Growing Roots

Therapist‑Designed Program

Designed and led by pediatric occupational and speech therapists with expertise in supporting children with diverse learning, communication, and sensory needs.

Orchid & Ivy enrichment programs are approved providers through Wisconsin CLTS (Children’s Long-Term Support) allowing eligible participants to use waiver funding for enrollment.

Program Highlights

  • Weekly community-based outings (greenhouse, equine, farm)

  • Small group size for individualized support and safety

  • Visual schedules, adapted tools and accommodations for all ability levels

  • Focus on fine motor, sensory, and communication skills

  • Opportunities for choice‑making and independence

  • Hands-on planting, harvesting, animal care, and simple cooking

  • Sensory-rich activities (soil, water, animals, herbs, textures)

  • Take-home flower box, harvested produce, and graduation certificate

Course Outline

Week 1 - Build and Plant - Hosted at East Troy Intergenerational Community Center

Children create their own sensory flower box with soil, seeds, herbs, and flowers to take home and nurture.

Week 2 –Greenhouse Discovery - Location coming soon!

Water, transplant, prune, and explore plants of all textures and scents.

Week 3 – Healing Horse Power - Hosted at Horse Power Healing in Eagle, WI

An equine experience focused on grooming, feeding, and connecting with horses while practicing regulation and following directions.

Week 4 – Farm Exploration & Harvest Celebration - Location coming soon!

Feed and interact with farm animals and learn about crops while building confidence and communication. Pick seasonal produce and celebrate accomplishments with a special “Farmer Graduation Certificate.”

Targeted Skills

  • Fine motor development

  • Communication and AAC use

  • Sensory tolerance and exploration

  • Executive functioning

  • Independence and life skills

  • Confidence and social interaction

GET STARTED

Builds confidence through real-life farm and garden experiences

  1. Strengthens fine motor skills (scooping, pouring, picking, brushing)

  2. Improves communication (requesting, commenting, sequencing)

  3. Supports sensory regulation through hands-on nature activities

  4. Encourages responsibility by caring for take-home plants or produce

  5. Expands food exploration and comfort with new textures

  6. Promotes social interaction and peer engagement

  7. Helps generalize skills from community settings to home and school

  8. Provides tangible reminders of success (plants, produce, graduation certificate)