June 2025

Little Hands is introducing a June coloring contest; thank you to Cierra for this wonderful idea!

Copies of the coloring page will be available in front of Emily’s desk. Therapists may incorporate this into their sessions, or encourage the kiddos to take it home. We are asking any submissions to please have the artist’s first and last name, and age on the page. This will make it easier for therapists to vote for first, second, and third place winners! Pictures will be hung on the wall behind Emily’s desk (it currently has a green handprint, but will be decorated to match the summertime theme). The contest will run from June 1- June 30. Please reach out to Kayla with any questions.

• “You know, the thumb on my foot” (in reference to her big toe) – GP
• “I’m just explaining why I’m right. I’m always right.” -6 year old

• For any sessions covered by another therapist while a family’s lead therapist is absent, if the family chooses to cancel outside of the clinic’s cancellation window, the session will not be billable or paid.

• From Billing: For patient abbreviation on PRs, emails, and other documents please use the first 3 letters of the first name, a space, and the first 3 letters of the last name.
• For weekly sessions dressing in comfort/casual is acceptable.  Shorts are only acceptable if they are mid-thigh to Bermuda length, i.e. no cutoffs, or loose fabric shorts.
• For in school visits, IEP meetings and parent consultations business casual: Jeans, slacks, leggings, long sleeve or short sleeve shirt (no shorts, tank tops, sweatpants/sweatshirts)
• Please be mindful of screen use (computer/phone) during sessions.  Any screen time during sessions should be directly applicable to the client(s) (taking picture of session, printing out requested material from child).  We understand that emergencies may come up that require your immediate attention. In those cases, please request assistance from admin to support your client if you need to step away for a moment.
• When printing materials, please be sure to recycle any unwanted papers.  Please do not leave papers or trash in the area.
• Please be mindful of swing heights when the gym is busy, especially with the bolster swing to keep kids and therapists safe!
• With summer caseloads easing up this summer some creative caseload options to incorporate:
  • Work with admin to find out if you have any insurance clients eligible for make ups before their authorization ends.
    • Therapist puts in availability for a makeup (gray block on Fusion)
    • Let the admin team know they need help scheduling an insurance family make up.
    • Admin follows up on Fusion and via email to confirm if the family accepted the make up option.
  • Propose any appropriate therapy intensives to current clients for summer (i.e. increasing from 1-2 days per week for summer).
  • Schedule parent consultations/update private pay progress reports
  • Take on more evaluations
  • Condense your caseload to prevent big gaps during the day
  • Complete CEUs (great time to use your CEU reimbursement! And bring back what you’ve learned to share with the team!).
  • Take sessions outside–utilize the path between Corte Madera and Larkspur–lots of sensory path opportunities!
  • Case conference with mentors or any therapists you co-treat with.

Continuing Ed Opportunities:

Astro training course 10/3 and 10/4 online: https://vitallinks.com/event/astr2025-10-03-web2d-12-5mksf/

New Clinic Materials:

• New Size Matters Handwriting Manuals
• Postural Control Chair for Early Intervention clients (it is stored on top of the bookcase in the OT room!)

Great sensory lifestyle tips to help our clients regulate in class:

To assist, we’ve compiled resources to help you implement effective sensory strategies:

• Classroom Sensory Strategies: A collection of printable resources and handouts for teachers, parents, and therapists.
• Sensory Strategies for School-Based OT: Insights into integrating sensory strategies within the classroom environment.
• Sensory Diet Activities for the Classroom: Practical activities to incorporate sensory input throughout the school day.

Pair these information resources with these actionable strategies:
1. Create a Multi-Level Regulation Plan
Set up tiered calming options that children can access independently based on their level of need. Think of it like a sensory “menu” (like a sensory diet that works for the grade-level) with choices such as:

• Level 1: Quiet fidget tools, noise-reducing headphones, whisper phone, etc. at desks
• Level 2: Move to a “calm down corner” with visual cues, putty, or weighted lap pads while working on classroom tasks.
• Level 3: Ask for a break pass to go to a designated calm-down space to work on classroom tasks (hallway, partner classroom, etc.). This might be a teacher-led level.

Prep Tip: Use visuals or laminated cards that help kids self-identify what they need, without relying on the teacher in the moment.
2. Establish a “Sensory Buddy” System
You can either pair students or assign a classroom helper role trained to quietly offer help during dysregulation episodes. For example:

• A buddy may walk with a peer to the break area.
• Help gather sensory tools from the toolbox.
• Sit quietly beside them as a calming presence.

Bonus: It builds peer understanding and social-emotional growth.

These supports help kids to manage their regulation needs and allow the teacher to continue supporting the rest of the class.