REConnections Education Center

09/02/2026

Every child grows at their own pace. Noticing the skills they’re working on helps families and educators offer the right support at the right time.

Which FEDC is your child working on right now? Share below, and save this post for a helpful check-in.

09/02/2026

Why do we use music to address motor skills?

Because rhythm gives the body something to organize around.

In music therapy, rhythm and musical patterns can help children anticipate when to move, how quickly to move, and how to coordinate their movements—making practice feel natural, engaging, and meaningful.

We might use:
Drumming or clapping to a steady beat
Rhythm to guide steps, reaches, or transitions
Musical patterns to support motor planning and coordination
Movement activities to build balance, timing, and body awareness

And most importantly, we follow the child’s interests and make movement fun.

When children are engaged in something they enjoy, they’re more motivated to participate, connect, and keep trying.

Could music therapy be a good fit for your child?
Reach out to [email protected] to see how music therapy can support your child’s individual goals.

08/27/2026

Join our team!

We’re Hiring: Part-Time Homeschool Teacher 🌿

REConnections DIR Center is growing, and we are looking for a creative, relationship-focused teacher to help us launch our new Specialized Homeschool Program beginning January 2027.

This is not a traditional classroom position. We are building a small, individualized homeschool experience for children who benefit from a different approach to learning—one that supports academics while also recognizing regulation, communication, movement, relationships, independence, and each child’s individual learning profile.

Our first session will run January–May 2027, with the goal of this becoming an ongoing position. We are beginning with one homeschool group, with the goal of expanding to two groups on separate program days as enrollment grows.

What will the program look like?

The teacher will lead a small group of approximately 4–6 students, ages 8–10, through engaging, hands-on learning experiences that include:

• Core academics
• STEAM-based learning
• Project-based and experiential activities
• Dynamic movement incorporated throughout the day
• Social-emotional learning and problem solving
• Executive functioning and independence
• Communication, collaboration, and relationship building
• DIR/Floortime® principles woven throughout the learning environment

One of the things that makes this program especially unique is that students will also participate in Occupational Therapy and Music Therapy group sessions during the program day. The teacher will work alongside our therapy team while maintaining the educational portion of the program.

We would love to find someone who:

✨ Loves teaching creatively and thinking outside of the traditional classroom model
✨ Understands that connection and regulation are foundational to learning
✨ Enjoys working with small groups and adapting instruction to individual learners
✨ Is comfortable collaborating with therapists and other professionals
✨ Brings energy, flexibility, creativity, and strong communication skills
✨ Wants the opportunity to help build something from the beginning

Position Details

Initial Program: January–May 2027
Pay: $24/hour
Paid Planning: An additional 45 minutes of paid planning time for each program day

There may also be opportunities for additional hours through private tutoring clients at the DIR Center, depending on interest, availability, and family needs.

Our goal is to find someone who is excited about helping us build an ongoing homeschool program with room to grow.

If you are an educator who has ever thought, “There has to be another way to do school,” we would love to meet you. 💛

Interested in learning more or applying? Please reach out to Lilibel Bernhardt at [[email protected]] with your resume.

08/27/2026

Why Wednesday!

Why do we follow a child’s lead during play?

Because following a child’s interests creates motivation. When children are interested and engaged, they’re more likely to communicate, problem-solve, participate, and stay connected during shared interactions. Following their lead doesn’t mean letting them play alone—it means joining them in what already matters to them and using that interest as a starting point for connection and learning.

When we follow their lead, we can:
Build trust and engagement
Encourage communication
Support problem-solving
Strengthen relationships
Create meaningful opportunities for learning

In DIR/Floortime, connection comes before direction. When children feel understood, supported, and engaged, they’re more ready to learn and grow. Sometimes the best way to help a child move forward is to first meet them where they are.

Swipe through to learn more about the “why” behind following a child’s lead!

08/25/2026

When your child can't find words, their nervous system speaks a different language-and music therapy is fluent in it.

Here's what actually happens in the room: Your child makes a sound, a gesture, a rhythm.

Our music therapist doesn't correct it or redirect it.
They become part of it.
They listen deeply, reflect back what they hear, and follow your child's emotional lead in real time. It's a two-way conversation where your child is in the driver's seat.

There's no "right way" to play, no performance pressure, no compliance demanded. Just attunement.
Just being seen.

For children who struggle with verbal communication, regulation, or feeling understood, improvised music therapy creates safety through resonance-a pathway to connection that bypasses words entirely.

Your child doesn't need to learn an instrument. They need to feel heard. That's where the real growth begins. Want to explore whether music therapy could support your child's development? We're here to talk. Reach out to [email protected] to connect.

08/21/2026

It’s Tip-Off Your Weekend Friday! Every Friday, we share quick tips from our DIR Floortime-based therapy services to support growth, connection, and confidence—starting with small, meaningful moments at home.

This week’s tip: Have a family dance party!
Put on your favorite songs, clear a little space, and let the movement begin!

Movement supports your child by:
Supporting regulation and calming big emotions
Building coordination and body awareness
Encouraging emotional expression
Creating fun moments of connection

You don’t need a reason or a fancy setup—just music, movement, and each other. Dance silly, dance slow, dance fast—follow your child’s lead and enjoy the FUN together! 🎶

What’s your go-to dance song in your house?
Share in the comments—we’d love to hear!

See you next Tip-Off Friday for more tips to support growth, connection, and confidence!

08/20/2026

Your child's therapist doesn't just treat a diagnosis, they shape how your child sees themselves. When we lead with strengths instead of deficits, we're not ignoring the challenges. We're rewiring the story your child believes about who they are.

That shift changes everything: from 'I'm broken' to 'I'm learning.'
From avoidance to curiosity.
From shame to resilience.

DIR Floortime works because it's built on this exact principle.
We see your child whole-gifts first, challenges second.
Ready to explore what that difference feels like?
Schedule your free consult https://recdircenter.clientsecure.me/

08/16/2026

Behind the scenes, the hard work is happening!

For the past week, our incredible staff has been working hard to prepare for an amazing year with our students. From planning and collaborating to hands-on presentations led by our therapy department, our team has been learning the best ways to support, connect with, and empower every student.

And of course, we had some fun along the way! Here’s a little glimpse behind the scenes at the laughs, learning, teamwork, and memories we’ve already made as we get ready for our students!

Here’s to making this the BEST YEAR YET!

08/13/2026

After a full day of learning, listening, transitioning, and navigating social situations, many children come home emotionally exhausted.

What looks like defiance is often nervous system fatigue.

At REConnections DIR Center, we help families understand behavior through the lens of regulation so children can feel successful at home, school, and beyond. Reach out to [email protected] so we can help your family succeed this school year.

08/12/2026

Why Wednesday: Behavior is Communication

Have you ever wondered why a child is having a hard time with a task, transition, or interaction?

Sometimes what looks like defiance, distraction, or avoidance is actually a child communicating that their sensory system needs support.

Occupational therapy practitioners look beyond the behavior to understand the “why.” When we recognize sensory needs, we can help children feel more regulated, confident, and ready to participate in the moments that matter most.

Connection before correction.
Behavior is information—not the whole story.

At REConnections DIR Center, we’re here to help families better understand their child’s unique needs and discover strategies that support connection, regulation, and growth.

Let’s discover the “why” together.