Occupational therapists play a critical role in promoting participation among students in activities that improve their health and well-being and the development of life skills and social interaction. This includes playing, learning, interacting with caregivers and peers, and integrating education instruction in and outside of school.
Occupational therapy includes both occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs). While their responsibilities overlap, the primary difference between OTs and OTAs is an OTA cannot work independently, but rather under an OT's supervision.
According to CYC-Net and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), these OT practitioners cooperate with caregivers by:
For infants, toddlers, and young children, occupational therapy interventions address milestones such as:
For older children and teens, occupational therapy interventions include:
OT practitioners provide support for successful learning, appropriate behavior, and participation in daily routines and activities. Services can be provided under:
OT practitioners also assist students with the transition of school environments, from preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, and high school to college and adult life.
When a child experiences injury or illness, medically-based or rehabilitative occupational therapy services may be provided as developmentally appropriate, including:
The overall goal is to improve the child’s functional performance and independence, with outpatient services provided as needed to continue the rehabilitation progress.
OT practitioners also provide services for children with psychosocial and mental health conditions. This includes working closely with students to identify tools and techniques that help them cope with frustration, anger, and impulsivity, providing students a path for collaboration and successful interactions with family, students, and other members of the community.
As children grow older, skills for independent living become essential. OT practitioners work to address self-determination and self-advocacy skills, along with the transition into adult roles.
An individual who is interested in a career as an OT typically begins by earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like health science. A degree in an unrelated field requires the individual to take prerequisite courses prior to progressing to a graduate degree.
The OT career path also requires a graduate degree such as a Master or Doctor of Occupational Therapy, combined with fieldwork hours across 24 weeks in various locations, like school systems and rehabilitation centers. In order to practice OT, the candidate must pass a licensure exam through the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), plus meet the individual's state licensing requirements.
For OTA's, an associate degree paired with successful completion of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) program is required.
To learn more about the role and career path of occupational therapists with children and adults, visit American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and OT Career Path.