SPARK program quality improvement at CHOP’s Homeless Health Initiative

Children experiencing homelessness often face disrupted routines, limited access to safe play, reduced physical activity, and increased developmental and emotional regulation needs. This capstone project aimed to enhance the Safe Physical Activity and Recreation for Kids (SPARK) program through CHOP’s Homeless Health Initiative by developing and piloting a trauma-informed, developmentally aligned, and sustainable facilitation toolkit at two shelter sites. Project components included a structured session template, visual schedule, activity bank, volunteer guidance materials, SPARK Core Values, a recognition circle, and SPARK BINGO supplemental wellness materials. Caregiver surveys, a caregiver focus group and interview, volunteer feedback, attendance tracking, child reflections, and facilitator observations informed program refinement. Findings indicated high caregiver satisfaction, consistent engagement, and perceived benefits related to play, movement, social participation, confidence, regulation, and life-skill development. This project supports occupational therapy’s role in promoting meaningful participation within shelter-based programming.

Grantor dc:publisher

Temple University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Hananel, Shir

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Connor, Susan
• Pugh, Erica

• Homelessness--United States
• Homeless children
• Caregivers
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholarshare.temple.edu/handle/20.500.12613/12269

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarshare.temple.edu:20.500.12613/12269