Forty Special Needs Professionals receive unique training to help young children develop early physical literacy and participation skills . Brockville, ON October 31, 2016 Forty qualified leaders attended the Building BlocksTM to Self Regulation two day training recently as part of the Tumbling TogetherTM Team Training Project. Participants learned about a unique innovative program using movement to help young children with special needs engage and interact in a variety of learning situations. The training, which drew professionals working with special needs from throughout the region including Lanark County, Brockville, Ottawa, Cornwall, Belleville and Montreal, was made possible through an Ontario Sports and Recreation Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Ministry of Sports, Recreation and Tourism. “It was great to have the support from the Ministry so we could offer this program to professionals throughout the region,” said Occupational Therapist, Cécile Loiselle, one of the two original designers of the program. “Early intervention through this series of programs can make a big difference for children and their parents.” The program provides what developers are calling ‘building blocks for self-­‐regulation’, skills that many young children with special needs often have difficulty developing on their own. By explicitly teaching both the children and the parents to co-­‐regulate, children are better able to participate in recreation programs, therapy sessions, daycare and school programs. Designed for children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years, the program has four stages: 1.
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Calm Alert ConnectedTM Stop, Wait, GoTM Kids Gotta MoveTM (both a Therapy and an Inclusive version) Tumbling TogetherTM The funding provided by the Ministry is directed at the Tumbling TogetherTM program that uses gymnastics as a base for therapy. The training delivered this week by Loiselle, qualifies professionals to deliver the first three programs and serves as Days 1 & 2 of a three day training for those wishing to successfully deliver a full Tumbling TogetherTM series. “The research shows that these programs work, both in terms of improving fundamental physical literacy and helping children develop early participation and ‘engagement’ skills. It is fantastic that we were able to train two new teams that can now take this program out into their communities and reach more children in need,” said Jean Chamberlain, a Speech & Language Pathologist, and the other original developer of Tumbling TogetherTM. The program involves multiple disciplines and multiple community organizations have been involved in its success. The grant was applied for through the Developmental Services of Leeds and Grenville with Pediatric Community programs at Brockville General Hospital, Language Express, Lanark Community Programs, Lanark Infant and Child Development of Lanark, Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville, and the Brockville Gymnastics Academy all providing support and resources during the development. “This is an incredible example of what can happen when community organizations come together to build something for their communities,” said Loiselle. “We’re excited to be able to help children develop in this direction and deliver a program that we know is working.” For more information contact [email protected] Calm
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