Occupational Therapy
Information about Child and Family Occupational Therapy services at Monash Health.
Occupational Therapy
The Occupational Therapy service aims to support the development of a child’s daily functional skills, so that children can experience success in their everyday lives. Occupational therapists work with children, their families and community to engage and develop functional skills to increase participation and engagement in their home, school/kinder and community.
What we do
We support children’s development by focussing on key areas such as developing confidence with their self-care skills, productivity (learning at school or kinder), and leisure (social, emotional and behavioural development) including:
- Fine Motor Skills (hand and finger strength, drawing, cutting and writing) Handwriting (letter formation, number formations, and pencil grasp).
- Handwriting speed assessments
- Gross motor skills (Postural control, coordination and motor planning I.e., playing on playground equipment)
- School readiness skills
- Self-care skills (using cutlery, dressing, sleep routines and toilet training)
- Listening and following instructions at school/kinder, sitting, attending and concentrating
- Play skills and social skills (playing with other children, sharing and turn taking)
- Organising self and keeping track of belongings
- Sensory regulation/processing (sensory sensitivities to touch, sounds and smells, difficulties sitting for meals etc.)
Who can use this service?
This service is for children (0-12 years) who:Â
- live, work, study or attend pre-school or child-care in the City of Greater Dandenong, City Of Casey or Cardinia Shire
- OR cannot access local services due to poor transport accessibility
- OR service is not provided by local community health service
This service is not for children who:
- are eligible for, or currently accessing:
- Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA)
- Local Area Coordination (LAC) or
- have a NDIS plan (have a diagnosis)
- attend Specialist Schools as they should be able to receive therapy support through school
How to refer
Anyone can make a referral for community Occupationl Therapy.
For referrals please:
Phone: (03) 03 8572 5631
Email: iCareAccess@monashhealth.org
Cost
The charge is based on the family’s income level.
Where our services are delivered
Our services are delivered at Springvale, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Dandenong Community Health centres and Doveton College.
Operating hours
We are open 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
Contact us:
For more information or assistance with a referral please contact us by email at:Â childandfamilyprogram@monashhealth.org
Help contacting us
For people who need help with English or an interpreter: : TIS: 131 450
For people with hearing or speech loss: TTY: 1800 555 677
Speak and Listen: 1800 555 727
Internet relay: National Relay Service: www.relayservice.gov.au
Other useful resources and alternative services
- Consider other Community Health Services in your area
- Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA) for children 0-7 years old with multiple disabilities suitable for early intervention. Phone: 1800 546 532 or 1800 800 110. Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/ecei
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Website: www.ndis.gov.au Phone: 1800 546 532
- Early in Life Mental Health Service (ELMHS) for children with behavioural issues or aggressive behaviours. Phone: 8768 1569 or call Triage: 1300 369 012
- Monash Community Continence clinic: Phone: 1300 342 273, choose option 5.
- If you have private health insurance with Extra’s cover – some services may be covered.
- Private Occupational Therapists via Australian Occupational Therapy Association. Visit https://www.otaus.com.au/find-an-occupational-therapist and select treatment area “Paediatric”.
- Check with your GP as your child may be eligible for Medicare Benefits Scheme (previous Enhanced Primary Care for chronic and complex conditions).
- Consider Monash Children’s hospital outpatient occupational therapy.