Online Therapists are Present at Teacher Planning Days
Hi Everyone,
It was magical. It was productive. It was my privilege. Last week, I was one lucky online speech-language pathologist to attend a planning day with teachers.
All of the teachers from a set of our schools arrived to the computer lab. I was happy to see some familiar faces. The special education director introduced me and the occupational therapist. The teachers were there to write individual performance plans for their students. I was present to:
1. Be a resource for all teachers, whether or not their students attend TinyEYE
It felt invigorating to understand a teacher’s questions and then to demonstrate strategies that can immediately make a change in the classroom. Feedback from teachers was that they felt excited and confident to have a clear pathway to progress. In the past, they had done their best to write goals and strategies; however, now our collaboration has resulted in specific tools and organized steps that will serve as a guide for the year.
2. Align therapy goals with classroom goals
All of our teachers have online access to their students’ TinyEYE office. This was helpful because we could open our students’ recent report and goal updates. Likewise, the teachers have their own online goal software. We were able to share our information from both of our screens to create classroom goals and incorporate strategies that will serve to accelerate our students’ success. We really felt like partners in care for our students.
3. Provide team support to teachers with the occupational therapist
Imagine how wonderful it is to have the perspective of a teacher, SLP, and OT all focused on a pathway for a student. Together, we are able to create a “whole-child” approach and layer our strategies to build a successful learning framework for our students. Synergy feels so great when the beneficiary is a child.
My Reflection
Do you ever need a quick reminder about why you invest so much of yourself into your profession? At TinyEYE, our purpose is to grow smiles, mend spirits, and engage children in their lives. We are relentless with this pursuit. What strengthened my resolve even further on this planning day was hearing the stories from our ehelpers about how our students are transferring their skills from our sessions to the classroom, the playground, and community activities. Wow. I know the faces of these students. I see their wide eyes and cheerful smiles. I believe in them. As humble professionals, we always wish that we will leave our legacy with a child. To hear the results is a wish come true.
Online occupational therapy and online speech therapy are giving all children equal access to quality therapy services. This counts. My heart beats once for myself and again for these kids.
With gratitude and joy,
Marnee Brick, MSc Speech-Language Pathologist and Director of Speech TherapyTinyEYE Therapy Services (Speech and Occupational Therapy Telepractice)
1-877-846-9393
Growing smiles, mending spirits, engaging children in their lives…
TinyEYE is the world’s preferred online speech therapy service provider for schools, agencies, and individuals who seek exceptional performance, revolutionary solutions, outstanding service, and student success!