Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Kanata and Ottawa

Pediatric occupational therapy is available at Rooted Family Wellness Centre for babies and children ages 6 and under. Our occupational therapist supports children with feeding, motor development, sensory processing, regulation, play and social engagement, and participation in everyday routines.

Appointments are available virtual for families across Ontario, in-community and in-home. The service area includes central Ottawa, Findlay Creek, Orléans, and the West End. Travel fees may apply outside these areas.

How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Can Help

Pediatric occupational therapists help babies and young children develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities. For children, these activities include playing, eating, sleeping, moving, communicating, getting dressed, managing daily routines, and exploring the world around them.

A pediatric occupational therapist may be able to help with:

• Fine and gross motor development
• Feeding skills and mealtime participation
• Sensory processing and regulation
• Play and social interaction
• Learning, attention, and executive function
• Sleep and daily routines
• Dressing, hygiene, and toilet learning 
• Participation in childcare, preschool, and family activities
• Developmental transitions and growing independence

Occupational therapy takes a holistic, family-centred approach. Your occupational therapist will work collaboratively with you to understand your child’s strengths, your concerns, your family’s routines, and the environments where your child lives, learns, and plays.

Occupational Therapy Support for Parents

Parenting is an important occupation too. Welcoming a child brings significant changes to family life, and every baby and child develops differently.

An occupational therapist can help you better understand your child’s development and find practical ways to support everyday life. This may include creating manageable routines, adapting the home environment, supporting play and movement, navigating sensory needs, or helping your child participate more comfortably in feeding, sleep, dressing, and other daily activities.

When helpful, your occupational therapist may also collaborate with other members of your child’s healthcare team to support their individual needs.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Appointment

In-person and virtual pediatric occupational therapy appointments are available for babies and children ages 6 and under.

During the initial appointment, the occupational therapist will ask questions about your child’s development, daily activities, strengths, challenges, and your family’s priorities. Depending on your concerns, the appointment may include observing or interacting with your child through play and other age-appropriate activities.

Your occupational therapist may explore areas such as:

• Motor development
• Feeding and mealtime skills
• Play and participation
• Sensory processing and regulation
• Sleep and daily routines
• Physical and neurological development

Follow-up appointments are personalized to your child and family. They may include direct work with your child, consultation with parents or caregivers, and practical strategies that can be incorporated into everyday routines. Together, you and your occupational therapist will review how these strategies are progressing and determine what support may be most helpful next.

Home visits may also be recommended when it would be helpful to observe feeding, movement, sensory needs, or daily routines in your child’s usual environment.

Virtual, and In-Home Occupational Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy appointments are available:

• Virtually for families across Ontario
• In your home when a home-based assessment or support would be beneficial
• In person at Rooted Family Wellness Centre in Kanata (available in November 2026)

Your occupational therapist can help determine which type of appointment is most appropriate based on your child’s needs and your family’s goals.

Insurance Coverage for Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is covered by many extended health insurance plans. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your coverage and whether a physician’s referral is required.

Occupational therapy expenses may also be eligible for inclusion as medical expenses on your income tax return. Please consult the Canada Revenue Agency or a tax professional regarding your eligibility.