All group programs at Grow Pediatric Therapy are created and conducted by one of our occupational therapists. Each group class has different goals and is aimed at a specific age range. Our group classes include 6-12 sessions, scheduled once or twice weekly over the course of 6 weeks. For more information, see below.
Group Feeding Classes
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A group for 3-5 year old children focused on increasing comfort around new foods in a play-based and non-pressured environment. Kids and parents will learn tools to expand their diet and willingness to try new foods. All group classes are scheduled out 2x per week, over the course of 6 weeks.
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A group for children aged 6-10 years old focused on exploring food in a fun and low stress environment. Kids will learn tools to increase their comfort and confidence around trying new and different foods. All of our group classes are scheduled 2x per week over the course of 6 weeks.
Overview
Throughout 6-12 treatment sessions spanning over 6 weeks, children will participate in play-based activities incorporating a variety of foods and a holistic approach to eating. This encompasses the whole brain and body including postural control, oral motor skills, behavior, learning, sensory processing, medical needs, and other nutritional considerations.
Food groups will be facilitated by occupational therapists, utilizing the evidence-based Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding. This approach emphasizes play-based systematic desensitization to non-preferred foods to teach children to eat, explore, and enjoy a wide range of foods at their own pace.
Our feeding groups at Grow Pediatric Therapy emphasize meeting children at their developmental feeding level. This means that we never force a child to eat a non-preferred food. Instead, we guide children in climbing a developmental hierarchy of feeding skills through active play and interaction with a variety of foods. This evidence-supported approach contributes to long-term improvement, so that children are able to increase accepted foods comfortably and successfully at home, school, and in the community (playdates, parties, etc. ).
We offer feeding interventions using a peer group model, as this is an incredibly effective and powerful treatment modality in feeding therapy. Children can make rapid progress when motivated by kids their same age with similar feeding challenges. Parents also take an active role in feeding interventions with ongoing coaching and home recommendations provided by our OTs to support carryover of skills for both the parent and child.
Is the SOS Approach to Feeding Right for my child?
My child eats a restricted range or variety of foods (typically less than 20)
My child refuses entire categories of foods (i.e. protein, starch, fruits, vegetables)
My child cries, screams, or is easily upset when new foods are presented
My child usually eats entirely different foods than the rest of the family at meal times
Mealtimes are an ongoing challenge
I would characterize my child’s feeding habits as extremely “picky” or “selective”
My child is over-reactive to smells or tastes to the point of gagging or vomiting
My child has a history of sensory-processing difficulties or sensitivities
My child has motor development challenges
What Parents Have to Say About Our Groups:
“Our experience with Big Brave Bites has been such a great experience for my child. Although we do receive individual OT for selective eating, the group setting allowed my child to be with other kids who struggle with the same thing. He was able to see he is not alone. Having other kids and Rylie encourage him throughout the last six weeks has given him more confidence and bravery when exposing him to new foods. I would highly encourage any family struggling with a severe picker eater in their home to consider this program. You will not only receive lots of instruction and feedback to continue in your own home setting but I guarantee you will see a new confidence in your own child. Thank you Grow Pediatric Therapy for offering this awesome program!”
Lindsay F
“We have truly enjoyed this experience and it has helped our kiddo feel brave enough to try new things”
Parent
"Big Brave Bites" at Grow Pediatric Therapy has been an incredible experience for my 7-year-old picky eater. The program is thoughtfully designed to engage children in a fun and supportive environment, making the process of trying new foods less intimidating. Rylie is extremely patient and creative, using a variety of techniques to encourage kids to explore different tastes and textures at their own pace. One of the standout aspects of the program is how it incorporates play into mealtime, turning what could be a stressful situation into something enjoyable. My child has gradually become more open to trying new foods and has decreased anxiety at mealtime. The group setting also offers a sense of camaraderie, where children can see their peers trying new foods, which has been a great motivator. The therapists at Grow Pediatric Therapy are truly dedicated to helping each child succeed, and their expertise shines through in the progress my child has made. Overall, I highly recommend "Big Brave Bites" to any parent with a picky eater. It’s been a game-changer for us!
Meghan S.
Interested in one of our classes? Please fill out the form below.
Policy
In order to be enrolled in a group class, registration paperwork and payment MUST be submitted. One of our OTs will review your case and determine if a group setting is the best for your family’s individual needs and goals.
Cancellations/Refunds
All payment towards group classes are final. Grow Pediatric Therapy reserves the right to cancel the class if the minimum number of class participants has not been met within 2 business days of the first scheduled class. In this case, a full refund will provided.