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:

School Based Occupational Therapists support children and youth to complete daily activities within the classroom and school environment. They recommend task modifications, prescribe equipment, and offer support to help children and youth be as independent as possible in the areas of self -care, productivity, and leisure.

Occupational Therapists consult with parents, teachers, and other school staff on a regular basis.

SBRS Occupational Therapists focus on:

• Fine motor and visual perceptual skills
• Written communication skills
• Sensory processing and emotional regulation skills
• Self-care skills (e.g. grooming, toileting, dressing)
• Transfers/lifts recommendations and training
• Mobility, accessibility, adaptive devices, and other equipment (at school locations)