MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Name: Understanding the Preschool Sensory Environment: A Research Study & Implications for Practice
Start: 2026-10-02T09:45:00-0500
End: 2026-10-02T10:45:00-0500

Welcome to MiOTA’s Fall Conference 2026!

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

Understanding the Preschool Sensory Environment: A Research Study & Implications for Practice

Friday October 2, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Danube (50)

This session focuses on the research and practical implications of the preschool sensory environment. After a brief review of what is currently known in the literature about preschool sensory environments and their relevance for children's participation, we will present the findings from our current ongoing research into teachers' perspectives on their own preschool classroom environments. Finally, we will link the body of research and our own findings to practical implications for occupational therapists working in these early childhood environments, highlighting opportunities for OTs to work with teachers to create supportive sensory environments.

References:
Kuhaneck, H. M., & Kelleher, J. (2015). Development of the classroom sensory environment assessment (CSEA). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(6), 6906180040p1-6906180040p9.

Piller, A., & Pfeiffer, B. (2016). The sensory environment and participation of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. OTJR: occupation, participation and health, 36(3), 103-111.

Tamblyn, A., Sun, Y., May, T., Evangelou, M., Godsman, N., Blewitt, C., & Skouteris, H. (2023). How do physical or sensory early childhood education and care environment factors affect childr

Speakers

Tricia Foster

Associated Professor, Western Michigan University

Tricia Foster, PhD, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Western Michigan University. Her research, clinical, and teaching interests intersect in the area of supporting young children’s engagement and participation in their home... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Danube (50)

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MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Tricia Foster

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MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Tricia Foster

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