OTD Capstone Projects
Abstract
This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with First Steps Inc. in Nashville, TN. First Steps Inc. is both an outpatient therapy clinic and an inclusive childcare facility that provides education for children with special needs alongside their typically developing peers. This project sought to bridge the gap between the occupational therapy department and the education department at First Steps to promote participation, inclusion, and developmental growth in the classrooms. The focus of the project was the development and implementation of various OT tools and resources to be used in the classrooms. Deliverables included choice boards, visual schedules, social stories, and sensory regulation flashcards. Teachers were provided with educational materials on how to implement the OT tools created throughout this project. Additionally, a support manual that focuses on relevant OT topics was created for teachers. This manual includes information on sensory processing, managing negative behaviors, fine motor development, and social-emotional development.
Publication Date
Spring 4-11-2024
Faculty Mentor
Kristin Mecha OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CLC
Department
Occupational Therapy, School of
College
Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Degree Level
Doctoral
Degree Grantor
Belmont University
Keywords
Preschool; Occupational Therapy; Inclusion; Participation
Recommended Citation
Hunt, Brenna C., "Bridging the Gap Between the Occupational Therapy Department and the Education Department at an Inclusive Preschool" (2024). OTD Capstone Projects. 182.
https://repository.belmont.edu/otdcapstoneprojects/182
