Parents, Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L Parents, Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L

60+ holiday gift ideas for kids that boost brain development

Searching for holiday gift ideas that will promote fine motor, gross motor or sensory motor skills? Are you a professional working with families that are wanting recommendations for gifts that will help promote their child’s development? Want toys that will stand the test of time and get played with for longer than 5 minutes? As a pediatric Occupational Therapist here are my top brain-boosting toy pics for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The best part…just click the Amazon link below the image and you’ll be done with your holiday shopping in a jiffy!

Read More
Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L

7 Family-friendly OT Assessments for Early Intervention

Best practice in Early Intervention entails a family-focused approach to intervention. Does your current assessment process align with this? Read this blog post to learn about 7 family-friendly OT assessments that allow you to partner with families right from the start. The best part…all of these assessments are teletherapy-compatible!

Read More
Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L

Getting started in Early Intervention as an Occupational Therapist

Looking to get started in Early Intervention as an Occupational Therapist? This post covers all the things you need to know about getting started in Early Intervention including the role of the Early Intervention Occupational Therapist and 9 tips and resources every new Early Intervention OT needs to know before they start their first job.

Read More
Parents Melanie Batista, OTR/L Parents Melanie Batista, OTR/L

Play to Learn: Water Activities for kids

Kids love water! Whether it’s hot outside and you want to cool down or cold outside and want to warm up, playing with water is a favorite activity for most kids. Read on to find some new water activities to use at home or during your teletherapy coaching sessions.

Read More
Early, Parents, Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L Early, Parents, Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L

Explaining sensory processing to families: 5 tips every therapist should know

Are you a new pediatric OT, SLP or PT and you’re struggling to explain sensory processing to your families? Or have you been practicing for a while but still struggle to explain sensory or see progress with your clients? Read about some pitfalls that may be preventing your clients and families from achieving their full potential!

Read More
Early Intervention, Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L Early Intervention, Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L

5 tips to simplify the transition from therapist to parent coach

Parent coaching IS best practice in the field of Occupational Therapy when working with young children. But, it’s not something we were taught in school. It takes time and practice to become an effective parent coach. Read on to find out 5 of the best things you can do to start coaching your families to success today!

Read More
Melanie Batista, OTR/L Melanie Batista, OTR/L

Insider Wisdom: 24 Tips for Early Intervention Success

Are you and Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapist, SLP, or other Early Interventionist just getting started in Early Intervention? Or do you support Early Intervention therapists who are new to the field? This post is filled with 24 words of wisdom for all Early Intervention professionals looking to take their EI practice to the next level!

Read More
Melanie Batista, OTR/L Melanie Batista, OTR/L

The Ultimate Resource Guide for Early Intervention Professionals

Are you just starting in Early Intervention or a seasoned therapist seeking resources to enhance your EI practice? Whether you're an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist, or another Early Intervention professional, this post is a treasure trove of Early Intervention resources designed to keep you informed about evidence-based practices and empower the families you work with.

Read More
Melanie Batista, OTR/L Melanie Batista, OTR/L

20 Irresistible Amazon Prime Deals for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

October Amazon Prime Day is here! Here are some of my top pics for toys that are perfect for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Toys that will boost brain development and get used more than once! Get a jump start on the holidays this year. Save time and money by clicking the links and adding to your cart! Shopping done!

Read More
Melanie Batista, OTR/L Melanie Batista, OTR/L

Unlocking Potential: How New OT Grads Can Excel in Early Intervention 

Are you a new Occupational Therapy professional considering a position in Early Intervention? Or you’re an Early Intervention administrator needing to hire more Occupational Therapists? In this blog post, we’ll discuss how new grads can thrive in Early Intervention with the proper support.

Read More
Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L

50+ ways to rock your Early Intervention Teletherapy sessions

Becoming comfortable performing Early Intervention teletherapy (or in-person) sessions can take lots of practice and planning. Read on to find inspiration on how to focus your Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Speech therapy Early Intervention sessions. Parent coach for success and find activity ideas for your littlest learners. Don’t forget your free printables explaining the Early Intervention coaching process to share with your families!

Read More
Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L Early Intervention Melanie Batista, OTR/L

How to rock your Early Intervention interview

Whether you’re looking to land your first or last Early Intervention position, read this blog post to get prepared for that important Early Intervention interview. Whether you’re an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist or other Early Childhood specialist, you’ll find important tips and information below to make sure you rock your next interview and land the job of your dreams!

Read More
Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L

Spring Slide Deck

Looking for something fun to capture your preschoolers, kindergartners and young elementary aged students during Teletherapy sessions? Are you looking for a fun brain break that won’t completely make your students wild? Check out this fun Spring and/or Easter slide deck to work on visual perceptual, sensory motor, fine motor skills and more.

Read More
Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L

25+ Teletherapy Ideas for April

Planning for OT Pediatric Teletherapy sessions can take a lot more time than planning for in-person sessions. This list of activities will reduce your planning time while providing ideas for fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, gross motor, sensory motor and handwriting activities. Some great teletherapy ideas for speech therapists, physical therapists and teachers who are working virtually too!

Read More
Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L

St. Patrick’s Day Slide Deck

Looking for something fun to capture your preschoolers, kindergartners and young elementary aged students during Teletherapy sessions? Are you looking for a fun brain break that won’t completely make your students wild? Check out this fun St. Patrick’s Day slide deck to work on visual perceptual, sensory motor, fine motor skills and more.

Read More
Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L

30+ Teletherapy activities for Spring and St. Patrick’s Day

Find over 30 ideas and links to screen share during your teletherapy sessions to improve your student’s fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, gross motor, motor planning, and handwriting skills. Ideas to fit with themes of Spring, St. Patrick’s Day, Read Across America Day, and even March Madness. Helpful for Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, and teachers working with preschool through middle school students.

Read More
Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L

Valentine Slide Deck

Looking for something fun to capture your toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners during Teletherapy sessions? Need a brain break from learning at home? Check out this winter animal slide deck to work on visual perceptual, sensory motor, gross motor, expressive and receptive language skills and more.

Read More
Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L

20+ Fun February Teletherapy Activities

Looking to save time planning your teletherapy sessions in February? Find ideas and links to screen share during your teletherapy sessions (or in-person sessions) to improve your student’s fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, gross motor, motor planning, and handwriting skills. Ideas perfect for Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists and teachers working with preschool through elementary aged students.

Read More
Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L Teletherapy Melanie Batista, OTR/L

30+ Winter-themed Teletherapy activities

Looking to save time planning your teletherapy sessions this winter? Find over 30 ideas and links to screen share during your teletherapy sessions to customize your sessions to improve your student’s fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, gross motor, motor planning, and handwriting skills. Ideas perfect for Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists and teachers working preschool and school-aged students.

Read More