In this course, you will learn how occupational therapists work with and alongside children, young people and their families to support participation in everyday life across diverse home, education, health and community contexts. You will integrate earlier learning across physical, cognitive, sensory and psychosocial domains to understand the complex and dynamic factors that influence occupational engagement during childhood and adolescence, including participation in play, learning, relationships and daily routines. 

Through case-based learning, applied workshops and interprofessional learning activities, you will explore contemporary approaches to paediatric and youth practice, including play and participation, family- and strengths-based practice, early supports, environmental adaptation and key developmental transitions. You will strengthen your evidence-informed decision-making by integrating research evidence, professional reasoning and the perspectives of children, young people and their families to co-design developmentally responsive strategies that support participation and belonging. 

The course emphasises culturally responsive, trauma-informed and relational practice. You will examine how culture, community, social determinants of health and systemic inequities influence participation and access to services, including approaches that recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, strengths and connections to family and community. 

You will further develop skills in collaborating with families, educators, community organisations and interprofessional teams to support shared decision-making and inclusive participation. Learning activities will focus on adapting assessments, environments and interventions within real-world education, home and community systems to enable meaningful engagement. You will also explore how assistive technologies, digital tools and inclusive design approaches can support participation, communication and inclusion for children and young people.