CourtesyThe cheerful sounds of babies and their families filled the Wichita State Hughes Metropolitan Complex on Feb. 27 during Baby Day, an interprofessional event hosted by the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and Physical Therapy (PT) departments in the College of Health Professions (CHP).
Baby days are held each spring when pediatric classes are taught. CSD Associate Professor Kathy Strattman and PT Professor Barbara Smith host the event on different days, and students from each department participate in both sessions. The event provides students, families and professionals an opportunity to gather and learn more about the development of infants and toddlers.
鈥淐ommunication is vital for a healthy society, and learning more about the development of infants and toddlers in a real life setting is very valuable,鈥� said Strattman. 鈥淲e spend a lot of time reading and talking about babies, and it鈥檚 beneficial to see how development is sequential.鈥�
Throughout the day, five groups of babies representing five stages of development were evaluated. The babies鈥� ages ranged from newborn 鈥� 12 months.
CSD students, along with Strattman, spent the morning watching, listening, and asking questions about the babies鈥� reactions and other verbal skills. The group was joined by Douglas Parham, associate professor in the CSD department whose specialty is infant vocalization. Parham was able to contribute additional insight on speech development milestones in infants and toddlers.
PT students, along with Smith, focused on the babies鈥� physical movements and demonstrated how reflexes and motor skills support young children's development.
Smith has been conducting baby days in the physical therapy department for over 25 years. Eight years ago Strattman decided it would be beneficial for the CSD department to join and create a more diverse experience. Having students from both programs participate teaches them what health care professionals in other fields look for and how to provide comprehensive patient care.
鈥淎fter my first experience with the PT Baby Day, I decided CSD should host the event as well for students to really see how motor development and communication go hand in hand,鈥� said Strattman.
She believes baby days are a positive experience for everyone involved and a great way to enhance the education of the students. Department alumni who volunteer their children for observation also enjoy participating and often ask throughout the year when the next Baby Day is.
鈥淓veryone really looks forward to the baby days,鈥� said Strattman. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the most fun events of the year.鈥�