The Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools Guidance Center

23/09/2025

I get it. When your child's teacher wants to talk to you, your mind immediately goes to the worst-case scenarios.

But here's what I need you to know from working with educators every day: They're not coming to you with judgment. They're coming to you with years of experience and one shared goal - what's best for YOUR child.

When my daughter's kindergarten teacher approached me about her needing a second year of kindergarten and support with her social and emotional skills, my first instinct was panic. Was my child failing? Was I failing as a parent?

That conversation became the most important gift my daughter ever received. An extra year of kindergarten gave her confidence, strengthened her friendships, and ignited her love of learning. Her teacher saw what she needed before I could see it myself.

Through my work supporting teachers, I've learned that when they reach out to families, it comes from a place of caring. They're spending 6+ hours a day with your little one, watching them learn and grow. They see strengths you might miss and notice struggles that happen away from home.

When they reach out, they're offering partnership, not criticism. They're saying "Let's work together to help your child thrive, not survive at school".

Your anxiety is understandable. Your love for your child is beautiful. But please don't let fear keep you from accepting the support your family deserves.

That 'teacher'? They want your child to succeed just as much as you do.

17/09/2025

The JMI Guidance Center and the entire school community extend our warmest congratulations to our School Treasurer, Rev. Fr. Christopher A. Mapalad, OSJ, on his recent graduation with a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Batangas. ✨🎓

This achievement is a testament to his dedication and will be invaluable in our shared commitment to fostering a culture of wellness and positive mental health. We are honored to have him as a partner in empowering our students to achieve their full potential in their academic, personal, and career growth.🫶

17/09/2025

Raising a confident child is not about perfection—it’s about presence, encouragement, and love.

Confidence grows when children are allowed to try on their own, make mistakes, and learn from them. It comes from hearing “I love you” often, being seen, celebrated for effort, and trusted with responsibilities.

Instead of fear-based punishment, we can guide with patience and build resilience by allowing them to experience failure and frustration in safe, supportive ways.

When we embrace imperfection, focus on persistence, and value effort over outcomes, we raise children who believe in themselves and their God-given worth. 💚

17/09/2025

Posting this as a reminder to anyone who needs it: Keep going. There are a lot of beautiful things waiting for you 💛

16/09/2025

16/09/2025

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱

I am a pediatric occupational therapist. I know how hard it feels to find the right help. Here are simple steps I give to parents when they ask me what to look for.

First, check credentials. Ask if the person has a degree in occupational therapy and a valid PRC license. This keeps your child safe and ensures real training.

Second, ask about goals. A good therapist will explain clear goals. They will tell you how those goals connect to daily life and school. They will explain how progress is measured.

Third, ask about the plan. Therapy should be planned for your child. It should be based on an assessment. It should be adjusted as your child changes.

Fourth, check how the family is involved. The best therapy includes parents. A therapist should teach you what to do at home. They should welcome your questions and updates.

Fifth, look for teamwork. Your child benefits when the therapist talks with teachers and other professionals. The therapist should act as a guide and a case manager when needed.

𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘀𝘁
𝟭. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗥𝗖?
𝟮. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀?
𝟯. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻?
𝟰. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲?
𝟱. 𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀?

Choosing the right therapist is one of the best steps you can take. Trust your instincts. Ask questions until you feel confident. Your child deserves care that is safe, clear, and focused on real progress.

13/09/2025

12/09/2025

This!

11/09/2025

Early developmental assessments matter!

Speech and language delays may be an early sign that your child needs extra support—no matter their gender. Waiting too long may mean missed opportunities for timely help.

Early answers bring peace of mind. With Beamly’s SmartAssessment™, you’ll get quick and reliable insights into your child’s developmental progress—now available at the Oblates of Saint Joseph Guidance Center.

Because every child deserves the best start in life, and as parents and educators, we must act always for the best interest of the child. 💛

Book an assessment today and give your child the support they deserve.

08/09/2025

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary! 💙

The best gift we can offer our Blessed Mother is not flowers alone, but a life of love and service — especially for the poor, the vulnerable, and the least among us. 💕

Just as Mama Mary said “yes” to God and cared for others with a mother’s heart, may we also say “yes” daily through acts of kindness, compassion, and servant leadership. 🙏✨

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary! 💙🦋

Today we remember her faith and her “yes” to God that brought Jesus into the world. She showed us that real greatness comes from humility and trust in the Lord.

May Mama Mary continue to pray for us and guide us closer to Jesus.

08/09/2025

✨ Early Intervention Works ✨

When we notice and nurture a child’s needs early, we open doors for growth, confidence, and success.

Every child deserves the best start — because small steps today build brighter tomorrows.

Don't be afraid to seek help. We are here for you.

08/09/2025

Some centers may advertise that they target OT, speech, and SpEd goals in one session, but this should alarm you, not attract you. 🙈

There is no such thing as 3-in-1 therapy sessions because unlike coffee ☕️ , children’s neurodivergent minds are complex that it’s impossible to target all of these aspects by just one person.

Don’t let other people take advantage of the fact that there are limited professionals in your area. Remember:
1. Therapists and teachers should be graduates of 4- to 5- year courses and therapists should be PRC licensed. Ask your service providers if they have these.
2. An OT is different from a speech pathologist, which is also different from a SpEd tutor. They target different areas to improve the quality of life of your kids.
3. There is really a long wait list, so once you get a slot, make sure that you take that opportunity and make the most of it.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask your therapist questions about your child. If you have legitimate therapists, you should feel empowered to ask them questions, and feel confident that they will answer you accordingly. ♥️