Educational therapists provide evaluations, remediation, counseling, and specialized instruction to children who are dealing with a wide variety of issues.
They have a comprehensive view of the child's whole self.
Their goal is to provide the best educational services to all their students.
Tutoring
Educational therapists are highly trained professionals who work with students in a variety of ways.
They provide a safe and supportive environment for kids to discuss their academic and social lives.
This may involve implementing reading and spelling programs to help struggling learners catch up.
The goal is to empower students to succeed in school.
Educational therapists focus on a number of different areas, including remediation for learning disabilities, improving self-esteem, and developing academic skills.
Many students learn better when they are taught in a multi-sensory manner.
Most material is taught using sight and hearing methods.
Some educational therapists have training in learning disabilities, which allows them to recognize signs that a child or adult has a problem learning.
They can also provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for students to develop self-advocacy.
These experts are often able to assess a student's strengths and weaknesses and tailor an appropriate instructional approach.
For example, many students learn best by moving their bodies.
While tutoring is beneficial for students with specific learning challenges, it can also be a negative experience.
A student with learning difficulties can become dependent on their tutor for support, and the result is a negative academic self-image.
Tutors typically specialize in subjects, and are well-trained in study and time management skills.
They can also provide guided reading practice and fun literacy-based activities.
Although educational therapists and tutors both provide valuable services, their methods are very different.
Tutors tend to focus on specific academic content, while educational therapists focus on how a student learns.
Case management
Using alternative teaching strategies, educational therapists address a variety of learning issues.
They also provide case management services.
Educational therapists have a wide range of specializations, including child development, speech and language therapy, general education, and executive functioning.
These professionals may also have a background in psychology, counseling, special education, and child development.
Case management is the process of helping individuals and their families reach their highest potential.
Some of these responsibilities include acquiring resources, facilitating conversations among providers, and ensuring clients receive care in a timely fashion.
Depending on the situation, the client's goals may be as simple as improving their academic performance or as complex as obtaining a career in the medical field.
Therapists work closely with clients to identify the most pertinent behaviors, symptoms, and thoughts.
This information is used to develop an intervention plan.
The therapist works to help improve relationships and reduce specific feelings and thoughts.
Case management may also incorporate social and recreational activities.
Therapists often work in conjunction with family members and other community resources.
An experienced case manager can mentor new workers and educate them on the procedures and policies of their organizations.
Experienced managers also play a key role in ensuring their clients receive the best possible care.
In addition to helping with case management, therapists can also conduct direct and group therapy.
A therapist's most important duty is fostering positive, collaborative relationships.
Evaluation
Educational therapy is a personalized form of treatment for children with learning challenges.
During sessions, the therapist provides customized instruction and strategies to enhance the child's skills.
In an evaluation, the therapist identifies the child's strengths and weaknesses and makes recommendations for next steps.
Evaluations may include standardized testing and informal questionnaires.
These assessments can also include consultation with other professionals.
An educational therapist works to build new skills, identify missing skills, and help the child develop a sense of independence.
Throughout the process, the therapist advises the family and teachers on how to handle the challenges the child is facing.
Educational therapy sessions can last an hour, and can be conducted one-on-one.
The length of the therapy depends on the child's situation and behavior.
Typically, the therapist will help the child identify a unique learning style.
Assessment of the child's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for long-term change.
Without it, the therapist cannot properly diagnose and address a child's needs.
Typical assessment tools include ABA tests, formal and informal measures, and school records.
Depending on the needs of the student, the therapist may consult with a speech-language therapist or other professionals.
Educational therapists are trained to assess the cognitive, emotional, and sensory-cognitive functioning of the student.
Whether the student needs additional support for reading, mathematics, or memory building, an educational therapist will provide the skills necessary for success.
Parents may opt for an assessment to evaluate if their child has a learning disability.
If an evaluation confirms the suspicion, the child's school may recommend an intervention program to improve the child's academic performance.
Remediation
Educational therapists are specialists trained in the assessment and remediation of learning disabilities.
They provide individualized remediation instruction, case management, communication/advocacy, and teaching strategies to help students overcome their learning challenges.
Remediation refers to the process of helping people achieve normal functioning and enhanced social and academic skills.
It is a process that takes place in a one-on-one setting.
The term is often used interchangeably with "tutoring".
Tutors can be anyone with a good knowledge of a subject.
This includes teachers, high school students, and individuals with experience in a field.
Educational therapy is a more thorough approach to remediation.
It addresses underlying learning skills, compensatory strategies, and metacognitive strategies.
By integrating information from many disciplines, educational therapists can maximize a client's learning potential.
Educational therapists have the highest level of professional preparation.
Some have attended postgraduate studies, graduate schools, or are even licensed teachers.
Others have specialized training through university programs.
Educational therapists work closely with students and their families, along with other professionals in the student's life.
They develop teaching strategies, facilitate the development of self-awareness, and motivate students to improve their academic and social skills.
Remediation is the most critical step in the treatment of learning disorders.
Students need to show significant improvement in order to enter into a remedial program.
Learning disability symptoms can be identified through comprehensive testing.
After a diagnosis is made, a therapist and teacher pair together to design a remediation plan.
Communication/advocacy
Advocacy can be a daunting undertaking.
In some cases it can take months to accomplish.
It is an arduous process that requires skillful communication, problem solving, and collaboration.
However, the end result is often greater than the sum of the individual parts.
The best advocacy efforts involve a multi-faceted approach.
In addition to influencing decision makers, it may also require educating others about the complexities of the situation.
Self-awareness is a key element in this process.
This will enable advocates to better understand their own needs and those of others.
A well-designed advocacy program will likely feature several components, including a written plan and an appropriate mix of skills and expertise.
For instance, an advocate may need to be able to write effectively in a variety of formats.
Some advocates might also be required to be familiar with the various electronic and verbal lingo that are part of modern day communication.
An advocate might also need to understand how to structure the message to best suit the intended audience.
Advocacy is an important part of ensuring children's safety.
One way to do this is to engage parents in the advocacy process.
Parents might not always know what their child needs.
A properly designed advocacy initiative might also involve bringing individuals together to discuss a topic.
A good way to do this is through questionnaires.
Using the proper tools to assess an individual's interest in the matter can help them better understand their own motivations and those of their peers.
View of the whole child
The whole child has got to be one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet.
While it's not necessarily an ideal environment to nurture a child's well rounded development, it can be a healthy place to be.
In particular, the school community should make room for kids who can benefit from a more individualized curriculum, a less constrained classroom setting, and a more hands-on approach to learning.
A more holistic approach to teaching can help ensure that the most gifted and talented students receive the individualized attention they need to reach their full potential.
This is especially true for children with special needs, such as learning disabilities or autism.
There's no question that a well rounded education is key to ensuring a happy and healthy future for every member of the family.
However, it can be difficult to implement a well rounded educational program on a dime.
In this regard, the Whole Child Model (WCM) a la carte programs that emphasize academics and extracurriculars in conjunction with a well-rounded social and emotional curriculum can help set the stage for an improved k-12 education experience for all involved.