A Day in the Life of a Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Every child is different — and that’s what makes paediatric Occupational Therapy such an exciting and rewarding career.

As a paediatric Occupational Therapist, your day might involve helping a preschooler develop early play skills, supporting a school-aged child with handwriting and emotional regulation, or collaborating with families and teachers to create successful routines at home and school.

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, paediatric Occupational Therapists work across clinics, schools, homes, and community settings to support children and families throughout the Shoalhaven and Illawarra.

8:00am – Preparing for the Day

The morning often begins by reviewing therapy plans, sensory supports, and activities for the day ahead.

Paediatric OT sessions are highly creative and tailored to each child’s goals. Therapists may prepare obstacle courses, sensory regulation activities, fine motor tasks, or social skill games depending on the child’s needs.

9:00am – Early Intervention Session

The first session may involve a preschool-aged child working on:

• Emotional regulation

• Play skills

• Sensory processing

• Fine motor development

• Attention and engagement

Sessions are often play-based and relationship-focused, helping children build skills in a safe and supportive environment.

11:00am – School Visit

School visits are a major part of community paediatric OT.

Therapists may:

• Support classroom participation

• Recommend sensory supports

• Work on handwriting goals

• Collaborate with teachers

• Observe playground and social interactions

The goal isn’t simply improving isolated skills — it’s helping children successfully participate in everyday life.

1:00pm – Documentation & Collaboration

Community paediatric OT involves strong collaboration with:

• Families

• Teachers

• Support coordinators

• Allied health assistants

• Speech pathologists

• Psychologists

Therapists may complete progress notes, therapy plans, reports, or goal reviews during administration time.

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, clinicians receive administrative and allied health assistant support to reduce administrative burden and improve work-life balance.

2:30pm – Therapy Group

Afternoons may involve social skill or regulation groups such as Sense Rugby or community-based therapy programs.

Group programs provide opportunities for children to:

• Build confidence

• Develop friendships

• Improve communication

• Practise emotional regulation

• Increase participation in community activities

Many therapists love the energy and creativity that group programs bring to their week.

Why Therapists Love Paediatric OT

Paediatric Occupational Therapy offers:

✔ Creativity every day

✔ Strong family relationships

✔ Variety across settings

✔ Meaningful long-term outcomes

✔ Fun and engaging sessions

✔ Opportunities for special interests and clinical development

Most importantly, therapists get to celebrate milestones that truly matter to children and families.

Interested in paediatric OT careers?

Explore opportunities here: https://www.sctherapysupport.au/careers