Description: Our You & Me=We groups provide opportunities for children to interact with peers in a controlled but friendly environment, while therapists capitalize on natural opportunities for each child’s functional, emotional and social development.
A session runs for 6 weeks, one day per week for 1.5 hours, providing a total of 9 hours of group therapy.
Groups are led by either a Certified PLAY Project Consultant, a Certified DIRFloortime Expert Provider, an Occupational Therapist, and Intervention Specialist or a Speech and Language Pathologist, and supported by a second therapist, or one or more Instructional Assistants, PLAY Tutors or aides.
Staff to child ratio of 1 staff member for every 2 to 3 children. Some children may require a one-on-one PLAY Tutor, Instructional Assistant, or trained family member, in which case an additional cost may apply.
Group objectives may vary based on the composition of the group and the staff leading it. For example, groups co-led by a SLP might have a heavier communication focus, groups co-led by an O.T. may have a heavier sensory, gross-motor or fine-motor focus; groups co-led by an Intervention Specialist may include academic enrichment activities.
Objectives:
To meet children at their functional-developmental level and provide opportunities for functional, emotional and social development through Floortime interactions.
To encourage interaction between children while considering their unique developmental, sensory and comfort zone profiles.
For children at FDLs 1-3: To encourage shared attention, “fun with people”, engagement, initiative, and reciprocity through interactions that follow the child’s lead.
For children at FDLs 4 and above: To encourage longer chains of reciprocal interaction, balanced interactions, shared social problem-solving, pretend play and conversation skills through free-play that follows the child’s lead and within semi-structured Floortime interactions.
To provide opportunities for sensory exploration and integration.
To support the child’s one-on-one therapy or education goals within a social environment.
Guidelines:
In general, if you think your child would have fun at the location where the group is offered, then they are welcome to participate. In some cases groups may have an age, size or weight limit depending on group location and equipment, staff available, and group makeup. If you are wondering if a group is appropriate for your child, contact us.
Children who are NOT currently receiving PLAY Project or DIRFloortime intervention from Relate & Grow must be screened so that an initial profile and goal can be determined. Depending on the child, the screening may take place at home, over secure teleconference or by submitting a video of the child playing with a parent, therapist or other children. Contact us for details and to schedule the screening.
Some children who are currently at FDLs 1-3 may require a PLAY Tutor or trained parent be in attendance and provide one-on-one intervention for safety and intensity purposes.
Children who are currently functioning mostly (75 to 100%) at FDL 4, do not require a one-on-one caregiver.
Please provide a water bottle and a snack for your child in case they get hungry.
Siblings and neurotypical friends can participate with advance registration:
There is an additional cost per sibling, per session.
Ages 1-5 are welcome with a parent present and available in the room to care for the child/children.
Ages 5 to 14 are welcome with a parent on site, such as in the waiting area, in case they are needed. Weight and size limits may apply depending on the location and equipment available at the playgroup location.
Neurodivergent siblings are welcome with a parent present and available to care for the child/children. If therapy/intervention is desired, the sibling must be enrolled as a full participant in the program.
Relate & Grow reserves the right to remove a sibling or friend from the group at any time, and for any reason.
Cancellations: The decision to hold a group is made based on the number of registered participants, therefore, we are unable to offer refunds. Conversely, if not enough children are registered for a You & Me=We session prior to the session start, Relate & Grow reserves the right to cancel the group, in this case, your payment will be refunded. A session includes 6, 1.5-hour group meetings.