Specialized Programs
Social Skills Groups
Social skills groups are formed according to the age level, and social and sensory needs of the child, as determined by therapist and caregivers. All ages are accepted. This 8-week group is for the child with delays in peer interaction skills, and focuses on social concepts. Additionally, children are taught principles for identifying their level of alertness and how to adjust in a social situation. These skills are developed through interactive activities (both structured and unstructured) and the facilitation of Speech and Occupational Therapists. Kids have shown improved self-regulation and social skills! Some groups have been continued independently after the sessions were over!! For guidance as to which group is most appropriate for your child, or for more information, call 763-533-0363 or 952-285-2840.
Parent Information Exchange
This group offers informational presentations based on parents’ requests. Offerings have included the therapeutic use of music, the experiences of an adult female with autism, a parent advocate from PACER, CPR training for parents/caregivers, wills/special needs trusts, family life with a child with special needs, and gluten-casein free diets. The presentations are usually on a weekday evening, usually Tuesdays or Thursdays, depending on the presenter’s availability. The presentations last from 1-2 hours. A small fee may apply to some presentations. Call Julie Horn at 763-533-0363 or email her at julieannahornot@yahoo.com if you have ideas for future offerings.
“Learn to Write Right”
Incorporating the “Handwriting Without Tears” and “Getting it Write” programs, this program is designed for children of all ages, but especially those just beginning to learn to write. A fun and interactive program, classes use modalities such as small slate boards and wooden pieces to begin to form letters. Amusing songs and verbal directives are used as well as interactive games. Each class includes 20-25 minutes of gym activities, including gross motor games and sensory motor activities to help organize the body. The second half of the class focuses on handwriting practice. We discuss and practice tips on posture, grip, and proper hand and paper positioning.
• Each class lasts for one hour for a duration of ten weeks.
• Parent/caregiver collaboration, at the conclusion of each class, will allow for consistency and carryover of new skills.
Throughout the ten weeks, the children learn to print all letters of the alphabet in lower and upper case, as well as numbers 1-10. Minimal paper and pencil tasks, as well as sensory activities are given each week for home practice. Call 952-285-2840 or 763-533-0363.
Therapeutic Listening™
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, speech/communication difficulties, auditory defensiveness, and sensory processing problems, are good candidates for Therapeutic Listening™. This individualized program uses special headphones and specific CDs to address many goal areas determined by your child’s therapist. Following initiation of a Therapeutic Listening™ program, many parents report improved attention, decreased auditory defensiveness, and increased self-help and gross motor skills.
Interactive Metronome®
Interactive Metronome® can benefit a broad range of the population (ages 7 to adult), from kids with Attention Deficit Disorder and poor motor coordination, to athletes and musicians who want to refine their skills. Interactive Metronome® is a computer-based training program designed to improve overall motor planning, sequencing, and attentional capabilities. Improvement in these areas has been shown to impact learning, cognitive, reading, and social skills.
“Fun With Food”
This 8-10 week play-based group is for those “picky eaters” who have a limited diet, are upset by the sight of new foods, or dislike getting their hands/face messy during meals. Following initial evaluation, individual or group treatment may be recommended. Groups consist of two children and their parents, and are led by a speech pathologist and occupational therapist. Each session begins with an information and discussion segment regarding why children develop picky eating patterns and how to carry out the “fun with food” approach at home. This program is based on the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding, developed by Kay Toomey, Ph.D. The program teaches the differences and similarities between foods, helping children learn to appreciate a variety of tastes and textures through exploration and play. Participants are able to eat more food and a greater variety of foods. Additionally, since mealtime is often a social time for families/peers, children who enjoy eating may well experience an increased quality of life!
“Gaining the Edge”
“Gaining the Edge” is a program for the child with balance and coordination challenges. This program may help him or her to better keep up with peers on the playground, in physical education class, and at community activities. Participants of this program have noticed improved self-esteem and social interaction as well.
Little Language Learners
This thematic-based group is intended to stimulate expressive language in children ages 4-7 years who have typical cognitive and behavioral development but are “delayed talkers” or have expressive language delays. Speech-language pathologists facilitate the functional, play-based activities in this 12-week class. The activities are designed to provide a language-rich environment in which children can expand their spoken language skills among same-age peers. Children who participate in Little Language Learners may demonstrate increased receptive and expressive vocabulary, increased social interaction skills, and increased ability to follow directions. Call Hannah Williamson or Marissa Douglas at 763-533-0363.
Capernaum Sailors’ Cheerleading Squad
This program is designed for children approximately 5 and up with physical and cognitive disabilities. Each session the kids learn new cheers and skills, culminating in a cheering performance during the adapted T-ball team’s game, followed by an individualized award ceremony! Every child receives squad T-shirts, shorts and poms, as well as treats and beverages at each practice. Cheerleaders often take Adapted Dance during the school year. Call 763-533-0363.
Sensory Integration-Based Therapy
Sensory integration (SI) dysfunction may be present in children with a variety of diagnoses, as well as typically developing children. These kids display decreased coordination, social and self-care skills (dressing, grooming, feedings, etc.) as well as maladaptive behavior. SI-based therapy is an appropach that focuses on how children process sensory information (sound, touch, smell, tastes, movement, body awareness) and how that impacts their learning, behavior, motor function and independence with daily living skills. Children pariticpating in SI-based therapy have shown improvement in academic performance, socialization with peers, increased flexibility, and a greater willingness to try new things.
Aquatic Therapy
The Aquatic Therapy program oftentimes benefits children who are having difficulty achieving that “next step” in their regular therapy program. The aquatic environment, with its resistance and buoyancy, allows increased reaction time to learn balance skills, and contributes to an overall increase of body awareness and strength. Once a skill is achieved in the water, the child is often able to carry it over to their land-based therapy activities. Most kids love being one-on-one in a pool! Call 952-285-2840.
Adapted Dance Classes
These classes are intended for children with orthopedic, neurological, or other diagnoses, as an opportunity for them to explore movement and dance in a recreational setting. Children ages 5 and older may use wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc. throughout the classes if needed. The classes are small which gives the children the attention they deserve. The benefits of participation in dance and movement classes include promotion of motor skills development, a mode of creative expression, body awareness, a positive self-image, and listening, sequencing and direction-following skills. There are memorable dance school and private Capernaum recitals at the end of the spring sessions! Many dancers become cheerleaders for the T-ball team over the summer! For more information, call 763-533-0363.
Crafty Kitchen Camp
This 8-week play-based group is designed for children ages 5-8 with challenges including fine motor incoordination, weakness, inattention, sequencing difficulties, and delays in peer interaction. These skills are developed through an alternating schedule of fun and creative cooking and craft activities. Your child will learn to play with peers, strengthen and increase fine motor coordination, and learn to recognize and follow simple sequences to improve everyday functioning! Call Julie Horn at 763-533-0363.
Pre-K Handwriting Class
Pre-K Handwriting Class is designed to prepare kids of all abilities for the level of handwriting required prior to the start of kindergarten. This 10-week class is for children approximately 3-1/2 to 5-1/2, whose academic level is that of a pre-school or pre-K child who is not yet able to write letters independently. This playful, multi-sensory approach will help kids to grasp writing utensils properly, imitate shapes, trace/copy letters, write their names, identify letters, and color within the lines! Call Deanna Dyrud, OTR at 763-533-0363.
Kids on Stage!!!
Kids on Stage!!! is a club for children of all abilities, ages 7-17, who enjoy movies, theater, movement and story telling and who can read and memorize simple scripts. The 12 practice sessions emphasize:
• Voice and Expression
• Listening and Retention
• Eye Contact and Attention
• Movement and Body Language
• Stage Directions
• Music and Sound Effects
• Dance
• Memorization
• Peer Trust
Kids on Stage!!! culminates in a wonderful play where the club can proudly show their accomplishments to friends and families! (Kids on Stage!!! summer camps have a small presentation at the end as well.) Call Deanna Dyrud or Sarah Zinkel at 763-533-0363.
Counseling Services
Capernaum plans to provide counseling services in the near future. Services we hope to offer include:
• Diagnosis of children (with exception of ASD)
• Individual therapy (both child and parent)
• Couples counseling
• Family therapy
• Parenting consultation
• Pre-teen and teen social groups
• Parent support groups
• Sibling support groups
Please check back for updates.
Independent Living Skills for Teens & Young Adults
Candidates for this one-on-one program are verbal, able to attend to tasks and follow simple directions, and do not have aggressive behaviors. Occupational therapists use a wide variety of individualized tests to determine the teen/young adult’s attention, problem-solving, learning and safety levels. Participants then learn self-care skills, planning and preparing simple meals, home and money management skills, personal safety and social skills, and appropriate leisure activities, with adaptations made where needed. Call 763-533-0363.
Youth Community Service Group
Give your child a fun chance to expand his perspective and gain social skills through community service projects! Participants are children in 3rd grade or higher (both with and without disabilities), who can attend to and follow multi-step directions for 15 minutes with occasional cueing. Family/PCAs and friends are welcome too! Some of the service projects in this 9-week group include: making toys and blankets for animals at the Animal Humane Society, decorating and delivering pots of flowers to nursing home residents, creating snack packs and games for low-income or homeless children, packaging meals for hungry families around the world, and more! The group will be staffed according to the activity and needs of each participant. No only will the kids make friends, they’ll learn leadership skills, investigate career options and make a difference in their community. That all participants will be blessed with an increased spirit of gratitude through giving is guaranteed! Call Kristen at 763-533-0363.