Description
Professionals working in early childhood (birth to age 5) likely recognize the therapeutic potential of play, but creating effective, play-based therapy sessions for this age range can be a challenge.
Cari Ebert – Play with a Purpose: Effective Play-Based Therapy & Early Child Development
It requires creativity, flexibility, and an understanding of how play impacts development. Too often, therapy becomes rigid and unengaging, because young children learn best through relevant and meaningful play – not through direct instruction, drill work, or flash cards. Play-based therapy is so much more than just playing with toys, though — it requires play with a purpose, creatively embedding strategies into naturally occurring experiences in order to maximize outcomes. In this highly engaging recording, learn to apply a fresh approach to working with young children and their caregivers by promoting cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development through child-directed, adult-guided play experiences.
Handouts
Manual – Play with a Purpose (3.09 MB) 71 Pages Available after Purchase Instructions for ASHA credit – Self-Study Only (64.4 KB) Available after Purchase
Outline
OVERVIEW OF PLAY
Definitions of play
Common societal myths about learning and play
Developmental benefits of play
Play as the foundation for learning and development
Connection between neuroscience and play
TYPES OF PLAY
Active play vs. passive entertainment
Child-directed play vs. adult-directed play
Object play vs Social play
TOYS — TOOLS FOR LEARNING
How toys can enhance development
What kinds of toys are tools for learning
Why low-tech toys are best for young children with special needs
Natural activities to promote development in the home
PLAY-BASED ASSESSMENT
Standardized testing vs. functional play-based assessment
Why play based assessment works
Assessing the whole child across the 5 domains
Application
Play-based assessment guide
Case studies and discussion
PLAY-BASED THERAPY
Recognizing the value of child-directed play
Keeping therapy natural and functional
How to play with a purpose
Relationship-based learning
Partnering with parents and caregivers
Faculty
Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP,
CARI EBERT, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist in private practice in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa and Master of Science degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. For 20 years, Ms. Ebert has served as a therapist, consultant, and a nationally recognized speaker.
She works with young children, ages birth to five, and their families and believes that early intervention is the key to future success. She has dedicated her career to helping young children achieve their maximum potential with speech, language, and social development. Ms. Ebert’s son has autism spectrum disorder and apraxia, allowing her to engage this topic, both as a clinician and a parent of a child with special needs. She embraces the coaching model of service delivery and empowers parents to help their child develop. Ms. Ebert presents evidence-based, clinically-relevant information regarding early child development. Whether you are a pediatric therapist or an early childhood educator, you will benefit from the fun, effective therapy solutions found in her seminars.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Cari Ebert is the owner of Summit Speech Therapy, LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Cari Ebert is a parent of a child with special needs.
