on the vestibular system.

Earn 14 contact hours as you deepen your understanding of the connection between vestibular development, motor performance and typical skill development in children and adolescents. You will also also learn to interpret assessment findings to guide individualized treatment and promote improved functional performance in clinic, home and school settings.

Register Now & Save

Purchase Pediatric Vestibular Therapy: Young Children Through Adolescents – ON-DEMAND by June 7, 2024 and SAVE $30. Use coupon code BRUECKNER30 at checkout. *Discount cannot be combined with other offers.

Once you purchase, you’ll have access to the course and downloadable handouts for one year. You can go back and refresh your memory as often as you’d like! Watch, stop/start and re-watch the video whenever it’s convenient for you!

Join the ERI Facebook Discussion Group – Pediatric Vestibular Rehabilitation

Questions? Please contact ERI at info@educationrsourcesinc.com or 800-487-6530.

ERI Partners with NTCB to Sponsor Neonatal Therapist Scholarship

Neonatal Therapy Certification Board CNT Scholarship

This year, the Neonatal Therapy Certification Board (NTCB) is launching a scholarship program exclusively for Certified Neonatal Therapist™ applicants from World Bank-designated lower-income countries who may lack the means to pursue the CNT certification. ERI is proud to partner with the NTCB to help sponsor these aspiring neonatal therapists with the opportunity to pursue their CNT credential. 

This sponsorship will help to cover the cost of certification, enabling these dedicated individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the NICU. With over 900 CNTs worldwide, ERI believes that these passionate and deserving therapists should have the same opportunity to advance their neonatal expertise, creating a lasting impact in the lives of preterm and medically fragile infants across the globe. 

What is the Role of the NTCB?

The NTCB, composed of experienced occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists from neonatal intensive care units worldwide, was established in 2014. Their mission is to provide certification to neonatal therapists who demonstrate the time, knowledge, and commitment required to serve high-risk infants in the NICU. The CNT credential, awarded since 2017, signifies excellence and validates a neonatal therapist’s appropriate education, experience, and expertise through a rigorous evidence-based examination.

Is a CNT Certification Right for You?

Learn more about the process and benefits of obtaining a CNT credential to elevate your profession. If this is a path you choose to explore, don’t forget that ERI offers a variety of NICU related educational content to help you achieve the required number of CEU hours needed to fulfill your certification (along with other necessary requirements). Whether you’re an OT, PT or SLP, our distinguished faculty offer a robust selection of learning opportunities geared toward neonatal therapists that will expand your skills and knowledge, all while earning your CEUs. 

Questions? Reach out to our office at 800-487-6530 or email info@educationresourcesinc.com for more information on continuous learning through ERI.