Developing pediatric programming in a private occupational therapy practice

The purpose of this paper is to suggest to occupational therapists some introductory guidelines which might be followed in developing a private occupational therapy practice. Elements of a treatment program are discussed and examples drawn from a currently successful pediatric program which uses a sensory integrative approach in offering services. Components of program development addressed in this paper include the purpose and content of screening as a recruitment device, how to structure an initial evaluation and parent conference, general treatment planning and goal setting, incorporating a theoretical frame of reference into practice, as well as clinic equipment in the private setting, documentation, discharge planning and finally, concepts of marketing for the beginning practice.