Being a Teletherapist is not a one-person act. It involves collaboration among school professionals, caregivers, other healthcare providers and most importantly, an E-helper.
What is an E-helper?
E-helpers can be paraprofessionals, volunteers or parents. In the school setting, an E-helper is a paraprofessional employed by the school. If therapy takes place at home, the E-helper is the parent or caregiver. In either case, an open line of communication and training is required in order for each therapy session to run smoothly and ensure progress is being made towards goals.
Training an E-helper involves teaching about the technology you will be using and making sure they know how to troubleshoot on-site. This involves knowledge of basic computer vocabulary and processes. In schools, E-helpers can assist with keeping schedules flowing by helping kids transition to and from their classrooms. They can help with communication during the school day with teachers or other school professionals as needed. E-helpers can also play a vital role in making sure the child stays on task.
What are some other roles of the E-helper?
Your E-helper can assist with rewards and positive reinforcement during and after a session. If you’re using toys during a session, they can assist with cleaning toys between sessions. E-helpers should be informed of the child’s goals. This is important so that they understand when they should jump in and assist or sit back and wait. You don’t want an E-helper “helping” too much and giving away answers before you’ve had a chance to provide therapeutic cues.
When it comes to testing a child an E-helper can be very helpful, especially when testing involves administration booklets that are on-site while you administer the test virtually. Training of testing procedures prior to beginning an exam is vital. I recommended setting up a time to train the E-helper and go over any questions he/she may have about the test you will be administering.
When working with young children in the home setting, your E-helper will often be a parent. Providing parents with lessons plan prior to each session can help your session go more smoothly. Parents should know the goals you will be targeting in your session and should be provided with information on how to set up the area they will be using during your session.
Want more information?
For information on how to prepare for your first session, read “Preparing for Your First Teletherapy Session.” Interested in learning about Teletherapy candidacy? Read Eligibility Screening Questions for Teletherapy. These screening questions will help you determine if your client is the right fit for this type of service delivery model.
