Practice Essentials: Working with Children, Young People & Families – Module 1 provides early career occupational therapists and those transitioning into paediatric practice with foundational knowledge essential for paediatric occupational therapy practice. Learners will explore conceptual models and frameworks that support holistic, occupation-centred approaches to working with children and young people. The module includes key legislation, codes, and standards guiding professional responsibilities, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the systems in which services are delivered – including health, education, disability, child protection, mental health, and justice systems. 

This module also 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. 

This 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. 

After completing this module, you will be able to: 

• Apply conceptual models and frameworks to support a holistic and occupation-centred approach to paediatric practice, considering developmental, biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors. 

• Collaborate effectively across disciplines using shared frameworks and language to support children, young people, and families in diverse settings. 

• Understand and apply relevant legislation, codes, and professional standards to ensure ethical, safe, inclusive, and rights-based paediatric occupational therapy practice. 

• Describe key service systems and structures that support children and young people, including health, education, disability, mental health, child protection, youth justice, and housing. 

• Navigate referral pathways, eligibility criteria, and funding schemes relevant to paediatric OT practice, including quality standards and registration requirements. 

• Demonstrate knowledge of child safeguarding responsibilities, including mandatory reporting, identifying signs of abuse or neglect, and documenting and reporting concerns. 

• Work collaboratively with child protection and support services to coordinate interventions and advocate for the safety and wellbeing of at-risk children and young people. 

• Understand typical child and adolescent development, the principles of early childhood intervention, and the importance of culturally safe, developmentally appropriate, and proactive approaches to care. 

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

CPD HOURS: 
Total CPD claimable workshop hours: 3 hours

ACCESS: 
This module will take approximately 3 hours to complete. You may revisit this module at any time within 12 weeks from purchase date and download documents embedded within the module. 

REGISTRATION FEES & INCLUSIONS 
OTA Member: $200
Non Member: $280 
(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 as a bundle, visit the Bundle product page to find out more.

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