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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