"Hybrid" Level 1 Mentorship:
Hybrid | September 15-18, 2026
Daily | 8:00am - 12:15pm MT
October 9-10 & 16-17, 2026
Friday/Saturday | 4:00pm-8:15pm MT
December 4-5 & 11-12, 2026
Friday/Saturday | 2:30pm-6:45pm MT
STAR Proficiency Certification
Completion of a Level 1 Mentorship Program allows participants the option to obtain STAR Proficiency Certification Level 1.
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STAR Institute’s Level I Intensive Mentorship is open to Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Speech Therapists. The program provides an overview of the theory and application of the STAR Frame of Reference and the STAR PROCESS therapeutic approach. Common Sensory Processing Subtypes, their presentations and differential diagnoses are explored at length. Participants will develop advanced clinical reasoning tools to apply to sensory assessment and treatment planning. The A SECRET problem-solving tool is introduced for use in practice to develop effective, comprehensive sensory life-styles for clients.
The objective of STAR Institute's Level 1 Intensive Mentorship program is to provide participants with a basic understanding of the latest research in disordered Sensory Processing and the ability to:
- Identify, characterize, and contrast the most common patterns of differences in sensory integration and processing
- Utilize clinical reasoning tools for intervention and home adaptation developed by Dr. Lucy Jane Miller and Dr. Sarah A. Schoen
- Recognize and develop realistic and functional goals using Goal Attainment Scaling
- Recognize the importance of engaging families in the treatment process
- Become familiar with appropriate tools to evaluate children and environments where differences in sensory integration and processing are contributing to challenges with occupational participation
- Observe client session videos, analyze through clinical reasoning, and discuss treatment planning
- Become familiar with the STAR PROCESS therapeutic approach.
- Address family needs and desires
- Synthesize information in an OT assessment, write treatment notes using STAR Institute’s clinical reasoning approach
- Communicate effectively with physicians and other members of a client’s team
Who Should Attend
The Level 1 Mentorship program is designed for Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech Language Pathologists, and Physical Therapists to enhance diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills.
Course Requirements & Application Review
Applicants must currently work with children with Sensory Processing differences and have a minimum of 2 years' pediatric experience.
To register, complete the online registration form and attach a copy of your current curriculum vitae or resume. All registrations are reviewed by the STAR team to confirm eligibility. Based on your approval status, you will receive access to the applicable prerequisite materials and the online course space — please allow 1–2 business days for notification of your status.
If you are not selected for the mentorship/intensive program at this time, your tuition will be refunded in full.
If you would like to discuss your current experience or situation, please reach out to the STAR Education team at education@sensoryhealth.org.
Course Cost:
The tuition for this program is $990.
Get started today — a payment plan is available at registration to allow you to spread the cost over time while continuing your professional learning. For additional information or to set up an alternative option, please contact our Education Team at education@sensoryhealth.org.
Instructor Disclosures:
- STAR Institute instructors receive a speaking fee for teaching this course
- There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose
STAR Institute Credentials
STAR Institute awards competency credentials to participants who demonstrate proficiency at each individual course level. Participants receive credential certificates documenting completion of the specialized training in SPD.
All participants receive an Advanced Mentored Clinician Level 1 credential upon completion. Individuals interested in achieving the STAR ProCert 1 credential are required to take STAR Proficiency Level I course within 3 years of completing the Level 1 Mentorship program.
Continuing Education
