Occupational Therapy (Educator Coaching) supports preschool educators to build the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to create inclusive learning environments where all children can participate, engage and thrive.

Delivered through a group-based, capacity-building approach, we work alongside educators and leadership teams to identify strengths, understand challenges and develop practical strategies that can be embedded into everyday preschool routines.

Occupational therapists support educators with practical strategies that may include emotional regulation, sensory needs, play skills, fine and gross motor development, transitions, group participation, mealtimes, toileting, self-care routines, and adapting environments to support diverse learning needs.

Services include observation, educator coaching, collaborative problem-solving and on-the-floor modelling to build educator confidence and create sustainable practice changes that continue beyond direct occupational therapy involvement.

Expected outcomes are:

• Increased educator confidence to recognise and address barriers affecting children's participation in everyday preschool routines.
• Improved ability to implement practical, inclusive strategies that support children's regulation, engagement, learning and participation.
• Increased use of environmental adaptations, routine adjustments and activity modifications to support diverse learning needs.
• Greater consistency in inclusive practices across classrooms, resulting in improved participation, engagement and wellbeing for groups of children.

The service begins with an initial consultation to understand the preschool's strengths, priorities and goals. Together, we identify where occupational therapy can best support educators and develop a collaborative plan for implementation.

Support is typically delivered over 8–12 sessions across a school term, scheduled weekly or fortnightly. Sessions are approximately 60 minutes and may be delivered in person or online.

Throughout the program, occupational therapy support includes:

• Observation within everyday preschool routines
• Educator coaching and mentoring
• Collaborative problem-solving
• On-the-floor modelling of practical strategies
• Guidance on adapting environments, routines and activities
• Practical resources to support implementation
• Ongoing review and refinement of strategies

Support is embedded within existing preschool routines—including play, group time, transitions, mealtimes, self-care and outdoor learning—rather than delivered as a separate intervention. The aim is to build educator confidence and sustainable practices that continue beyond the completion of the program.

This service is typically delivered as an 8- or 12-session package across a school term to maximise educator learning and sustainable outcomes.

The equivalent session cost is $242.50 per session (excl. GST), representing a 75-minute block including 60 minutes of service delivery and 15 minutes of documentation.

Travel is charged separately at $193.99/hour, capped at 30 minutes each way, plus $1.00 per kilometre. Online delivery does not incur travel costs.