Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists can help young children with disabilities participate fully in developmentally appropriate activities as independently as possible in the following ways:

• Conducting developmental assessments of young children
• Helping create IFSP goals and objectives that meet the unique needs of each child
• Suggesting adaptations to the environment and selecting, designing and making assistive orthotic devices that facilitate the development of young children and promote the acquisition of skills
• Offering young children adequate developmental stimulation that develops the following skills
  • Fine motor: Movement of small muscles in hands and fingers
  • Gross Motor: Movement of large muscles in arms and legs
  • Oral Motor: Movement of muscles in mouth, lips, tongue and jaw like sucking, biting, chewing and licking
  • Sensory Awareness: Ability to take in, sort out and respond to exterior stimuli
• Assisting parents to obtain appropriate services for their children within the Early Intervention or the Pre School Special Education programs and the community
• Demonstrating and sharing their knowledge of typical and atypical child development, motor development and sensory integration with parents and IFSP/IEP team members.

Academic and Experience Requirements for Occupational Therapists

Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy AND 6 months of Supervised Occupational Therapy Experience AND National Certificate in Occupational Therapy AND NYS Licensure in Occupational Therapy AND A Minimum of 2 Years Experience Serving Children With, or at Risk of, Developmental Delay or Disability

NOTE:

• In order to obtain the National Certificate in Occupational Therapy, professionals must pass the examination of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Get More Information
• Bachelor's Degrees in Occupational Therapy are no longer offered because beginning in 2007 a Master’s Degree will be required. Read More
• Verify a NYS licensure