PlaySmart Food Explorers

Service Description

PlaySmart Food Explorers is a 6-week, OT-led, small-group class designed to help children 5-10 years old build confidence, comfort, and curiosity around food—through play, movement, and hands-on experiences. This is a supportive, play-based environment where children learn the skills behind eating—like sensory processing, motor skills, and regulation. No diagnosis or referral needed. Children of all abilities are welcome. What Your Child Will Learn in PlaySmart Food Explorers: Weeks 1–2: Building Comfort with Food We start by reducing pressure and increasing comfort. Your child will work on: Tolerating new foods in their space Exploring foods through looking, touching, and smelling Participating in simple food prep activities Learning that food can be safe and predictable Building positive, no-pressure experiences with food Weeks 3–4: Exploring & Interacting with Food Once comfort grows, we increase interaction. Your child will practice: Trying foods in different forms (textures, temperatures, combinations) Expanding flexibility with familiar foods Developing oral motor awareness through playful exposure Weeks 5–6: Building Confidence & Independence Now we focus on confidence and carryover. Your child will explore: Making choices and participating in meal creation Trying new foods in a supportive environment Feeling successful and proud at the table What makes this program different? We focus on progress over perfection. Children are never forced to eat. Success might look like touching, smelling, helping prepare, licking or tasting a new food. These are important steps toward long-term success. By the end of PlaySmart Food Explorers your child should: Feel more comfortable around new and non-preferred foods Be more willing to interact with and explore foods Have improved confidence at mealtimes Show increased flexibility with foods Experience less stress and more success at the table Caregivers will also leave with simple, practical strategies to support progress at home.