Families on the Sunshine Coast now have access to a free paediatric occupational therapy program designed to support children in their early years, with the UniSC Living Well Occupational Therapy Paediatrics Clinic opening referrals for its March intake.
The student-led clinic offers a short-term, seven-session program supporting children aged 3 to 7 years who may benefit from extra guidance in areas such as emotional regulation, motor skills, social confidence and attention.
Delivered by occupational therapy students under professional supervision, the program provides assessment, intervention, consultancy and education for children, families and educators. Sessions are held either at the UniSC Clinic or at participating Early Learning Centres.
What the free paediatric occupational therapy program includes
The structured seven-week block includes:
- An initial parent intake session
- Standardised and observational assessments
- Weekly individual therapy sessions
- A final summary report outlining findings, recommendations and onward referral options if needed
The clinic focuses on identifying developmental needs early and providing evidence-based, client-centred strategies that families can use at home and in educational settings.
Areas of support
The program may assist children who would benefit from support with:
- Emotional awareness and regulation during routines and transitions
- Social skills and peer interactions
- Fine and gross motor development (such as drawing, dressing or climbing)
- Play skills and sustained engagement
- Sensory processing across different environments
- Attention, persistence and following routines
Who is eligible?
Children may be eligible if they:
- Are aged between 3 and 7 years
- Are not currently receiving occupational therapy services
- Are not participants of the NDIS
- Do not have a formal diagnosis
- Can attend most of the seven weekly sessions
This free program offers families an opportunity to better understand their child’s developmental profile and receive practical recommendations at a crucial stage of early learning.
Families can complete a self-referral via the UniSC website.
For families wondering whether their child might benefit from additional support, this initiative provides an accessible, supportive first step.
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