TOTS Information for Students

Training Occupational Therapy Specialists: Personnel Preparation to Serve Young Children with Disabilities

US Department of Education CFDA # 84.325K

Project Director:  Karrie Kingsley, O.T.D., OTR/L

Project Purpose:  The purpose of this project is to foster the specialized preparation needed for entry-level occupational therapists to serve infants, toddlers, and young children with special needs throughout California and nationally. The project design integrates dynamic coursework offered concurrently with mentored and individualized field experiences. Field experiences will take advantage of the diversity of the southern California region and world-class training settings. Training content will promote a relationship-based approach to practice and will mentor students in the application of evidence-based practices. Recommended practices such as services in natural environments, the use of infant/family mental health strategies, collaboration and coaching models, working with a multidisciplinary team, and supportive transition will be highlighted. Experiences that promote cultural competence will be integrated in all aspects of the project and practiced during field experiences. All trainees will receive mentoring by nationally recognized faculty and consultants. Numerous community partners have committed to provide exemplary field experiences including local school districts and other agencies dedicated to early intervention services. Respected experts have pledged to provide consultation and a diverse Advisory Council will incorporate consumers at all levels such as the California Early Start representative, parents of children with disabilities and other leaders in the field.

Project Trainees:  15 Occupational Therapy Masters students will be selected each year. Students will enter the grant training during the second year of the masters program for MAII students or the first year of the master program for MAI crossover students.

Applicant Prerequisites: Prerequisites include admission to the graduate program, successful completion of the all prior OT coursework, and successful completion of all Level I fieldwork and a Level II fieldwork prior to entering the grant training year.

Application Process: An application (TOTS Grant Application.pdf) that includes a short resume and 3 essay questions is required. In addition, a brief personal interview will be conducted. OT program GPA and faculty evaluations solicited by the grant staff may also be considered. Trainees with a strong interest in pediatrics may be considered for the grant program upon admission to the OT program.  Completed applications can be left in Dr.Kingsley’s mailbox in the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Grant Award:  A $10,000 stipend will be awarded during the training year.

Service Obligation:  All grant trainees must commit to work as an occupational therapist serving young children with disabilities and work in this capacity for 2 years during the first seven years following graduation. The service obligation will be tracked by the federal government.

Accommodations and Additional Questions:  Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be made as necessary. Please contact Karrie Kingsley, O.T.D., OTR/L at 323.442.3723 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.