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Health and Wellness
Daily movement and nutritious meals supporting energy, resilience, and growth.


Benji’s Daily Stretching, Fitness, and Pilates Routine: Building Strength, Balance, and Independence
Building strength, confidence, and smiles! Stretching Routine: Shoulder Stretch Have Benji stand with his feet shoulder-width apart. Assist him in extending his right/left arm straight out in front of him. Use alternate hand to encourage Benji to hold arm in place. Hold for 10–20 seconds for each arm. Hamstring Stretch Have Benji sit on the floor with legs straight out in front. Encourage him to touch his toes and hold. If difficult, place an object in front as a target. Hold
Lindsay O'Connell
Oct 20, 20252 min read


How We Make and Follow Schedules and Routines
Creating structure, smooth transitions, and predictability. We support Benji and Giulietta in developing independence, predictability, and smooth transitions through structured schedules and routines, while also prioritizing their autonomy. We have weekly schedules and goals that guide our program, but these are not set in stone. Our approach allows Benji and Giulietta to feel in control of their day, make choices, and have input into how activities unfold. As educators, we u
Lindsay O'Connell
Oct 17, 20252 min read


How We Build Social and Emotional Skills in Community Settings
Encouraging and Maintaining Friendships We support Benji and Giulietta in building and maintaining meaningful friendships by creating regular opportunities for positive social experiences. We make sure to set up time for them to see their friends so that these relationships can grow and strengthen. During outings, we help them practice important social skills such as taking turns, sharing, starting conversations, and responding to their peers using their iPad or PECS binder w
Lindsay O'Connell
Oct 17, 20252 min read


How We Support Physical Development
Integrating Physical Activities into Daily Routines Benji and Giulietta’s daily routines include structured physical activities tailored to their abilities and interests, designed to be both enjoyable and effective. Activities are regularly adapted based on observation, keeping them engaged and motivated while promoting confidence and fitness. Strength and Balance Gym sessions incorporate bodyweight exercises, free weights, and resistance machines. The focus is on core streng
Lindsay O'Connell
Oct 17, 20252 min read


How We Practice Daily Living Skills (e.g., hygiene, chores)
We encourage Benji and Giulietta to complete daily living tasks as independently as possible while recognizing that they may need our support along the way. Through consistent routines, we incorporate skills such as hygiene, chores, and self-care into their everyday activities. Our goal is to help them build confidence and responsibility. This approach allows Benji and Giulietta to experience success, develop independence, and understand that seeking support when needed is an
Lindsay O'Connell
Oct 17, 20252 min read


How We Engage in Collaborative Meal Preparation
Supporting teamwork, planning, and following routines. Benji and Giulietta engage in collaborative meal preparation as a meaningful way to build teamwork, planning, and communication skills. During these activities, they practice important functional life skills while using their AAC or PECS binder to make a meal together. Meal preparation provides daily opportunities to make choices, follow directions, and take pride in contributing to a shared meal. Our goal is for Benji an
Lindsay O'Connell
Oct 17, 20254 min read


How We Support Healthy Eating and Grocery Shopping Skills
We make grocery shopping a fun, engaging, and educational for Benji and Giulietta, with a focus on building leadership, independence, and practical life skills. Grocery shopping is a meaningful real world activity that provides ongoing opportunities for Benji and Giulietta to build independence, communication, and life skills. By involving them in the process from planning to checkout, we intentionally turn a routine task into a shared learning experience. Each step encourage
Lindsay O'Connell
Oct 17, 20253 min read
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