The Working with Children, Young People & Families Program includes a suite of interactive evidence-based e-learning modules providing a structured and in-depth learning pathway for occupational therapists new to paediatric practice or seeking to consolidate their foundational knowledge. Spanning five modules, the program explores the developmental, legal, cultural, and systemic contexts of practice, alongside practical tools and approaches for assessment, intervention, and collaboration with families and professionals.

Each module is mapped to the OTA Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Children, Young People and Families and embeds reflective activities to encourage critical thinking, cultural responsiveness, and confident application of knowledge in real-world settings. 

Module 1: Foundations of Paediatric Occupational Therapy Practice. This module introduces learners to the key frameworks, legislation, and service systems that shape paediatric occupational therapy practice in Australia. It provides foundational knowledge about child and adolescent development, including developmental stages and milestones, while exploring the legal, ethical, and systemic responsibilities of occupational therapists working with children and families. This module explores child development, early childhood intervention, mandatory reporting, and the principles of child safeguarding. Learners will gain clarity around referral pathways, funding options, and interprofessional collaboration. Culturally responsive practice and ongoing professional learning are highlighted to support ethical and inclusive care.  

Module 2: Holistic Child, Young Person, and Family Practice. This module builds professional capabilities in delivering responsive, developmentally appropriate, and family-centred paediatric occupational therapy. Learners will explore childhood occupations such as play, self-care, and learning through a holistic, culturally responsive, and strengths-based lens. Emphasis is placed on partnering with families and caregivers, supporting goal setting, capacity building, and promoting resilience and wellbeing. The module also highlights cultural humility and safety, including respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, and an understanding of the impacts of colonisation, intergenerational trauma, and cultural diversity in paediatric practice. 

Module 3: Working Across Diverse Contexts and Teams. This module builds professional capability in working collaboratively across systems, disciplines, and settings to support children, young people, and their families. Learners will strengthen their understanding of the occupational therapy role and scope of practice, develop advocacy and delegation skills, and explore strategies for effective teamwork with allied health assistants and interprofessional teams. The module also covers inclusive education practices, multi-tiered approaches in schools, and connecting families with community-based supports. Clinical and professional supervision models are introduced to promote reflective practice, capability building, and ethical service delivery across diverse paediatric contexts. 

Module 4: Information Gathering and Planning in Paediatric Occupational Therapy. This module supports occupational therapists to plan and deliver responsive, ethical, and family-centred services through effective information gathering and intervention planning. Learners will explore how to use a range of assessment tools, set collaborative goals, and apply culturally responsive, strengths-based approaches to guide clinical reasoning. The module also covers outcome measurement, contribution to diagnostic processes, and risk assessment, while encouraging critical reflection on personal and professional influences that shape decision-making in paediatric practice. 

Module 5: Interventions and Therapeutic Strategies. This module focuses on developing and implementing effective, evidence-based interventions that support occupational performance and participation for children and young people. Learners will deepen their understanding of occupation-centred practice and explore how to deliver responsive, culturally informed strategies across home, school, and community settings. The module covers common intervention approaches, practical planning techniques, and ways to collaborate with families to embed supports into everyday routines. Supervision, clinical reasoning, and reflection are emphasised to strengthen capability and ensure interventions are ethical, inclusive, and meaningful. 

Members who purchase this suite of e-learning modules will also unlock an interactive session on implementing what they've learned into their everyday practice.  

After completing the program, you will be able to: 

• Understand developmental milestones and childhood occupations across key age stages, and apply this knowledge to inform developmentally appropriate occupational therapy practice. 
• Deliver child and family-centred care using strengths-based, culturally safe, and trauma-aware approaches that recognise families as partners in planning and decision-making. 
• Work effectively across systems, settings, and disciplines, advocating for the OT role while collaborating with educators, health professionals, and community stakeholders. 
• Build culturally responsive practice, including working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families and understanding the impacts of colonisation and intergenerational trauma. 
• Select and use assessment tools and outcome measures that are occupation-focused, meaningful, and relevant to children’s lived experiences and environments. 
• Set collaborative, culturally safe, and participation-focused goals that align with the values and priorities of children, families, and communities. 
• Design and implement evidence-based interventions that promote occupational performance and participation across natural settings, using occupation as the central therapeutic medium. 
• Engage in reflective practice and supervision to support ethical decision-making, build professional capability, and sustain high-quality, responsive paediatric services. 

This program is suitable for: 
Early career OTs or more experienced OTs transitioning into paediatric practice 

CPD HOURS: 
Total CPD claimable workshop hours: 21 hours

ACCESS: 
The program will take approximately 21 hours to complete. You may revisit the modules at any time within 6 months from purchase date and download documents embedded within the modules.  

REGISTRATION FEES & INCLUSIONS 
OTA Member: $1150
Non Member: $1600 
(All pricing is inclusive of GST) 

Members must be logged in with username and password in order to register at the member rate. 
Not already an OTA member? Sign up today here to enjoy great savings on CPD courses, events, conferences and unlimited access to local and international research publications, special offers from our partners and more! 

OTHER PURCHASING OPTIONS
For organisations wishing to purchase multiple bundles of the Practice Essentials: Working with Children, Young People & Families, please contact info@otaus.com.au to discuss.

The Practice Essentials: Working with Children, Young People & Families Modules can be purchased separately, visit the product pages to find out more:
Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 4 | Module 5

DISCLAIMER 
All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions and changes. 
All workshop resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 
Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here  

CONTACT US 
Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878