School Readiness Support in Ottawa

What school readiness involves

School readiness is about more than knowing letters and numbers. It includes the practical skills a child uses throughout the school day. Occupational therapists look at skills such as:

• Fine motor skills: holding a crayon, cutting, gluing and opening lunch containers

• Self-care: managing coats, boots and backpacks, and using the washroom

• Sitting and attention: joining circle time and staying with an activity

• Following routines: moving between activities and following simple directions

• Sensory needs: coping with noise, busy spaces and new textures

• Play and social skills: taking turns and joining group games

• Early writing: drawing shapes, printing their name and pre-writing skills

Every child arrives at school with their own strengths. Occupational therapy can help with the areas that feel harder.

Signs your child may benefit from school readiness support

Children grow and change quickly in the early years. You might consider support if you notice:

• Your child avoids drawing, colouring or cutting

• They struggle with coats, zippers or shoes

• Sitting for a short story or group activity is very hard

• Transitions between activities often lead to upset

• Busy, noisy places are overwhelming

• They have trouble following simple, two-step directions

• They aren't yet showing interest in drawing shapes or their name

• Washroom routines still need a lot of help

• A daycare or teacher has shared concerns

If some of these sound familiar, an occupational therapy assessment can help you plan next steps.

How our OTs help with school readiness

Our paediatric occupational therapy begins with an initial assessment. Your OT looks at your child's motor skills, self-care, attention and sensory needs. They also ask about your child's daycare or school, and what you've noticed at home. With your permission, we can include input from teachers or early childhood educators.

Next, we set goals together. Goals focus on what your child needs for the classroom. For example, a goal might be managing a winter coat for recess, or printing their name.

Therapy is then planned as a 10-session block. A block gives your child time to build skills step by step. It also lets your OT review progress and adjust the plan. We offer session blocks only, not single visits, so support stays consistent.

Your OT may work on:

• Play-based fine motor activities, like cutting and building

• Dressing practice for coats, boots and backpacks

• Routines and visual schedules for the school day

• Strategies for sitting, listening and taking turns

• Sensory strategies for busy classrooms

• Pre-writing and early printing skills

After every session, you receive a written debrief. It describes what we worked on, how your child responded and ideas to try at home.

Working with teachers

School is a team effort. With your consent, your OT can connect with your child's teacher or early childhood educator. We can share practical classroom ideas and help keep strategies consistent between home and school.

Bingo Books: practice between sessions

Our care includes Bingo Books. These are custom OT activity guides inspired by bingo. Your child picks activities from their card and checks them off. Activities match your child's goals, so school skills can be practised through play at home.

Where school readiness sessions happen

Ottawa OT is a mobile practice that serves families across Ottawa.

• At home: Your child can practise in a calm, familiar space before trying skills at school.

• At school or daycare: With permission, your OT can see your child in the classroom and share ideas with staff.

• Online: Virtual sessions can work well for parent coaching and routine planning.

Your OT can help you choose the setting that suits your child and family.

School readiness connects to many skills. You may also want to read about fine motor skills, handwriting, self-care and feeding and sensory processing. For details on payment and coverage, visit our funding page.

School readiness FAQ

When should we start school readiness support?

Many families reach out in the months before kindergarten begins. Support can also help at any point during the school years.

Can you visit my child's school?

Yes, with the school's permission. School visits let your OT see your child in the classroom and share ideas with teachers.

My child is in French immersion. Can you help?

Yes. French is available with some therapists. Let us know your child's school language when you reach out.

How is this different from pediatric OT at school?

Some school boards offer their own OT services. Ottawa OT is a private practice, so families book directly and choose the setting that works for them.

Book a free 15-minute call

Thinking about your child's start at school? Let's talk. Book a free 15-minute call to share your questions and concerns. We'll explain how our assessment and session blocks work.

Book a free 15-minute call