Family-Centered Care and Core Principles

Family-centered care principles

Open communication, mutual trust, respect, shared decision-making, and consideration of family preferences

Steps in family-centered care

Build trust, share information, collaborate on goals, and respect family priorities.

Child and family-centered care goal

Support both the child’s development and the family’s capacity to help the child succeed.

Top-down approach

Focuses on the child’s participation in meaningful activities first, then identifies underlying performance issues.

Bottom-up approach

Focuses on improving specific skills or components (like strength or coordination) before applying to real activities.

Using research evidence in pediatric OT

Choose evidence-based practices relevant to the child, adapt them to their setting, and monitor progress.

Adapting evidence-based practice

Modify research guidelines to fit the child’s environment and make them user-friendly for caregivers.

Monitoring outcomes

Track progress over time to see if interventions are effective and meaningful.

Cultural competence in pediatric OT

Understanding and respecting a family’s cultural beliefs, values, and daily routines.

Therapeutic use of self

Using your personality, insights, and communication skills to build trust and motivate clients.

Four key principles of pediatric OT

Family-centered care, strength-based approach, cultural competence, and therapeutic use of self.

Strength-based approach

Focuses on a child’s abilities and interests rather than their deficits.

Age range for pediatric OT

Typically birth through 18 years old (up to 21 for special education services under IDEA).

Main goal of pediatric OT

Help children and families build skills for meaningful adult roles and daily living.