On October 28, 2022, first-year MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) students participated in a child development lab, affectionately known as “Baby Day”. Students come to class armed with developmental checklists they create from materials presented in class and from other reputable sources. They then observe child development “in the flesh” and ask parents questions about the development of their child. The students visit up to ten families with children ranging in age from newborn to three years. This class “brings to life” the developmental milestones that the students read in textbooks and learned about in class, making the learning experience more meaningful and memorable. This class is often described by students as a highlight in the curriculum.
This module is coordinated by Dr. Jill Zwicker, a Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Brain Development and Rehabilitation. We are grateful to the parents and children who volunteer to support our students’ learning of child development. “Baby Day” occurs every October. If you know someone who expecting a baby or who has an infant or toddler, we are always looking for volunteers to participate in this child development lab. Please contact Dr. Zwicker at jill.zwicker@ubc.ca if you (or someone you know) would be interested in helping our students learn about child development. Alumni are especially welcome!