If you are not sure where to start, here is some information to help you on your therapeutic journey.

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• Step 1: Contact Opal Kids via phone (868) 297-9925 or email (admin@opalkids.org)

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Our admin will take some information from you to find out your needs, and offer suggestions:

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Consultation

- A one hour appointment with parent/s and child

- This is primarily parent interview to determine overarching concerns, along with an informal observation of the child.

- The observation is child-led and play-cased to get a better understanding of how the child interacts in a more natural, free play setting

- A one-page summary report is provided which would outline the next steps

- A full evaluation may be recommended if a deeper understanding of the child’s overall functional skills are needed, but this may be done during sessions if the child has started sessions with us

- Once a consultation is completed, therapy sessions can begin without the need for a full evaluation

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Evaluation

- This process entails collecting information to provide a full evaluation of functional skills, strengths and concerns.

- This is scheduled for two hours, but may also include meetings with other providers or school visits if necessary.

- Several assessment tools are done to get a better understanding of sensory processing skills, motor skills, cognitive skills, and determine strengths and areas for development.

- A full report is included and is delivered within two weeks of the evaluation being completed.

- An evaluation is useful if there are several areas of concern and a comprehensive picture is needed before moving forward, or it might be useful for schools to determine what supports are needed, such as accommodations or concessions.

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Please note that if you have a current Occupational Therapy evaluation (no older than 6 months) from another clinic or clinician, this will be accepted and you can begin sessions with a consultation only.

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Parent Coaching

- This service is fully online and conducted with our Director, Aliya Drakes

- The two programmes offered are our Mealtime Success Parent Programme or our Understanding Behaviours Parent Programme

- Each programme is 6 sessions long (one hour per session) and is carried out between parents/caregivers and Aliya

- Sessions are scheduled based on mutual availability, including weekends or after-work hours

- The programme includes an evaluation, personalised guidance and feedback, as well as a home programme at the end.

 

• Step 2: Once an appointment is made for the consultation or evaluation, the Therapy Regulations document is sent to parents to read through and sign.

• Step 3: Parents are sent the payment information and must make payment on or before the day of the session. Payments can be made by online banking (preferable), credit card/voucher (through WiPay), or by cash. Cheques are not accepted. If a session needs to be cancelled or rescheduled, this must be done at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee.

• The session confirmation is sent via Google Calendar along with the location. If you require directions to any of our clinics, we will be happy to provide you with this.

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TIPS TO REMEMBER

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• YOU are the expert on your child! You know your child better than anyone, so don't feel shy to speak up and let us know your child's preferences, strengths and needs!

• Collaboration between families and therapists is key! Most progress is seen when what is done in therapy is followed through at home; yes - we can tell!

• Therapy is a process, for both you and your child. You need to feel comfortable with your therapist, as does your child. This may take a few sessions, so don't be alarmed it if does not look like much is happening. Establishing a connection and building rapport goes a long way in a therapeutic relationship!

• Ask questions! Your therapist is not there to "fix your child". Your therapist is there to serve as a guide and source of information and expertise for you and your child. Ask questions to get a better understanding and learn more!

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