Occupational Therapy – Preschool

Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) work with children/ youth and their caregivers to build skills, use adapted equipment (seating, adapted utensils, pencil grips, bath seats, etc.) or modify tasks or the environment. Therapy focusses on skills development as well as creating environments that allow the child or youth to participate as fully as possible. 

Who We Are:

Occupational Therapists (OT) are regulated healthcare professionals who work with Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTA) to maximize a child’s level of independence and safety during functional activities and routines at home, school, and community. OTs have a master’s degree and must be registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. OTAs have a post-secondary diploma and provide therapy under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

What We Provide:

Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants may provide:

• Assessments which may include a review of your child’s history, a clinical observation of your child’s skills, a standardized test, and caregiver observations/ interviews.
• OTs work with the family to identify goals that are important to the child and their caregivers.
  • Goals may include:
    • Feeding and swallowing
    • Fine motor skills
    • Visual perceptual ability
    • Motor coordination
    • Sensory processing
    • Infant and child motor milestones
    • Self-care skills
    • Independence
    • Learning strategies
• Individual and/or group therapy sessions.
• Consultation and home programming for the family.
• Consultation and recommendations to school teams and community partners.
• Equipment assessments.

Occupational Therapy – School Age

The School Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS) program provides Occupational Therapy (OT) for students grades 1-12, in the following publicly funded school boards: Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB), St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB), and Conseil scolaire catholique Providence.

The consultative therapy support provided aims to build capacity within the student, family, and school staff to implement strategies and recommendations that will support the student’s learning, function, and participation at school.

Who We Are:

Occupational Therapists (OT) have a master’s degree or equivalent qualification and must be registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) have a post-secondary diploma and provide therapy under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

What We Provide:

The role of SBRS Occupational Therapy (OT) is to help students access learning and participate safely and effectively in daily school activities. Occupational Therapists may recommend task modifications, prescribe specialized equipment, and provide strategies tailored to individual student needs. OTs regularly collaborate with parents, teachers, and school staff to ensure consistent support across school environments.

SBRS Occupational Therapists focus on:

• Fine motor skills (printing and scissor use)
• Visual perceptual skills (copying, letter/number reversals, scanning)
• Gross motor skills (core strength and postural stability for seated/classroom work)
• Self-care skills (putting on a coat, zippers, opening food containers)
• Executive functioning (organization, task initiation, problem solving, time management)
• Self-regulation (meeting school-based sensory needs)
  

Tiered Occupational Therapy Services

SBRS Occupational Therapy (OT) services are delivered through a tiered approach, based on the level of student need. There are three tiers of service: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.

Tier 1 services focus on supporting the entire school community. Occupational Therapists work collaboratively with educators within classroom environments to promote participation and engagement for all students.  Families will receive a letter from their school in the fall of each school year with more details about Tier 1 services, including information on how to opt out if they choose not to have their child participate.  Tier 1 services involve the provision of universal strategies, education and resources, which are shared with the classroom teacher, benefiting all students. The type of OT universal support offered may vary and will depend on the presenting needs of each classroom.

Tier 1 supports may include (but is not limited to):   

• Functional workshops provided to the entire class,   
• Small workstations for students to rotate through,   
• Classroom equipment recommendations such as flexible seating options or pencil grips
• Environmental scans of the classroom to support learning for all (desk and chair size/set up)

Tier 2 and Tier 3:

More intensive OT supports continue to be available to children with higher levels of need. Moving forward, this will be known as Tier 2 and Tier 3. If the OT and school team feel that your child would benefit from more individualized OT services, the school will contact you directly to discuss. If more services are needed, your consent is required before this can move forward. 

CTC-CK Tiered SBRS-OT