Training Occupational Therapy Specialists

Personnel Preparation to Serve Young Children with Disabilities

For students interested in becoming a TOTS trainee, please see TOTS Information for Students.

Award Number: United States Department of Education CFDA # 84.325K

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

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.