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

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Occupational Therapy
• Community Health
• Child Development

Context:

• Focuses on occupational therapy interventions for children's health and well-being.
• Aims to reduce health inequalities and foster protective factors in early childhood.
• Highlights the importance of community partnerships in delivering services.

Purpose:

• To describe a pilot community-based occupational therapy project for preschoolers.
• To outline a tiered service delivery model in partnership with community organizations and childcare services.
• To explore the feasibility and structure of accessible occupational therapy for young children.

Summary:

• A participatory action research approach was used over one year.
• Services were delivered through three tiers: parent workshops, community agency visits/consultations, and individual follow-ups.
• The project involved 7 awareness workshops, 57 agency visits, 27 consultations, and 23 individual follow-ups.

Impact:

• Demonstrates the potential for community-based occupational therapy services for children under 5.
• Suggests a scalable model for implementation in community agencies and daycare settings.
• Emphasizes the role of occupational therapy in promoting early childhood health and preventing inequalities.