Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is concerned with the child’s ability to participate in desired daily life activities or “occupations.” In Head Start and other preschool settings, occupational therapists use their unique expertise to help children prepare for and perform important learning and developmental activities. In these settings, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants support the achievement of developmental and learning outcomes for children with and without disabilities, by facilitating social skills development, motor development, emergent literacy, and the development of adaptive and self-care skills. Occupational therapists are particularly skilled in helping children access curricular activities by contributing to the design and planning of activities, including identifying any needed accommodations or modifications. Additionally, they play a key role in training parents, caregivers, and preschool staff members about the development of children with diverse learning needs.

• Provide strategies to facilitate the full participation of all children in daily routines;
• Reduce environmental barriers that limit a child’s participation in learning activities;
• Plan developmentally appropriate instructional activities;
• Help preschoolers transition to kindergarten;
• Improve performance in a variety of learning environments;
• Instruct parents on strategies for development and learning