Play with Purpose: Occupational Therapy in Early Intervention 

When young children experience developmental delays, early intervention becomes crucial for their future growth and success. At the Trudeau Center, our Early Intervention program utilizes occupational therapy as a cornerstone approach to help children from birth to age three develop essential skills through what might look like ordinary play to the untrained eye. In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month, celebrated annually throughout the month of April, we’re highlighting how this specialized therapy transforms playtime into powerful learning opportunities that shape developing minds and bodies. 

Occupational therapy in early intervention focuses on helping children develop the foundational skills they need for daily activities and routines—what occupational therapists call “occupations.” For young children, these occupations include playing, eating, sleeping, interacting with caregivers, and exploring their environment. Through carefully designed play activities, occupational therapists address delays in fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, visual perception, and social-emotional development. 

At the Trudeau Center, our occupational therapists embrace the “coaching” philosophy, an evidence-based treatment model that recognizes parents and caregivers as the true experts on their children. Rather than isolating therapy to weekly sessions, this approach empowers families to incorporate therapeutic techniques into everyday routines and interactions. 

“Young children learn best through meaningful play within their natural environment,” explains Jacqueline Ferreira, Director of Early Intervention at the Trudeau Center. “When we work with families in their homes, we can design interventions that fit seamlessly into daily routines, and use mealtime, bath time, and playtime as opportunities for development. This approach ensures that learning continues between visits and becomes a natural part of family life.” 

For children with sensory processing challenges, occupational therapists create customized sensory experiences that help them better integrate information from their environment. Swinging in a blanket, creating tactile paths with different textures, or playing with materials of varying consistencies becomes purposeful therapy disguised as play. These activities help children develop appropriate responses to sensory input, reducing challenging behaviors and improving attention and engagement. 

“The beauty of occupational therapy in early intervention lies in its individualized approach,” says Roberta Judge, Early Intervention Clinical Supervisor and Special Educator at Trudeau. “Each child receives a unique intervention plan that addresses their specific needs and builds on their strengths and interests. A therapy session might look different for each child—one might focus on crawling through tunnels to develop gross motor coordination, while another might practice stacking blocks to improve visual-spatial skills. What remains consistent is the element of playful engagement that keeps children motivated and excited about learning.” 

Parents often report that working with occupational therapists transforms their understanding of their child’s development and challenges. What might have seemed like stubborn behavior or lack of interest is reframed as a developmental need that can be addressed through appropriate support. This perspective shift empowers parents to become more effective advocates for their children. 

“The real magic happens when parents see their child master a skill they’ve been working on together,” Ferreira said. “That moment of connection—when both parent and child experience success—builds confidence and momentum that carries forward into all aspects of development.” 

For over 60 years, the Trudeau Center has been committed to providing comprehensive early intervention services to children in Rhode Island and surrounding areas. Our occupational therapists work as part of multidisciplinary teams that may include speech therapists, physical therapists, educators, and social workers to ensure that each child receives holistic support. 

As we honor the valuable contributions of occupational therapists this month, we recognize how their expertise transforms ordinary play into extraordinary development opportunities. Through their skilled guidance, children with developmental delays build the foundational skills they need for lifelong learning, independence, and meaningful participation in their families and communities.