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THE BALZER-MARTIN PRESCHOOL SCREENING PROGRAM
by Lynn A. Balzer-Martin, PhD, OTR,
and Carol S. Kranowitz, M.A.
THE BALZER-MARTIN PRESCHOOL SCREENING PROGRAM (BAPS) provides a method for identifying possible developmental problems in children ages 3, 4, and 5 years old. It is based upon a sensory integration model. This means that underlying neurological processes are considered in order to judge a child's probability of acquiring appropriate skills and behaviors in the future. Observations are made of functions such as sensitivity to touch, sensitivity to movement, bilateral coordination, and motor planning. Also, the structured format provides an opportunity to note a child's auditory processing, visual processing, attention span, and activity level.
During the screening process, a fairly complete picture of each child's sensorimotor functioning emerges. The program thus goes beyond identifying that small number of children who may require further assessment and, subsequently, intervention. Because parents and teachers have this kind of expanded perspective available, they can enhance the ability of every child to interact successfully with his or her environment.
CONTENTS OF THE BAPS MANUAL:
- "Catching Preschoolers Before They Fall: A Developmental Screening Using a Neurological Approach," by C. S. Kranowitz (Child Care Information Exchange, March 1992)
- "Caught Two, But One Got Away," by C. S. Kranowitz (Child Care Information Exchange, January 1998)
- Screening Program Schedule -- when to plan teacher-training workshop; when to advise parents about the screening; when to contact parents about results, etc.
- Introduction to the Sensorimotor Screening -- a sample of a one-time-only letter to explain to your families the rationale for using BAPS
- Annual Pre-Screening Letter to Parents -- a sample of a letter that explains sensory integration more fully and that accompanies the Parent Questionnaire
- Sensorimotor History Questionnaire for Parents of Preschool Children -- 19 categories re: child's sensitivity to touch, reactions to playground equipment, language skills, motor skills, etc.
- Teacher Checklist -- 18 questions re: a student's use of classroom tools, ability to concentrate when necessary, use of both hands together when required, etc.
- Class Chart to help teachers gather information for Teacher Checklist
- Blueprint to prepare room for screening activities; equipment list; description of 11 screening items; and 3-point scoring criteria for each
- Data Sheet to record the performances of children (6 per Sheet) doing 11 items, with spaces for adding notes from parents' and teachers' information (sample provided)
- Post-Screening Letter to Parents -- a "thank-you" for parents' cooperation; a review of what sensory integration is; why the screening is a valuable tool
- Promoting Sensory Integration at School and at Home -- enjoyable activities that parents and teachers can encourage
- Copies of letters from parents whose children already receive therapy, addressed to parents whose children have recently been identified -- articulate expressions of parents' initial feelings
- "How to Start a Parent Group" -- pointers from an experienced leader
- Follow-up Chart -- for tracking the future progress of identified children (sample provided)
To order, please fill out the form provided below, and send it with a check for $60.00 (U.S.), payable to St. Columba’s Nursery School, to the following address:
BAPS
c/o St. Columba's Nursery School
4201 Albemarle Street, NW
Washington, DC 20016
THE BALZER-MARTIN PRESCHOOL SCREENING PROGRAM (BAPS)
Order Form
________________________________________________
NAME
________________________________________________
TITLE
________________________________________________
SCHOOL, CLINIC, etc.
________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS
________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
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