Feeding Classes & Workshops
As developmental therapists who have been out in the field working with 1000s of families & tots over the years, we know that there is one area that is most consistently full of mystery, frustration, battles and confusion for parents— FEEDING! Almost everyone has questions without much direction or tangible support. We are here to help you! We want to make feeding your tots less stressful for you, as it is something that happens multiple times of day, every day! If it is stressful, life is stressful!
Eating is arguably the most complex motor and sensory-rich daily activity our children need to do, and it is not as instinctual as most of us think! Besides the first few months when eating is largely driven by reflexes, the rest of eating is a complex set of learned skills.
Almost every parent [with tots 0-5y] has questions around this area but very few know where to turn for real-time answers. Most of you already have wandered into the quagmire of internet sourced information and have been left puzzled, shamed or attacked! We want to create a warm, welcoming community where you get information and your children get practice with this complex set of essential daily living skills!
Group learning can be a very powerful forum for learning about feeding for both you and your tots, and this kind of education is rarely provided! How are you supposed to know the ins and outs of feeding? Parents don’t even receive a basic education in it. You are not alone if you are confused, frustrated or looking for answers! Sign up for a class or workshop, we will help make this journey a bit easier for you!
Our feeding classes and workshops are created and led by feeding therapists. Feeding therapists are generally licensed Speech or Occupational Therapists, who have gone on for advanced training and certifications. Cynthia Pepper, MS OTR/L & Amanda Rodger, MS, CCC-SLP, our feeding therapists, are both trained in Sequential Oral Motor Sensory Approach (SOS) as well as other methods. If you have very specific questions or concerns, a private feeding consult prior to group with one of our feeding therapists may be helpful.
Food is provided in the classes & workshops in line with the educational approach and to harness the power of learning through imitation. If your child has any allergies or sensitivities, please be in touch with us so we can advise on class placement and potential modifications to the menu. Jen Bragg, MS, RD our resident dietitian, specializes in food sensitivities for children and is available for individual and group consult.
“Did you know that even for licensed Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapists feeding requires advanced training? No wonder there is so much confusion! ”
Feeding Classes
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Hungry Hatchlings (6 mos-17 mos)
Join us with your baby( 6-17 months) to learn more about the transition to solids, the development of oral motor skills and have a chance to practice feeding different textures in this safe, supportive environment and interactive class. We explore different methods [including Baby Led Weaning], recommendations from the AAP and utensils of all shapes and sizes. Have a chance to ask all your burning questions and enjoy some support while navigating gagging, exposing allergens, troubleshooting behaviors like throwing food/spitting and introducing straw- and open-cup drinking.
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Dining Dinos (~20 mos-35 mos)
This small group class (max 6) is designed for our young toddlers under 3, who may benefit from practice with new foods and textures. They are also working on advancing motor skills like rotary chewing and self-feeding with utensils. Happy, exploratory babies often become picky toddlers (hello Goldfish crackers, pasta and chicken nuggets!), and parents can use strategies to navigate this toddler territory! Pickiness is partly developmental but there are also huge sensory, motor and social demands during mealtimes on our tots, and they need some skill-building in these areas. Bring your little Dining Dino and learn new skills around food and mealtimes as they do!
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Tasty Travels (2.5 yrs - 5 yrs)
Is your preschooler ready for an exciting adventure? Do you want your tot to try new foods and flavors? Join our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist on this delicious journey! Your little will learn about different places around the world through cooking. They will get a stamp in their little passport from each of their worldly destinations and a taste for new flavors & places as they knead, cut, stir & cook!
*Drop-off allowed*
