Training for Health Professionals

Training for School-Based Health Professionals

The Facilitating Integrated Rehabilitation Services through Training (FIRST) Program

To support health care professionals’ transition to a tiered school-based service delivery model, our team developed a free, online, self-paced professional development program to assist occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physiotherapists to learn about, adopt, and advocate for tiered service delivery models in schools. You can register here. The program includes:

A welcome slide showing illustrated figures representing speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists, with CanChild and McMaster University logos below.

FIRST Course

The FIRST Course consists of six learning modules that include profession specific interactive case studies, videos, and activities to enable learning about service delivery in schools using a three-tier service delivery model.

Cover of the "FIRST KIT" toolkit by CanChild and McMaster University, featuring photos of children and adults in educational and therapy settings, with colorful circular graphics.

FIRST Knowledge Implementation Toolkit (FIRST KIT)

The FIRST KIT contains selected evidence-based materials for use “in the moment”, resources, infographics, and practical strategies to support implementation of a tiered service model.

Cover page of a document titled "Learning More about Tiered Service Delivery Models in Schools: Your Questions Answered," featuring images of children learning together in a classroom setting.

FIRST Frequently Asked Questions (FIRST FAQs)

The FIRST FAQs includes 25 commonly asked questions and responses about school-based tiered services.

Related Resources

Developmental Coordination Disorder Physiotherapy Modules
DCD in Secondary School: Let’s MATCH for Success!
Developing Service Provision Models for Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder: Cardiovascular Risk Trajectory (PHAST II)
Early Experiences and Participation Patterns of Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Scissor Activities and the JK/SK Student