Supporting Youth of All Abilities in a Childcare Setting

Abstract

The purpose of this capstone project was to develop multiple toolkits and resources, deliver staff education presentations, and create environmental modifications to better support youth of all abilities in a childcare setting. The capstone project was completed at the YMCA Youth Development Center (YDC) in Aberdeen, SD. The YDC provides childcare for children four weeks old through sixth grade. The focus areas of the capstone project included: occupational therapy, sensory processing and integration, behavior management strategies, fine motor activities, developmental milestones, age-appropriate play activities, and autism spectrum disorder. Professional development and continuing education courses were completed at the beginning of the experience to gain deeper knowledge and skills for working with the pediatric population. The author assisted and led various activities within each classroom. Eight binders were developed providing numerous educational toolkits and resources A total of four staff education presentations were completed. Behavior care plans were implemented with four children utilizing the resources developed for the project. Sensory kits and a small sensory space were created to address sensory needs within the facility. Mastery of all learning objectives were accomplished through completion of all learning activities and deliverables

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