Put Me In, Coach! The Art & Science Of Guiding Caregivers In Pediatric Therapy Intervention

Overview

Rush & Shelden (2003) defines coaching as “an adult learning strategy in which the coach promotes the learner’s ability to reflect on his or her actions as a means to determine the effectiveness of an action or practice and develop a plan for refinement and use of the action in immediate and future situations”. Coaching comes in a variety of forms, depending on the setting where it is used. A few examples include Motivational Interviewing (Miller, 1983), Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (COOP) Approach (Polatajko & Mandich, 2004), Guided Discovery (Henshaw et.al., 2011), Primary Coaching (Rush & Shelden, 2011), and Occupational Performance Coaching (Graham & Rodger, 2010).

This training will describe the principles of coaching, the evidence supporting the practice in multiple settings, as well as the importance of child/family routines within this methodology. Particular attention will be placed on practical strategies for utilizing coaching with caregivers of children receiving therapy intervention, including how it can be used effectively in the teletherapy environment. Considerations for documentation will also be addressed.

Following this Course, participants will be able to:

Provide a working definition of ‘coaching’ and identify at least 2 types/methods described in the literature.
Briefly describe what is known about the effectiveness of coaching from the literature.
Identify at least 3 ways that coaching differs from 1-1/hands on pediatric therapy intervention.
Describe why child/family routines are particularly important within the coaching methodology.
Discuss 2 benefits of using open-ended questions and/or reflective questions when working with caregivers.
Provide at least 2 phrases/statements that can be used to describe coaching within routine visit documentation.

This course meets the requirement for Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.

Curriculum

1 Section
3 Lessons
Lifetime

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Course Curriculum
4

Instructor

Jennifer Lawson

Jennifer has been an Occupational Therapist since 1996, with a Master's degree from the University of Indianapolis, and has focused on pediatric practice since 1999.

Jennifer Lawson is Director of Educational Instruction & Design for Knowledge Is Now, pediatric-focused continuing education organization. She is a highly accomplished occupational therapist with over 25 years of specialized experience in pediatric practice across school and home health settings. Throughout her career, she has designed and directed innovative programs, mentored and developed therapists and leaders, and created a wealth of practical resources that continue to shape the field. A seasoned educator, Jennifer has designed and delivered hundreds of hours of continuing education, equipping pediatric professionals with knowledge and tools that directly elevate the quality of care.

Jennifer is widely recognized for her expertise in core pediatric therapy foundations, including establishing medical necessity through assessment and dosage determination, writing meaningful and functional goals, and fostering caregiver collaboration and empowerment. Beyond her clinical and educational contributions, Jennifer has a deep and enduring passion for personal and relational growth, development, and well-being. She extends this passion by offering impactful learning experiences that inspire both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.

Outside of pediatric healthcare-related interests, Jennifer has been teaching yoga since 2006, and enjoys hiking, cooking, and time with her pup, Remy.