An Introduction to Sensory Integration in the Classroom (Series Begins Jan. 8, 2025) – The Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc.

For this webinar series, participants will automatically be enrolled in all 5 sessions.

Speaker

Donna Gorman, M.Ed., The Inspirational Educator

Description

Every classroom has that student who just can’t sit still. Or just can’t listen. Or just can’t help but to bother everyone else. These types of behaviors are difficult to manage and disruptive in the classroom. This webinar series will look at the human body’s different sensory systems and how the dysregulation of these sensory systems can present in young children. By building an understanding of how the sensory system works, we can better understand the behaviors of the children we care for while also giving them the skills and practice to be more successful in the classroom.

To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must attend all 5 sessions and successfully pass a quiz following Session 5. Following the live webinar, registrants will be emailed a link to view the recorded webinar. The recording will be made available for 7 days after each session. If you are not eligible for PDPs and/or CEUs, you may apply for a Certificate of Attendance.

Today we will establish the expectations and agreements for this webinar series. We will then move into a brief introduction of the eight sensory systems and discuss what sensory integration dysfunction can look like in young children.

Today we will take a closer look at the original five senses and what sensory integration issues can look like if these senses are affected.

Today we will take a closer look at the proprioception system and how it impacts children’s sense of awareness and how it can influence their behavior.

Today we will explore the vestibular and the interoception systems. Again, there will be ample time for discussion and questions about how these senses can influence children’s ability to regulate themselves and how they can influence behavior in a classroom.

Today will be a discussion about what kind of interventions we may add to our classrooms to support children with diagnosed or suspected sensory Integration needs.

About the Speaker

Donna Gorman, M.Ed., (she/her) holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Special Needs. She has 8 years’ experience as an Early Intervention Specialist. Currently, she works as the Program Quality Specialist for Catholic Charities Child Care and OST programs of Greater Boston. She has also created her own small business, The Inspirational Educator, offering educator trainings, family workshops and advocacy support to families. Find more information and subscribe to her blog, The Inspirational Educator.

eValuation

Membership Information

Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.

PDPs and CEUs

MPY is an approved Professional Development Provider through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Provider No. F20180079). Professional Development Points (PDPs) are offered for most MPY professional development webinars. PDPs are issued in 10 hour increments, per DESE requirements.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for clinical staff through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. (MaMHCA). The NASW and the MaMHCA approve each event individually. CEUs may be given in hourly increments.

To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must pass the quiz following Session 5.

Event Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.

For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org with any questions regarding registration.

Enrollment in this course closed on 01/08/2025.

If you are seeking to receive CEUs and/or PDPs, please click Register Now. Once you complete the webinar series, you will be able to take quizzes for CEUs and/or PDPs. Upon completion of each quiz, you will receive a certificate.

All sessions are 9:30 – 11:30 am