ProStart – Professional Training for New Pediatric Therapists and Assistants

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Amee Cohen, OT
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> Foundational Training

The foundational modules include audio lessons and handouts, covering key areas such as interdisciplinary collaboration, safety and risk management, assistive technology, and more. The program also explores sensory integration techniques that enhance therapy effectiveness for special needs care.
Registration

Register your participation and initiate the course evaluation process. You will be able to use the integrated chat for any questions or support during the course evaluation. Remember to take notes of your observations and suggestions, as a feedback form will be provided at the end for you to share your insights. We appreciate your participation and valuable input to help improve this training program!

EPISODE 1: Launching Your Career

• Introduction to Amee Cohen OT/L
• Overview of the ProStart program and its resources
• Training expectations and goals

EPISODE 2: Professionalism in Therapy

• Key steps to show professionalism in healthcare
• Core values of professionalism
• Professional practices and growth
• Confidentiality and DEI

EPISODE 3: Effective Communication

• Communication skills
• Building trust and understanding needs
• Navigating challenging situations
• Interprofessional communication
• Best practices in documentation

EPISODE 4: Special Needs Care

• Understanding Special Needs
• Foundational skills for therapists
• Building trust and engagement
• Understanding and using social referencing
• Early Intervention
• Therapy and classroom integration

EPISODE 5: Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Importance of interdisciplinary collaboration
• Facilitating collaboration and communication
• Understanding roles and responsibilities
• Fostering a collaborative environment

EPISODE 6: Core Competencies

• Knowledge of Human Development
• Age-Appropriate Patient Management
• Family-Centered Care
• Health Promotion and Safety
• Legislation, Policy, and Systems

EPISODE 7: Therapy Service Basics

• Exploring the fundamentals of Speech, Physical, Occupational, and ABA Therapy
• Multidisciplinary approach and therapy synergy

EPISODE 8: Sensory Integration

• Understanding and assessing sensory challenges
• Applying sensory techniques
• Maximizing therapy outcomes with sensory regulation
• Sensory diet and visual schedule in schools

EPISODE 9: Sensory Workout Program (SWP)

• Foundations and practical approaches
• Key strategies and multi sensory exercises
• How a session is performed

EPISODE 10: Safety and Risk Management

• Safety considerations in special needs care
• Environmental assessment
• Managing safety concerns
• Identifying risks and reporting concerns

EPISODE 11: Assistive Tech and Adaptation

• Types of assistive technologies and their benefits
• Assessing the need and implementing AT
• Educational impact and school environment adaptations
• Orthotic needs in pediatric care

EPISODE 12: Teletherapy Insights

• Assessing the advantages and limitations of teletherapy
• Getting ready for the session
• Essential skills for virtual therapists
• Best practices for engaging pediatric patients

EPISODE 13: Career Planning

• Current trends and opportunities
• Creating impactful resumes and preparing for job interviews
• Networking and professional development
• The importance of mentorship

Employment Network

• Specialized job placement assistance upon course completion
• Support in securing positions with top therapy providers in Florida
• Focus on connecting new grads with high-level professional teams
• Assistance in securing initial contracted roles in pediatric special needs

> Practice Sessions Training

You can customize your training by focusing on Evaluation sessions (Screening, Evaluation, Plan of Care) or Treatment sessions (practical therapeutic interventions.

Registration

Choose how many sessions to dedicate to each activity (Eval or Treatment). Register one session per day, specifying the type and time of day. For Treatment Sessions, you can choose between online and in-person sessions at available locations. Ensure all your sessions are scheduled to take place within a three-week timeframe.

Employment Network

• Specialized job placement assistance upon course completion
• Support in securing positions with top therapy providers in Florida
• Focus on connecting new grads with high-level professional teams
• Assistance in securing initial contracted roles in pediatric special needs

AC ProStart Forum

This Forum serves as a central hub for discussion, resource sharing, and support among new graduates specializing in pediatric therapy.

ProStart – Professional Training for New Pediatric Therapists and Assistants

User Avatar
Amee Cohen, OT

Reviews

Duration: 3-4 weeks Audio Episodes: 13 Practice Sessions: 10 Assessments:
- Self-Corrected Quizzes
- Final Exam (instructor-evaluated)

Suppl. Materials:
- PDF Charts
- SWP Cards
Certificate: Yes Skill Level:
Licensed New Grads in:
- Physical Therapy (PT, PTA)
- Occupational Therapy (OT, COTA)
- Speech-Language Pathology (SLP, SLPA)