Why would I join an online group speech pathology program?
Online speech pathology training for parents is not a new idea. Online program delivery has been used for years because it offers flexibility as well as being effective.
Less Stressful:
Learning face to face is a really valuable way of learning but doing it online means you don’t need to travel to a training site, don’t need to sort out babysitting, you can join a program with people from anywhere and you can be comfortable while you do the program (wear your slippers if you want to). It is just less stressful to manage.
Can it be funded by NDIS?
Yes, it can.
Online parent training programs can be covered by your child’s NDIS funding under 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴. It will be covered by the most suitable training arrangement:
- parent/carer training
- program of supports and
- sometimes as a 1:1 (one-to-one) early childhood intervention or therapy supports.
Parent training seems really expensive!
Is it? Add together all the hours and you will work that it is the same price as, or even less than, if you had the same number of 1:1 sessions.
Why would I join an online group speech pathology program?
Online speech pathology training for parents is not a new idea. Online program delivery has been used for years because it offers flexibility as well as being effective.
Group programs are value for money.
The research shows that you, as a parent, can get more from an intensive, individualised program. Well researched programs like the Hanen® speech and language programs, Key Word Sign and Stepping Stones Triple P s are designed to build up, step by step, strategies for you, while at the same time you watch and learn from how other parents as they go through the same process. Your therapist knows they won’t know everything and will therefore support the group to learn from each other.
But it is for me, not my child?
Yes, because parents are important. Parents are always going to be the main teacher in a child’s life. That is because the things you do together with you child are what makes the most sense to them. You adjust the way you do things to help learning happen. Parents are supporting learning all the time.
Your therapist will help you with new strategies to try when your child is finding it harder to learn. They are an independent set of eyes and ears to watch and listen to what happens when you or child does something. They help you monitor how it is going and make adjustments.
Intensive learning means you can focus.
An intensive program means you can really focus as you try out ideas each week. In this way, you will more easily get an outcome from your intervention. Some families even take a break from 1:1 therapy so they can be really focused on what they are learning and come back later.
Why does EarlyEd run parent training programs?
There are 7 reasons:
- We want parents to have different ways to learn so you can find something that suits you.
- We want to keep the ‘early’ in early childhood intervention.
- Therapists with available appointments are sometimes hard to find. Running these programs gives everyone a chance to receive a service and support.
- Our team loves to run these programs because parents and children change and learn so much so quickly. It is rewarding for everyone.
- Parents and children can be really focused on developing their skills. The program systematically builds on what you have learned.
- Parents don’t just become more confident, but they retain what they have learned.
- Sometimes it helps a parent to step away from their regular services and reflect and hear something different or in a new way. They can feel refreshed when they come back.
Plan to include a parent training program.
If you hear about a program, either snap up a spot straight away or find out if there will be another one later, plan to join and even book in.
If you are going another NDIS planning meeting soon why not think about including the program, you like the sound of, in the new plan. All the reasons we have listed in this blog will help you explain why you like the idea and why you want to include a parent program in your next plan.
If it isn’t in your plan now, you can still choose to make changes to what do with your funding and move services around. Your service agreements should give you choice and control about how you use your child’s funding at any stage of your plan as long as your providers have enough notice of the change.
You know best what you need.
https://thediversioncenter.com/top-6-benefits-of-taking-online-parenting-classes/