Annual Baby Day Event Draws Record-Breaking Crowd at Saint Margaret Hall

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Baby Day not only set a new attendance record but also reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in preparing future professionals, providing a joyful, supportive space for learning and growth.

The annual interdisciplinary Baby Day event took place on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Saint Margaret Hall, and with record-breaking attendance, this year's Baby Day saw an impressive turnout, making it the most attended in the event's history. Organized by Dr. Julie Nagle as part of her community-engaged lab experiences in her OT 508 Pediatric Occupational Therapy course for fourth-year MOT students and Dr. Cassie Grassmyer for her education students.

A total of 26 young "babies," ranging in age from 3 1/2 months to 5 years, joined the event, engaging the 25 occupational therapy students and 15 education students in an interactive, community-oriented lab setting. Faculty and staff from both the occupational therapy and education departments were also actively involved, helping facilitate this valuable, interdisciplinary experience.

Baby Day provided students with an incredible opportunity to deepen their understanding of early childhood development. Through play and interaction with the children, students explored key developmental concepts, such as reflexes, motor milestones, and the essential role of play in growth and learning. The hands-on experience allowed students to observe and practice concepts they've studied in a real-world setting, giving them invaluable insights into typical developmental patterns.

Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with both students and parents expressing appreciation for the unique learning environment and the meaningful interactions it fostered. Parents and caregivers valued the chance to see students engage with their children, while students reported feeling more confident and inspired as they applied their knowledge in a live setting.

This year's Baby Day not only set a new attendance record but also reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in preparing future professionals. As one of the hallmark events in the MOT program, Baby Day continues to enrich both students and the community, providing a joyful, supportive space for learning and growth.