FOCUS Alternative Learning Center offers a unique Occupational Therapy Program utilizing Occupational Therapy strategies and Sensory Integration techniques designed to teach anxiety management skills and "grounding" of over -aroused or under-aroused states.  

The FOCUS O.T. Program offers a diverse program to meet these goals.  Program activities include:

• planned activities & games that utilize fine & gross motor skills

• small group work

• non-competitive sports

Sensory Integration at FOCUS

Sensory needs and sensory integration issues are taken into account throughout the therapeutic milieu at Focus.

They are addressed through:

The environment

•     small vs. large spaces,

•     bean bag chairs vs. soft couches vs. individual chairs

•     availability of large pillows and "hiding" spaces

•     quiet areas vs. availability of busy, active area

Through activities

• i.e. sensory bags filled with stress- relief "fidgets"

• availability of bubble wrap for sensory stimulation

• equipment such as scooters and pogo sticks for vestibular and proprioceptive input

FOCUS O.T. Program

For children ages 6-18

Monday

3:00 - 6:00pm

Daily Program Schedule

3:00 - 3:30     check in, chores & goal setting

3:00 - 4:00     afternoon activities and snack

4:00 - 5:00      O.T. Group

5:15 - 6:00      wrap-up  & free time 

Sensory integration needs are also assessed and addressed, as appropriate, during the weekly occupational therapy group sessions. In addition, the occupational therapist is available for consultation and assistance with program planning for students who may have specific sensory integration disorders.

The kids are an integral part of helping plan the activities and have the opportunity to discuss personal issues of behavior and relationship within the group and are given feedback on their own behavior by staff and peers.

 www.focus-alternative.org

860-693-8809