Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) is a rewarding, hands-on medical career focused on helping children develop, improve, or recover everyday living skills. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a pediatric OT, today’s post includes everything you need to know about this holistic medical career. We will explore occupational therapy in general before diving into the roles, responsibilities, and education expected and required of pediatric OTs.
Key Takeaways
- Pediatric occupational therapists help children build everyday skills, gain independence, and participate more fully at home, school, and in their communities.
- A pediatric OT helps children with a wide range of conditions and developmental challenges build essential skills and greater independence.
- Pediatric OTs can work with children anywhere, including at home, in hospitals, schools, early intervention programs, or rehab facilities.
- OT education requirements cover anatomy and physiology, as well as psychological perspectives.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
The American Occupational Therapy Association defines an occupational therapist as someone who “helps people across their lifespan participate in the things they want and/or need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations)” – i.e., activities of daily living, work, play, education, leisure, rest and sleep, and social participation. Although this definition clarifies what “occupational” means, it doesn’t explain what exactly an occupational therapist does.
OTs work with patients of all ages, including children, when an illness, disability, or injury impacts their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). They apply evidence-based practices and a holistic perspective to help patients reach their goals. Unlike nursing or physical therapy, which focus on a condition or physical limitation, OT considers how the patient’s challenge affects their daily life. For example, a pediatric occupational therapist can help a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) gradually become more comfortable with overwhelming textures and sounds through play-based activities.
What Does a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Do?
Occupational therapy includes specialties for those who want to focus on a particular demographic, such as pediatric occupational therapy. What does a pediatric occupational therapist do for a child? Let’s say a toddler displays signs of delayed fine motor skill development. Difficulty mastering these skills can impact their ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently, like tying shoes, buttoning, or using utensils. In this case, the pediatric OT will assess the child’s strengths and challenges to develop targeted interventions for helping the child overcome motor challenges and support full participation in daily activities.
Fine Motor and Handwriting Skills
Pediatric occupational therapists are instrumental in helping children improve fine and gross motor skills. For example, when a child struggles with handwriting, a pediatric OT can help them develop the fine muscle movements needed to improve, including activities that strengthen hand muscles and finger dexterity.
Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation
When children have difficulty processing sensory information, such as textures, sounds, or lights, a pediatric OT can help. After assessment, they implement strategies and activities designed to help these children manage and regulate their sensory responses, supporting more comfort in their environments.
Self-Care and Daily Living Skills
When a child struggles with daily activities such as dressing, grooming, or using the bathroom, a pediatric occupational therapist can help them build the confidence to manage these tasks independently.
Feeding and Oral-Motor Skills
For children with feeding or swallowing disorders, pediatric OTs can employ feeding therapy strategies to help overcome struggles with chewing, sucking, swallowing, or food tolerance. Specific examples include oral and/or pharyngeal dysphagia, failure to transition to solid foods, or poor weight gain or growth.
Emotional Regulation, Play and Social Skills
Pediatric occupational therapists can help children who have difficulties managing their feelings, interacting with peers, or participating positively in activities. Depending on each child’s needs, therapy typically includes structured, play-based activities that build self-awareness, coping strategies, and positive interactions with others.
Recovery After Surgery or Injury
For post-surgery or injury interventions, pediatric OTs help kids return to daily activities. For example, if a child has hand surgery to repair a fracture, the OT assesses the child and works with them to encourage mobility and function in the affected hand. Targeted therapies can include pain management (positioning, gentle exercises, ice or heat therapy, and relaxation techniques), range-of-motion interventions, and activities of daily living (ADL) training, such as writing or getting dressed.
Conditions Pediatric Occupational Therapy Commonly Supports
Pediatric occupational therapists work with children with a variety of needs and conditions, helping them develop the skills needed to participate in everyday activities and become more independent.
For example, therapies can include support for children with cerebral palsy, as well as:
- Autism
- ADHA
- Down syndrome
- Developmental delays
- Prematurity
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Feeding/swallowing disorders
- Injuries or surgeries
Where Do Pediatric Occupational Therapists Work?
Pediatric occupational therapists can work with children wherever needed, such as at home, in hospitals, in schools, in early intervention programs, or in rehab facilities. The setting often depends on the needs of the child receiving therapy.
NICU and Early Intervention (Birth to 3)
Pediatric OTs that work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and with Early intervention Programs support development as early as possible and help families build skills to support their child’s progress. NICU settings involve working with premature infants and newborns with medical complications, including teaching parents strategies to support therapies. Beyond the NICU, early intervention therapy typically takes place in a child’s home or other familiar setting.
School-Based OT and IEPs
In school settings, pediatric OTs help children develop the skills they need to participate fully and positively, including handwriting, fine motor coordination, sensory regulation, and managing school routines. They also help create a supportive, accessible learning environment by helping develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities or special needs.
In-Home Pediatric Occupational Therapy
In-home pediatric occupational therapy provides therapists the opportunity to truly tailor treatment to each child’s unique needs, routines, and surroundings. In the home environment, therapists see firsthand how their patients interact with their environment and identify opportunities to build skills into everyday activities. Their strategies can incorporate favorite toys and familiar spaces into sessions, and involve parents and other family members in ways that encourage participation between sessions and reinforce progress toward developmental goals.
Interested in compassionate in-home pediatric occupational therapy? Find a KidsCare location near you.
Specific Pediatric OT Roles and Responsibilities
Pediatric occupational therapists do not diagnose conditions. Instead, they assess the child’s needs and identify goals to overcome physical, mental, and social challenges. During the initial assessment, the pediatric OT reviews medical histories, asks questions, and observes actions and tasks to determine the best treatment plan.
With this information, they create, implement, and manage a treatment plan to help young patients reach their goals. Although these goals are specific to each case, here are a handful of examples of what a pediatric occupational therapist can help facilitate with their patients.
- Managing and regulating sensory input.
- Performing tasks more independently, such as getting dressed.
- Improving fine motor skills to support activities of daily living (ADL).
- Facilitating mobility and reintegration into ADLs after surgery, injury, or a medical diagnosis.
- Promoting balance and coordination.
Although these roles and responsibilities generally answer the question of “what does a pediatric occupational therapist do,” a snapshot of their typical daily duties paints a better picture.
Typical Daily Duties of a Pediatric OT
Although every patient’s needs are different, here are some typical daily activities or duties a pediatric OT may perform during the course of a treatment plan:
- Review the patient’s medical history and assess their need for support.
- Evaluate the patient’s home and other environments to make adaptations as needed.
- Develop a treatment plan with defined goals and clear stages.
- Define the patient’s need for assistive devices and execute training for proper use.
- Help and support patients perform everyday tasks that are too difficult.
- Teach the patient and caregivers how to use equipment selected for their support.
- Support the patient’s movement and independence by demonstrating exercises and techniques that enable goals.
- Work closely with the patient’s network of health professionals, caregivers, social workers, teachers, and more to determine the best care and process.
- Offer education for the patient’s family, school, etc.
- Assess the patient’s progress to determine future interventions and update other health professionals on progress or changes.
Required Skills
Pediatric occupational therapy requires both soft and hard skills. Among the soft skills, empathy, patience, and compassion are paramount. After all, occupational therapists typically work with patients during a difficult time, tasked with improving the patient’s daily activities and interactions.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are also necessary to implement and manage comprehensive treatment. Also, technical skills, including familiarity with computer systems and databases, are essential and often heavily utilized throughout patient cases. In some cases, occupational therapists may also need to lift and move clients.
Occupational Therapist Required Education
Pediatric occupational therapist schooling includes training in the physical, psychological, and social aspects of human functioning. Overall, their education is grounded in anatomy, physiology, and psychological perspectives.
The following outlines the typical educational pathway required to work in occupational therapy.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Many OTs acquire a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology, biology, kinesiology, sociology, or health sciences.
- Graduate Degree/Occupational Therapy: A master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy provides education and training in occupational therapy theory, practice, assessment, intervention, research, and professional ethics.
- Clinical Fieldwork: Supervised clinical fieldwork in various practice settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, community clinics, and mental health facilities, allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts under the guidance of experienced OT practitioners. For those interested in pediatric occupational therapy, fieldwork with children is highly encouraged.
- Licensing and Certification: After completing and satisfying degree and fieldwork requirements, the next step is licensing. Licensing varies by state or jurisdiction but typically includes passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Some states may also have additional licensure requirements, such as background checks or jurisprudence exams.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Education
Although not required, pediatric occupational therapists can pursue additional certifications to demonstrate their expertise in working with children. For example, the Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP) offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) recognizes advanced knowledge and skills in pediatric occupational therapy.
Occupational Therapy Opportunities
Occupational therapists can broaden their specialties in one or more areas throughout their careers. Adding a specialty demonstrates advanced knowledge in an area they are passionate about, enhances credentials, and opens doors to new job possibilities or grant funding. The American Occupational Therapy Association offers advanced certification programs in various specialties beyond Pediatrics (children), such as Gerontology (seniors) and Physical Rehabilitation.
Is a Pediatric OT Career Worth It?
Pediatric occupational therapy is a rewarding and growing career path. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for occupational therapists will likely grow 15 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS projects approximately 10,000 job openings each year over the decade.
Occupational therapy also offers competitive earning potential. The median annual salary for occupational therapists was $100,330 across all specialties in May 2025, although earnings vary by experience, location, and work setting. Pediatric occupational therapists may pursue advanced credentials, such as the Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP) offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), to demonstrate specialized knowledge and commitment to pediatric practice.
Becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist
If the roles of pediatric occupational therapists described today sound like the right career path, the next step is to obtain the necessary degrees, certifications, and licensure. It’s a rewarding career filled with many opportunities to help young patients reach their full potential.
Join KidsCare Home Health as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Already licensed? If working with children as an occupational therapist sounds like a rewarding career path, explore pediatric OT jobs at KidsCare. As a pediatric home health agency, KidsCare Home Health serves children with special needs nationwide. We provide pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and nursing for children up to age 18. We proudly offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits for KidsCare therapists, plus continuing education opportunities and a supportive network that feels like family.
FAQ - Occupational Therapist Roles
What is the role of a pediatric occupational therapist in schools?
Pediatric OTs in schools help create a supportive, accessible learning environment, collaborating with teachers, parents, and others to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities or special needs.
What does an occupational therapist assistant do?
Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) work directly under a licensed occupational therapist, assisting in occupational therapy treatment plans and interventions as needed.
Where can pediatric occupational therapists work?
Occupational therapists can work in a variety of environments, including a patient’s home, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, and other pediatric settings.
What is the difference between an occupational therapist and a physical therapist?
Although occupational therapists and physical therapists (i.e., physiotherapists) are similar, their roles have distinct differences. Occupational therapists address a broad range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial factors that influence a person’s ability to engage in activities of daily living, work, school, and social participation. Physical therapists, on the other hand, primarily focus on restoring and optimizing physical function, mobility, and movement patterns in individuals with various health conditions.
