Early Intervention
Occupational therapy practitioners provide early intervention services to support the development and learning of babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.
Elevate your clinical skills across pediatric settings
Join us at the AOTA Specialty Conference: Children and Youth, December 12-13 in Charlotte, NC! Earn up to 13 contact hours on sessions related to sleep, assistive technology, handwriting, and skilled documentation strategies. Grow as a practitioner and connect with peers who are shaping the future of pediatric occupational therapy practice.
AOTA members and student members get discounted rates!
Resources to support early intervention practice
Review official documents to guide decision making about education, practice, advocacy, and policy and use practical resources to guide early intervention assessment and treatment.
Some resources in this section require an AOTA member login to access.
Occupational Therapy Interventions to Support Feeding and Toileting in Children from Birth to 5 Years
Toileting for Children & Youth 0–5 Years
Sleep in Children and Youth 0–5 Years Old
Feeding Interventions for Children and Youth 0–5 Years Old
Evidence-informed intervention ideas: Toileting for children and youth 0–5
Early Childhood Competencies
Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Early Childhood: Birth–5 Years
This Practice Guideline provides stakeholders with a condensed summary of a large number of effectiveness studies. It is a valuable tool for facilitating decision making related to occupational therapy interventions for children ages birth–5 years.
The Early Childhood Personnel Center
AOTA collaborated with the Early Childhood Personnel Center (ECPC) and six other national organizations to identify common competencies for service personnel across disciplines. The competencies are used to guide services for infants, young children, and their families. The competencies focus on coordination and collaboration, family-centered practice, evidence-based intervention, and professionalism.
AOTA Continuing Education
Best Practice Methods in Early Intervention Documentation
Coaching Interventions, Team Models, and Approaches in Early Intervention
Articles and books
Expand your early intervention knowledge with the latest research, perspectives, and solutions from occupational therapy practitioners.
Communicating With Intention: Therapist and Parent Perspectives on Family-Centered Care in Early Intervention
Special Interest Sections and Communities of Practice
Network with your fellow AOTA members and grow in the context of a social learning environment.
Children and Youth Special Interest Section
Children & Youth Special Interest Section (CYSIS) members include those who work in programs under Parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), work with infants, preschoolers, children, and adolescents. CYSIS also has a focus on early intervention and school programs.
Early Childhood Community of Practice
Addresses the demands of working in this critical phase of the life span to address needs as early as possible to prevent later challenges.
Pediatric Trauma Community of Practice
Explores evidence-based strategies used to address trauma, share resources, collaborate, and advocate for the role of occupational therapy practitioners in trauma informed care.
Advocacy Issues: Schools and early intervention
Learn about why advocacy is so important in primary education and early intervention, and keep up to date with the latest news.