SENSORY EXPLORATION, EDUCATION & DISCOVERY (SEED)
What is SEED?
Sensory Exploration, Education & Discovery (SEED) is a unique enrichment-based sensory movement program offered Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays to support students who display intensive sensory needs that significantly impact their school functioning and participation. Under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist and/or Physical Therapist, students participating in the SEED program will have the opportunity to utilize specialized sensory equipment (e.g., swing, trampoline, therapy ball, climbing wall, scooter board, etc.) in an intentionally designed SEED space.
The goal of the SEED program is to provide children with sensory experiences that prepare the body and brain for learning through a sensory-based, social-emotional curriculum, including a variety of calming and/or alerting activities. The sensory strategies shared can be used throughout the day to improve self-regulation (the ability to control one’s thoughts, emotional responses, actions, and attention levels). Time is provided at the end of each session for family engagement to support the home-school connection and core belief of "families as partners".
SEED eligible students must be enrolled in a NYC DOE public school/preschool program (Pre-K - HS) and have a current IEP (Individualized Education Plan) recommending occupational therapy services. School community collaborates to identify students who would most benefit from SEED participation with a priority given to students exhibiting intensive sensory needs, students living in temporary housing, and students who had an extensive gap in service delivery. Students will be offered the chance to participate in SEED in one of two twelve-week cycles this school year. In situations where a student cannot participate in SEED due to limited capacity, students will be included in a SEED waiting list for participation in an upcoming cycle.