Description of a Pilot Project for Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Daycare and Community Settings

Occupational therapy interventions that promote and prevent children's health and well-being aim to reduce health inequalities and foster protective factors. The purpose of this study is to describe a pilot community-based occupational therapy project for preschoolers in partnership with community organizations and childcare services. A participatory action research approach was implemented with support from an advisory committee. An occupational therapist provided community-based occupational therapy services in a tiered organization model over one year. Services were offered in three tiers: 7 awareness workshops for parents and caregivers (Tier 1), 57 visits and 27 consultations in 8 community agencies (Tier 2), and 23 individual follow-ups (Tier 3). There is an opportunity to implement with community agencies and daycare settings an occupational therapy service based on community-based rehabilitation for children under 5 years of age.