Cari Ebert – Play with a Purpose: Effective Play-Based Therapy & Early Child Development

Cari Ebert – Play with a Purpose: Effective Play-Based Therapy & Early Child DevelopmentDescriptionProfessionals 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. 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.HandoutsManual – Play with a Purpose (3.09 MB) 71 Pages Available after Purchase Instructions for ASHA credit – Self-Study Only (64.4 KB) Available after PurchaseOutlineOVERVIEW OF PLAYDefinitions of playCommon societal myths about learning and playDevelopmental benefits of playPlay as the foundation for learning and developmentConnection between neuroscience and playTYPES OF PLAYActive play vs. passive entertainmentChild-directed play vs. adult-directed playObject play vs Social playTOYS — TOOLS FOR LEARNING How toys can enhance developmentWhat kinds of toys are tools for learningWhy low-tech toys are best for young children with special needsNatural activities to promote development in the homePLAY-BASED ASSESSMENTStandardized testing vs. functional play-based assessmentWhy play based assessment worksAssessing the whole child across the 5 domainsApplicationPlay-based assessment guideCase studies and discussionPLAY-BASED THERAPY Recognizing the value of child-directed playKeeping therapy natural and functionalHow to play with a purposeRelationship-based learningPartnering with parents and caregiversFacultyCari 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.