Every occupational therapist deserves to feel confident in their practice – this is especially true for foundational practitioners, whether they are new to the profession, returning after a break from practice, or moving into a new area of practice.

OTA’s new Working with Children, Young People and Families Practice Essentials is specifically designed to support foundational level occupational therapists in building the confidence and skills needed to empower children and their families, enabling participation in meaningful activities and life situations.

Covering everything from best practice principles and interprofessional collaboration to assessment and intervention approaches, the program bridges the gap between theory and practical application.

Reflecting on the importance of this essential skill set, Ailsa Leslie, Head of Professional Practice at OTA, shared her perspective:

“Drawing on my experience, I can confidently say that strong foundational skills are critical for effective and meaningful practice with children and families.”

“What makes this program unique is its clear translation of the foundational level capabilities - outlined in OTA’s Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with children, young people and families - into practical knowledge and skills that occupational therapists can immediately apply in their clinical settings,” Ailsa said.

Blending interactive modules and case studies with reflective exercises, the Practice Essentials program supports therapists to translate core knowledge into their clinical practice, supporting meaningful, client-centred outcomes for children and families.

“The program offers foundational occupational therapists a flexible, evidence-informed learning pathway tailored to meet real-world clinical demands. Its self-paced, fully online format is ideal for today’s busy occupational therapists who are seeking quality professional development from a trusted source,” Ailsa explained.

The Working with Children, Young People and Families Practice Essentials is a valuable resource that consists of five targeted modules:

1. foundations of paediatric occupational therapy practice
2. holistic child, young person, and family practice
3. working across diverse contexts and teams
4. information gathering and planning in paediatric occupational therapy
5. interventions and therapeutic strategies.

The modular structure allows learners to tailor their professional development – completing the full program or choosing specific modules to address identified capability gaps.

Looking ahead, Ailsa emphasised:

“As the landscape of paediatric occupational therapy continues to evolve, embracing frameworks and resources that enhance knowledge, practical skills and professional values is more essential than ever.”

Read more about OTA’s Working with Children, Young People and Families Practice Essentials

Explore OTA’s Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Children, Young People and Families

Explore additional Practice Essentials programs for occupational therapists working in mental health, supporting people with pain, and working with older adults