School & Early Childhood Occupational Therapy Support
Helping Children Thrive in Their Learning Environments
Every child deserves the opportunity to participate confidently in learning, play and everyday school life.
At Simulcare, our occupational therapists work alongside families, educators and school staff to support children in the environments where they spend much of their day. By delivering therapy within schools and early childhood settings, we can observe children in real-life situations and develop practical strategies that enhance their participation, independence and confidence.
We believe the best outcomes are achieved when everyone involved in a child’s development works together towards shared goals.
Supporting Children Where They Learn Best
Children often demonstrate different strengths and challenges at school or daycare than they do at home.
Providing occupational therapy in educational settings allows our therapists to:
- Observe children during everyday classroom and playground activities
- Identify barriers affecting participation and learning
- Collaborate directly with teachers and educators
- Recommend practical strategies that can be implemented immediately
- Support smoother transitions between home, school and therapy
- Build confidence and independence within familiar environments
Our goal is to equip children and the adults supporting them with strategies that create lasting improvements—not just during therapy sessions, but throughout everyday life.
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Early childhood centres
- Kindergartens
- Childcare centres
- Special education settings
- Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) programs
Who We Work With
We provide occupational therapy support across a range of educational settings, including:
- Early Learning Centres
- Long Day Care
- Family Day Care
- Kindergartens
- Prep Programs
- Primary Schools
- High Schools (where appropriate)
- Special Education Programs
- Specialist Schools
- Homeschooling Families
We work collaboratively with:
- Parents and carers
- Teachers
- Teacher aides
- Early childhood educators
- Learning support teams
- Guidance officers
- School leadership teams
- Support coordinators
- Allied health professionals
How Occupational Therapy Can Help at School
Our therapists support children experiencing challenges in a range of developmental areas.
Fine Motor Skills
Difficulties with fine motor development can impact classroom participation.
We can assist with:
➤ Pencil grasp
➤ Handwriting
➤ Drawing and colouring
➤ Cutting with scissors
➤ Using classroom tools
➤ Manipulating small objects
➤ Keyboard skills when appropriate
Self-Care Skills at School
Independence builds confidence.
We assist children with:
➤ Managing lunchboxes
➤ Opening containers
➤ Toileting independence
➤ Dressing for sport
➤ Managing school bags
➤ Organising belongings
➤ Personal hygiene routines
Gross Motor Skills
Movement skills are important for confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
We help children improve:
➤ Balance
➤ Coordination
➤ Core strength
➤ Playground participation
➤ Ball skills
➤ Motor planning
➤ Postural control
Executive Function Skills
Executive functioning skills are essential for learning success.
➤ We support children with:
➤ Planning
➤ Organisation
➤ Working memory
➤ Task initiation
➤ Completing schoolwork
➤ Time management
➤ Following multi-step instructions
Emotional Regulation
Learning is difficult when children are overwhelmed by big emotions.
➤ Occupational therapy can help children build:
➤ Emotional awareness
➤ Self-regulation skills
➤ Coping strategies
➤ Frustration tolerance
➤ Flexible thinking
➤ Confidence during challenging situations
Sensory Processing
Children may become overwhelmed or distracted by sensory information within busy learning environments.
We support children experiencing:
➤ Noise sensitivity
➤ Difficulty tolerating clothing or textures
➤ Sensory seeking behaviours
➤ Movement needs
➤ Emotional overload
➤ Difficulty regulating attention
➤ Challenges during transitions
Our therapists provide practical sensory strategies that can be incorporated naturally into the school day.
Classroom Participation
Some children know what they want to do but struggle to fully engage in classroom activities.
We help children develop skills in:
➤ Following classroom routines
➤ Sitting and attending during lessons
➤ Organising school materials
➤ Completing tasks
➤ Transitioning between activities
➤ Managing school expectations
➤ Increasing independence
Supporting Early Childhood Development
The early years are a critical period for development.
Our occupational therapists work closely with educators and families to support children who may be experiencing developmental delays or emerging concerns before they begin formal schooling.
Early intervention can assist children to develop the foundational skills needed for lifelong learning.
Areas we commonly support include:
- Play skills
- Social interaction
- Communication through play
- Fine motor development
- Sensory regulation
- Attention and engagement
- Independence in daily routines
- School readiness
School Readiness Programs
Preparing for school involves much more than learning letters and numbers.
Our occupational therapists help children build the skills needed to confidently begin Prep, including:
- Following routines
- Sitting for structured activities
- Holding a pencil correctly
- Using scissors
- Managing lunch independently
- Developing attention skills
- Emotional regulation
- Social confidence
- Building resilience
By identifying challenges early, we can help children transition into school with greater confidence.
Collaborative Therapy That Makes a Difference
At Simulcare, collaboration is central to everything we do.
With family consent, we work closely with educators and school staff by:
- Sharing practical strategies
- Providing classroom recommendations
- Developing achievable goals
- Monitoring progress
- Attending planning meetings where appropriate
- Supporting transitions between year levels
- Providing written reports when required
Our recommendations are realistic, evidence-based and designed to fit naturally within existing classroom routines.
Flexible Therapy Options
We understand every child and educational setting is different.
Depending on each child’s goals, therapy may include:
- Individual therapy sessions
- Classroom observations
- Playground observations
- Teacher consultation
- Parent education
- Environmental modifications
- Sensory strategy development
- Equipment recommendations
- Functional assessments
- Progress reviews
Why Schools and Families Choose Simulcare
Families and educators choose Simulcare because we provide:
- Mobile therapy delivered in schools and early learning environments
- Collaborative communication with families and educators
- Individualised, evidence-based intervention
- Practical strategies that fit naturally into classroom routines
- A strengths-based approach that builds confidence and independence
- Support focused on meaningful participation in everyday activities
- Family-centred care
- Timely reports and recommendations
Frequently asked questions
Can therapy be provided during school hours?
Yes. With approval from the family and the school or early learning centre, therapy can often be delivered during the school day to minimise disruption to family routines.
Will you communicate with teachers?
Absolutely. With parent or guardian consent, we work collaboratively with teachers and educators to ensure strategies are consistent across home and school environments.
Do you provide reports for schools?
Yes. We can provide assessment reports, progress updates and practical recommendations to assist schools in supporting the child’s participation and learning.
Do children need a diagnosis before receiving occupational therapy?
No. Many children benefit from occupational therapy before receiving a formal diagnosis. Early intervention can make a significant difference to a child’s development and confidence.
Which areas do you service?
As a mobile occupational therapy provider, we deliver services across our local communities in homes, schools, early learning centres and other community settings. Contact our team to confirm whether we service your area.
Let's Work Together
Whether you're a parent looking for support, an educator with concerns about a child's development, or a school seeking collaborative occupational therapy services, Simulcare is here to help. We are passionate about helping children develop the skills they need to participate confidently in learning, friendships and everyday life—working alongside families and educators every step of the way.