Introducing LACI: Learning Advanced through Collaborative Initiatives

Published by Feeding Matters on Sep 06, 2019

Feeding Matters’ newest program, the Professional Collaborative: LACI (Learning Advanced through Collaborative Initiatives), is a 6-month virtual learning experience for occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists in Maricopa County. Funded by the BHHS Legacy Foundation, LACI is designed to unite professionals, mentors and mentees, as they build critical thinking skills within the context of family-centered care for pediatric feeding disorder. Participants will engage in monthly learning activities, analyze complex cases as a team, and receive insight from families who have been impacted by PFD. Through clinician support, we aim to enhance participation in children with PFD. This program, developed to advance clinical competency in the assessment and management of PFD, has broader system-wide goals of reducing economic stress of prolonged medical dependency, promoting caregiver mental health, lowering the risk of child neglect and injury, ensuring access to high quality care, and decreasing overall costs through efficient service delivery. Additional benefits from the formation of LACI include:
  • Therapists will be able to utilize a local network for collaboration and expertise/advice.
  • Referrals to the proper healthcare provider will be made more accurately and effectively, thereby decreasing waitlists for medically fragile children.
  • Enhanced collaboration through a highly skilled cohort of medical professionals will enable enhanced care.
Qualified Participants The mentor panel will be representative of multiple disciplines to ensure a diverse and dynamic learning experience for all participants. A multi-disciplinary panel also ensures a wide breath of knowledge will be available to the mentees. Mentees will be chosen across different settings with a focus on recruitment from underrepresented areas such as rural communities and home health settings. Potential treatment settings include– community treatment centers, hospitals, schools, early intervention centers, etc.
  • Licensed OTR or SLP in good standing
  • Currently or previously employed in a pediatric setting
  • Strong commitment to professional growth and community partnering
  • Statement of commitment: minimum of 4 hours per month to be allocated to collaborative goals
Participation Expectations
  • Attend an in-person LACI launch meeting on October 22, 2019 and LACI conclusion meeting on April 21, 2020 from 4-6pm.
  • Attend monthly 1-2-hour virtual LACI meetings for the 6-month cohort period: meetings to be held November 2019-March 2020.
  • Engage in at least 2 hours of person-to-person collaboration or self-directed learning
  • Contribute related resources and insight on the curriculum topic monthly via the virtual platform
  • Complete feedback surveys as applicable
Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists who serve children in Maricopa County, Arizona are welcome to apply.