After a rigorous process that began in February, Alta Pediatrics is now a New Jersey Department of Education Certified Agency and Clinic. This designation will expand our ability to provide services to Public, Private, and Charter schools throughout the state of New Jersey.

What is NJ DOE Certification?

The NJ DOE Certification designation authorizes a clinic or agency to contract directly with Public and Private schools. This ensures that all agencies providing services to schools meet a certain set of standards in how treatment is administered, communicated, and documented. Our agency submitted an application with all requested legal and other associated documents. Once the review was completed all designated staff members were required to pass a Criminal Background Check as a final step in the process.

Who Administers the Certification Process

The NJDOE Certification process is overseen by the Office of Special Education. "The Office of Special Education has a responsibility under federal statute and regulations to operate a system of general supervision that monitors the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) by local education agencies (LEAs). The system is accountable for enforcing the requirements and for ensuring continuous improvement. The office supports the mission of the Department by providing leadership in establishing standards which promote improved outcomes for students with disabilities, as well as by ensuring consistency in the procedures that public agencies implement for meeting compliance with state and federal regulations."

What Services Can You Provide?

We are authorized to provide Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy services. These can be delivered either as on-demand Evaluation Services or on an on-going annual basis.

In addition to contracting directly with school district we also work with many preschools, daycares, community organizations, and ABA centers in the area. For more in-depth information on in-school therapy services you can view the dedicated page on our website.

Introduction

The morning rush before school can be a stressful time for both parents and children. However, with a well-structured morning routine and some guidance, you can help your child become more independent in getting ready for school. In this blog post, we will explore tips and strategies to create a structured school morning routine that fosters independence in your child and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Start with a Consistent Wake-Up Time

Consistency is key when it comes to establishing a morning routine. Set a specific wake-up time for your child and stick to it every day, even on weekends. A regular wake-up time helps regulate their body clock and ensures they get enough rest.

Prepare the Night Before

The evening before is the perfect time to prepare for a smooth morning. Have your child lay out their clothes, pack their school bag, and double-check that homework and necessary supplies are ready. This step eliminates last-minute scrambles and helps your child take responsibility for their belongings.

Create a Visual Schedule

Visual schedules are a great way to make the morning routine more manageable for your child, especially if they are younger. Use pictures or drawings to represent each step of the routine, from waking up to leaving for school. Hang it in a visible place so your child can follow along.

Establish a Morning Checklist

A checklist helps your child stay organized and ensures they don't forget anything important. Include tasks such as brushing teeth, washing face, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. Encourage your child to check off each task as they complete it, providing a sense of accomplishment.

Encourage Independence

As your child grows, encourage them to take on more responsibility. Allow them to choose their outfits, make their breakfast (with supervision, if needed), and pack their lunch. Gradually, your child will become more self-sufficient and confident in their morning routine.

Use Timers or Alarms

Timers or alarms can help keep the morning routine on track. Set alarms for specific tasks, such as when it's time to stop playing and start getting ready, or when it's time to leave for the bus stop. This visual and auditory cue can help your child transition smoothly between activities.

Offer Positive Reinforcement

Praise and positive reinforcement go a long way in motivating your child to be independent. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and acknowledge their efforts. A simple "Great job getting dressed by yourself!" can boost their confidence and motivation.

Be Patient and Flexible

Mornings can be unpredictable, and not every day will go smoothly. Be patient and understanding when setbacks occur. Encourage problem-solving and teach your child that it's okay to make mistakes as long as they learn from them.

Set a Good Example

Children often learn by observing their parents. If you maintain a calm and organized morning routine, your child is more likely to do the same. Show them how to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.

Make Mornings Enjoyable

Finally, make mornings enjoyable for your child. Incorporate a fun activity or special treat into the routine to give them something to look forward to. This can be as simple as sharing a quick joke, reading a short story, or listening to their favorite song together.

Conclusion

A structured school morning routine not only helps your child get ready for school but also teaches them valuable life skills and fosters independence. By following these tips, you can create a positive and empowering morning routine that sets the tone for a successful day of learning and growth. Remember that consistency, patience, and positivity are key ingredients in helping your child become more self-sufficient in their morning routine.

Introduction

Summer is the perfect time to engage your children in activities that not only provide entertainment but also promote their overall development. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I understand the importance of targeting various areas of a child's development, such as gross motor skills, fine motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social skills. In this article, I will share expert advice and suggest summer activities that can help enhance these crucial areas of your child's growth while ensuring an enjoyable and memorable summer for the whole family.

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills involve the coordination and control of large muscle groups, promoting physical strength, balance, and coordination. Here are some summer activities to boost gross motor skills:

• Outdoor obstacle course: Set up a fun obstacle course in your backyard or at a nearby park, incorporating crawling tunnels, balance beams, hula hoops, and skipping ropes. This activity promotes coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
• Swimming: Take advantage of the summer weather and encourage your child to swim. Swimming enhances core strength, motor planning, and overall physical fitness. It is also a great sensory activity.
• Bike riding: Riding a bike helps develop balance, coordination, and bilateral coordination skills. Explore local trails or parks to make it an adventure for your child.

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the coordination and control of small muscles, particularly in the hands and fingers. They are essential for tasks such as writing, cutting, and self-care activities. Here are some summer activities to improve fine motor skills:

• Sandcastle building: Provide your child with various tools, such as buckets, shovels, and small utensils, to build sandcastles. Manipulating these tools helps develop hand strength, dexterity, and finger coordination.
• Water play: Fill a bucket or water table with water and add small objects like toy boats, sponges, and cups. These activities encourage hand-eye coordination, pouring, and squeezing skills.
• Nature crafts: Collect leaves, flowers, and other natural materials during nature walks. Use them for crafting activities like leaf rubbing, collage-making, or creating flower crowns. These activities promote finger control, bilateral coordination, and creativity.

Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to how our nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information. Engaging in sensory activities can help children regulate their sensory responses. Here are some summer sensory activities:

• Sensory bins: Fill a shallow container with materials like rice, beans, sand, or water beads. Add small toys or objects for your child to explore and manipulate. Sensory bins provide tactile stimulation, promote focus, and encourage imaginative play.
• Water play: Create a sensory-rich water play area by incorporating various temperatures, textures, and water toys. This activity helps children regulate their sensory responses while providing a soothing and enjoyable experience.
• Outdoor nature exploration: Encourage your child to engage with nature by touching different textures, listening to natural sounds, and exploring natural scents. Nature provides a multi-sensory experience, which can help regulate and calm the nervous system.

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation involves understanding and managing emotions effectively. Summer activities can help children develop emotional resilience and self-regulation skills. Here are some suggestions:

• Nature walks: Take your child on nature walks to connect with the calming elements of the environment. Encourage them to discuss their emotions and observations during the walk. This promotes self-reflection and emotional expression.
• Mindfulness activities: Engage in mindfulness activities such as guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga sessions. These practices help children become more aware of their emotions and develop strategies for self-regulation.
• Journaling: Provide your child with a journal or art supplies to express their emotions creatively. Drawing, writing, or painting can serve as an outlet for emotional expression and reflection.

Social Skills

Summer activities provide ample opportunities for children to interact with others and enhance their social skills. Here are a few suggestions:

• Team sports: Enroll your child in team sports such as soccer, baseball, or basketball. Team activities foster cooperation, communication, and social interaction.
• Playdates and picnics: Organize playdates or picnics with friends or neighbors. These informal gatherings allow children to practice socializing, turn-taking, and problem-solving in a relaxed setting.
• Community volunteering: Engage your child in age-appropriate community service activities, such as cleaning up a park or participating in a charity event. Volunteering fosters empathy, teamwork, and a sense of community.

Stay Cool and Hydrated!

While you are out there in the summer heat it is important to stay cool and hydrated. Lois Manzella Marchitto, the owner of Fitness Knocking, which provides in-home personal training in NJ, provides some easy ways to stay hydrated while being active. In addition to drinking water there are also foods like watermelons, oranges, and even zucchinis can help us stay hydrated during summer activities.

Conclusion

Engaging your children in summer activities that target gross motor skills, fine motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social skills is a wonderful way to promote their holistic development. By incorporating these suggested activities, you can make the most of the summer season while helping your child grow and thrive. Remember to adapt the activities based on your child's age, abilities, and interests. Have a fantastic summer filled with fun, growth, and cherished memories!

Some children, young people and adults find the information that they receive through their senses challenging. Things like hearing, touch, vision, taste and smell are our commonly known senses. In addition to these, there are three other less known senses that also play a big part in and how we and our bodies engage and respond to the world around us. These are Proprioception, a sense of body awareness; Vestibular, which involves movement, balance and coordination; and Interoception which helps us understand and feel what’s happening inside our body.

The idea behind a sensory diet is that by providing children with the right types and amounts of sensory input, they can regulate their sensory systems more effectively, leading to better behavior, attention, and overall functioning. This can be especially helpful for children with sensory processing difficulties, ADHD, autism, and other developmental or neurological conditions.

We developed this guide to help parents, caregivers, and members of the community better understand sensory profiles and home activities you can use to develop a sensory diet.

Michelle Gold Joins Alta Pediatrics as a Patient Care Coordinator

We’d like to welcome our newest team member, Michelle Gold! Michelle is joining us as a Patient Care Coordinator to help assist both new and existing patients with onboarding, scheduling, and insurance billing.

Michelle brings many years of experience in medical administration having worked previously for Atlantic Health Systems and Vanguard Medical Group. She is also a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), which allows her to bring direct clinical experience to the administrative function.

Michelle is a local resident and mom in Scotch Plains where she resides with her husband, and her two children. We are very excited to have Michelle onboard!

We will have a booth setup at the Westfield Spring Fling Event on Sunday May 1st. This is the first time the event is being put on since 2019 and is being organized by the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Westfield Corporation.

Center Street between North Avenue and Broad Street in Westfield will be transformed into a virtual shopping pavilion of artists, retailers, and culinary delights along with non-stop entertainment and a Kid Zone packed with rides and activities.

At our booth we will have sensory games for the kids, and promotional giveaways. We are hard at work getting everything ready for Sunday, including printing our own t-shirts at home for the team to wear during the event.

The event will be open from 10am to 5pm, and it's looking like the weather is going to cooperate. We hope to see you on Sunday!

Alta Pediatrics is a Pediatric Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Clinic located in Scotch Plains, NJ.