Warren Said:

Can anyone tell me what an Occupational Therapist does?

We Answered:

Occupational Therapy must be done by a licensed professional. A B.A. in communications would not suffice at all. I'm a school psych who works with OT's often. When working with children, they focus on methods of improving sensory integration, as well as improving fine motor skills (hand writing, using utensils, buttoning, zipping, etc.). They are fairly medical in their training, and have a strong understanding of neurobiology.

Now a service coordinator, depending on the age of the students you are talking about may be a job where you attend lots of evaluation and placement meetings in order to meet the special needs of the child. I've ran into them working with young children who are entering the public education system. They help transistion students from one program to the next, and assist parents with any paperwork that needs to be completed. You would need be or get familiar with the physicians in the area, schools, and agencies for people with disabilities because sometimes, kids have so many different programs they belong to, it's hard to be sure they are getting what they need. As long as you have a tolerance for paperwork and love doing what's best for kids, you should be ok. And the B.A. in communications would likely come in handy, because you'll be advocating for your students quite a bit!

Michelle Said:

Health Jobs......?

We Answered:

You should definitely look into being a COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant). You only have to get a 2 year degree, the pay is very good, and you would have less responsibility and paperwork than an OT! I'm a physical therapist and love it, but had I known then what I know now, I would have just gotten my associate's degree and became a physical therapy assistant. That would be a good choice for you too.
The average salary for a COTA on the website below is $42,060. Income for a PTA is $41,360. Neither one is too shabby for a 2 year degree, huh? Good luck to you!

Brittany Said:

Can anyone come up with a catchy slogan for jobs in the social service sector?

We Answered:

Real jobs with real people.

Janet Said:

Could Occupational Therapists work as Physical Therapists?

We Answered:

No, they have different licensure. Yet, I have known many OTs who went back to school to also get their PT degree and vice versa.

Jason Said:

What pay should I request/expect for such a position?

We Answered:

Hi

I just found this pay calcualtor for nannies - it might help - the link is below.

Good luck!

Beth Said:

Army ranking question- Please respond?

We Answered:

if you are in school, why dont you just apply at a local v.a. hosptial that needs specialists as civilians not as military personnel.
you can check on military posts for this position, or work at a v.a.
hospital.
check your tri state area v.a. hospitals then check the military bases close to you.
you are paid better as a civilian, there are some programs that will pay for college etc.
call for human resources no matter where you check into,
congrats and good luck

Alfredo Said:

Any tips on getting a toddler to suck out of a straw?

We Answered:

my daughter learned just learned how to use a straw (she is 18 months old) i also tried holding the top of the straw to teach her but it only seemed to hinder the process. she would even suck on the straw when i held the top to get some out, but she wouldnt do it the right way i guess you would put it. then one day she just did it on her own. just keep showing her how you use a straw and she will catch on. if you have any other kids, or if you have any friends with kids around her age that can use a straw, have them use a straw in front of her, honestly i think that is how my daughter learned, she watched her 2 yr old friend do it.