Delta Gamma Center: Delta Gamma Center: Parent and Child Parent and Child

Infant/Toddler ClassesInfant/Toddler Classes

Delta Gamma Center: Delta Gamma Center: Parent and Child Parent and Child

Infant/Toddler ClassesInfant/Toddler ClassesAnne OsbergerAnne Osberger

Stephanie HayesStephanie Hayes

Theoretical Basis

• Social Cognitive Theory– Parents share subjective perceptions– Learning occurs through observation and

personal experience– Parents and teachers educate children

through modeling techniquesBandura, A. Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A

Social Cognitive Theoryhttp://www.med.usf.edu/~kmbrown/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 63110– 314-776-1300

• Debbie Naucke, Executive Director: danaucke@dgckids.org

• Melanie Schauffert, Occupational Therapist