The Alert Program®: How Does Your Engine Run? is a structured approach designed to help children understand, monitor, and regulate their own level of alertness or arousal. This program is commonly used with elementary aged children, but can be easily adapted for younger or older children as needed.  It introduces the concept of an “engine level” to describe how one’s body feels: running too high/too fast (over-aroused), too low/too slow (under-aroused), or just right (optimal for learning and interaction). Occupational therapists use the Alert Program to teach children strategies to adjust their “engine level” using sensory input, movement, and other tools tailored to their individual needs. Benefits of the program include improved self-regulation, greater awareness of internal states, and the ability to identify and apply effective calming or alerting strategies. This, in turn, helps children focus better, manage transitions, and engage more successfully in daily activities at home, school, and in the community.