Getting Started with Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children and teens build the skills they need to participate more confidently in everyday life — at home, at school, and during play.

OT may support skills such as:

• Fine motor development 
• Self-care 
• Sensory regulation 
• Social interaction 
• Visual-motor coordination
   

At Kidvancement, therapy is play-based, relationship-centered, and tailored to your child.

A typical pediatric occupational therapy session is fun, engaging, and guided by your child’s interests. Sessions often feel like play, but each activity is intentionally chosen to support your child’s goals. 

Sessions are flexible and adjust to your child’s needs.

A session might include:

• Sensory integration activities such as swinging, exploring sounds, or hands-on tactile play
   
• Self-care practice with a twist, such as dressing with costumes
   
• Creative crafts to build hand skills
   
• Social activities to practice group collaboration, flexible thinking, and staying engaged with others through shared, back-and-forth interactions
   
• Obstacle courses to work on body awareness and coordination, planning and sequencing, and problem-solving
   

Parents are always welcome to observe or participate, and time is set aside to discuss progress and ideas you can support at home.

Your child’s first visit begins with an evaluation focused on understanding their strengths and areas for growth. 

The evaluation may include:

• Review of medical history and intake forms, with any follow-up questions
• Family interview to discuss daily routines, what’s working well, and areas of focus
• Clinical observation, using activities related to your child’s areas of focus
• Standardized testing, when appropriate, to gather information about current performance compared to age expectations
   

This information helps the therapist understand how your child functions in everyday life and guides the development of a personalized plan that supports meaningful, functional growth.

Good to know: There are no right or wrong answers during an evaluation. The process is relaxed and moves at your child’s pace.

• In-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
   
• Other plans may use out-of-network benefits or private pay
   
• Documentation for possible reimbursement available upon request
   
• Coverage varies — please check with your insurance provider

We’re here to answer your questions and support your family every step of the way. To schedule an evaluation or learn more, please contact us via phone or email — we’ll walk you through the next steps and help you determine the best path forward for your child.