Expert Interview
At Preschool Readers, we know various factors affect a child’s learning process. To remain up to date and informed on best practices, we have an Expert Interviews series. In this series, we interview experts who provide tips/tricks and suggestions for parents of preschoolers. We hope you enjoy our interview with Kara Mihelich, Owner of Fountain Pediatrics.
| Name & Job Title: Kara Mihelich, MS, OTR/L Owner/Director of Fountain Pediatrics, St. Petersburg FL Business Name: Fountain Pediatrics What Services Do You Provide and Whom Do You Serve: Fountain Pediatrics is a mobile practice. The therapist travels to the child’s home, school, or out in the community. Kids report that the visit is like “a play date” because the OT arrives with fun sensory equipment, crafting materials, and a playful attitude. We provide evaluation, treatment sessions, consultation with professionals/educators, home programs, and virtual treatment (by request). We serve kids from infancy to 18 years old in the Tampa Bay/St. Pete Fl area. (Pinellas and Hillsborough county). What Exactly Is Occupational Therapy: You might benefit from OT if your daily “jobs” or tasks are more challenging than expected. OT can look different for each individual – it all depends on what challenges are in the way. OT can provide exercises and strategies to improve infant/toddler and childhood development, prewriting skills, fine motor development, handwriting, emotional regulation, bilateral coordination, executive functioning, and social skills, to name a few. OT can also help with sensory integration. What Are Some Signs Parents Can Look For To Determine If Their Preschooler Is In Need of Occupational Therapy: A preschooler’s main job is to PLAY! But, being a preschooler can also be a lot of hard work. They are learning new skills every day – this includes getting dressed, brushing their teeth, eating with a fork, zipping up their backpack, climbing into the car, opening their water bottle, writing letters, and paying attention. When you notice that they are struggling more than you hoped or you find yourself assisting with every task, it can be helpful to ask your local OT to come in, evaluate and provide solutions. The sensory processing system is part of the central nervous system, and when regulated, your preschooler finds success in their environment. A dysregulated student might exhibit the following: |
- `Fidgets during learning time
- chews on shirt/pencils
- messy eater
- gets too close to others
- avoids or seeks intense movement
- clumsy and scattered
- poor body awareness
- poor time management
- poor social skills
What Are Some Everyday Activities Parents Can Do With Their Preschooler To Encourage Fine Motor Skills:
Provide them with toys that involve manipulatives and do the activities with them so they can learn by watching you. Encourage your child to try again and again if something is tricky for them. Teach them step-by-step how to complete a difficult task, such as stringing beads or buttoning their shirt. Let them try, that is when the learning happens.
Letter formation absolutely needs to be taught. Kids should always learn uppercase formation before lowercase. Model for them that you also have to practice and try again when something is challenging, like opening a pickle jar! Hand strength plays a role in fine motor skill development. My favorite activities to build hand strength are:
- monkey bars
- wheelbarrow walking
- resistive tools (hole punchers, garlic press, tongs)
- putty, dough, sensory bins
- spray bottles
- sponges and squeeze toys
- crawling (animal walks)
- clothespins
What Books Do You Recommend For Parents:
- The Whole-Brain Child -by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D
- Sensational Kids -by Dr. Lucy Jane Miller
- Raising a Sensory Smart Child -by Lindsey Biel & Nancy Peske
- Handwriting Without Tears – handwriting workbooks
And Just For Fun… What Is One Word You Would Use To Describe Yourself As a Preschooler:
Helpful.
How Can Parents Connect Or Work With You:
Schedule a free phone consultation here, follow me on instagram for fun activity ideas @fountainpediatrics_OT or send me an email kara@fountainpediatrics.com.
