Delta Gamma Center: Parent and Child Infant/Toddler Classes Anne Osberger Stephanie Hayes

Theoretical Basis Social Cognitive Theory –Parents share subjective perceptions –Learning occurs through observation and personal experience –Parents and teachers educate children through modeling techniques Bandura, A. Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory Overview.htm

Program Objectives “To help young children with visual impairments reach their potential by providing individualized education and therapy services.” –Delta Gamma Center mission statement Interpretation of Objectives –Provide opportunity for parents to express concerns in supportive environment –Provide parents with resources and strategies for interacting with their child

Course Design Infant Class –Two hour sessions held twice monthly –Ongoing until age two Toddler Class –Two hour session held once per month –Ongoing until age three Parent Support Group –Last 30 minutes of each session

Content, Activities, Strategies: Child Teach child to use available vision and other senses to explore Focus on sensory, speech, motor, and feeding Class follows a predictable routine for the comfort of child Teacher plans songs, games and activity stations

Content, Activities, Strategies: Parent During class –Parent learns strategies for engaging child in activities During support group –Parents direct the curriculum –Facilitator guides open forum discussion –Parents learn and receive social support from one another –New families can request a mentor family

Program Evaluations Annual Parent Survey –Assess satisfaction of services Parent Advisory Committee –Give suggestions on ways to improve service Individualized Family Service Plan –Examining pre and post scores to evaluate change in children

OT Role Provides therapy during class –Works with parents and children to improve function: positioning, socialization, feeding, etc. Possible new roles –Facilitate parent support group –Improve communication and education of families –Provide resources to families and community

Contact Information Delta Gamma Center –5030 McRee, St Louis, MO – Debbie Naucke, Executive Director: Melanie Schauffert, Occupational Therapist