Occupational Therapy for Kids in Barrhaven

Neighbourhoods we serve

Barrhaven stretches from Old Barrhaven, west of Greenbank Road, south toward the Jock River. We visit families throughout, including:

• Old Barrhaven and Strandherd Meadows

• Longfields and Davidson Heights

• Chapman Mills and Barrhaven On The Green

• Stonebridge, Half Moon Bay and Quinn's Pointe

• Heart's Desire, Rideau Glen and Havenlea

We also see families in nearby Manotick and across Nepean.

A focus on the move to school

Barrhaven keeps adding new neighbourhoods and new schools. For many families, that means a first day of kindergarten is on the horizon. Starting school asks a lot of a young child. Parents in Barrhaven often ask us about:

• sitting for circle time and following class routines

• opening lunch containers and managing coats, boots and zippers

• using the washroom on their own

• holding a pencil, early printing and using scissors

• handling noise, crowds and changes in the day

OT can help children build these skills before and during the move to school. We work on them through play, so practice does not feel like homework. Read more about school readiness.

We also support older children and teens. Common goals include handwriting speed, organization, sensory needs and self-care routines.

Schools, daycares and homes

Schools

Barrhaven has schools from all four Ottawa school boards:

• OCDSB (Ottawa-Carleton District School Board), English public

• OCSB (Ottawa Catholic School Board), English Catholic

• CEPEO (Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario), French public

• CECCE (Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est), French Catholic

School-based OT needs the school's agreement and your written consent. Some schools ask parents to contact the principal first. We can help you with that step. Once a visit is arranged, we work around the class timetable where we can.

Daycares and preschools

For toddlers and preschoolers, a daycare visit can be a good fit, where the centre agrees. We can see how your child plays, moves and manages transitions with other children.

Home and online

Home visits suit dressing, mealtimes and bedtime routines. Online sessions can work well for printing practice, planning tools and parent coaching.

What to expect

Every child starts with a free 15-minute call and an initial OT assessment. From there, we plan therapy in a 10-session block. We do not offer single sessions, because skills build with steady practice over time.

After every session, you get a written debrief. It tells you what your child worked on and what to try next. That matters most for school visits, when you are not in the room.

Between sessions, your child uses a Bingo Book. This is a custom OT activity guide inspired by bingo, built around your child's goals. At the end of the block, we review progress with you and plan next steps together.

Practical notes for Barrhaven families

• Busy schedules. Barrhaven families often juggle commutes along Strandherd, Greenbank and Woodroffe. School-day visits mean you do not need to leave work for an appointment.

• Everyday practice. Bingo Book activities can fit into your week. Think of helping pack a lunch, a walk along the Jock River or a trip to the Minto Recreation Complex.

• No referral needed. You can contact us directly. Check whether your insurance plan asks for a doctor's note.

• Payment and receipts. We accept e-transfer only. You get a receipt for each payment.

• French. French is available with some of our therapists.

See how care works on our paediatric occupational therapy page, see all our service areas, or browse our FAQ.

Book a free 15-minute call

Thinking about OT for your child? Email support@ottawaot.com or use our contact form to book a free 15-minute call. There is no obligation.