Mindful MasterChefs

Executive Functioning & Emotional Regulation Group

Registration for Summer 2026 is now open

Executive functioning and emotional regulation are foundational abilities necessary for engaging in a variety of environments. For our upper elementary and middle school kiddos, cooking activities are a great way to foster these life skills in a social environment. Developed & led by occupational therapists, Mindful Masterchefs focuses on fostering your child’s social-emotional skills using a holistic and play-based approach within a peer group setting as we explore new foods and try new recipes together. Each week will focus on a specific topic using evidence-based curriculum from Social Thinking and Zones of Regulation. Group sizes are limited to ensure each child receives individualized attention and support based on their skill level.

What Your Child Will Build

Emotional Regulation

Using the Zones of Regulation framework, we help children identify their internal state and use tools to stay regulated during high-sensory or high-focus tasks.

Flexible Thinking

Kitchens are unpredictable. We support children in navigating “glitches” or changes in plans, helping them practice the flexibility needed to solve problems as they arise.

Executive Functioning

Children practice the multi-step process of sequencing, organization, and time management required to move a recipe from start to finish.

Social Collaboration

Working as a team to prepare a meal requires active listening and perspective taking. We use Social Thinking concepts to help children connect and cooperate.

Functional Independence

Children build confidence in their physical capabilities, from tool safety and hand strength to the coordination needed for real-life kitchen tasks.

Self-Advocacy

In a group setting, children practice communicating their needs, asking for help, and expressing their personal preferences in a respectful and clear way.

About Mindful Masterchefs

This group is designed specifically for older children who are ready to practice independence within a supportive peer environment. At Tumble N’ Dots, we know that cooking is one of the most effective ways to target complex cognitive skills. Each week, our occupational therapists focus on a specific topic using evidence-based curriculum, including Social Thinking and the Zones of Regulation.

By engaging in a shared project like a recipe, children learn how to manage their energy, focus their attention, and value the contributions of their teammates. This holistic, play-based approach ensures that while they are learning to make a meal, they are also building the long-term emotional and organizational tools they will use throughout their lives.

Class Schedule

<
Registration Open!
Summer 2026 Dates 6/18/2026 - 8/20/2026
When Every Thursday, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Class Size Up to 6 kids per class
Location 15265 Alton Parkway #140, Irvine CA 92618
Enrollment is limited, staff includes board-certified occupational therapists and experienced volunteers.
Spring 2026 Dates: March 26th, 2026 - June 4th, 2026 (sold out)
Summer 2026 Dates: June 18th, 2026 - August 20th, 2026

Days: Every Thursday from 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Things to Know:

  • You must commit to the full program.
  • There are no refunds for missed sessions for sickness, vacation, etc.
  • No meeting during the week of March 30th – April 3rd, 2026

New Clients:
Upon registration, you will be invited for a 30 minute tour and therapist screening to assess your child’s individual needs and your goals before starting the program.

Ratios:
We maintain a maximum ratio of two children per therapist, though our sessions often allow for nearly one on one support.

Cancellations:
If you cancel 7 or more days before the group start date, you will receive a 90% refund.

Cancellations occurring less than 7 days before group start date will not be refunded.

Insurance Information:
We do not bill insurance companies directly for services provided. You will be provided with a superbill which you are encouraged to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. 

Tumble N’ Dots Pediatric Therapy is a licensed outpatient therapy clinic. Our programs are designed and delivered by licensed therapists.

All services provided are therapeutic in nature, guided by individualized treatment plans, and documented according to professional healthcare standards.

Please note: We need at least 3 kids enrolled to run the class. If we don’t meet that minimum, we’ll reach out to you and make sure you get a full refund.

Summer Registration