Pediatric therapy helps children build skills they need to grow, learn, and take part in everyday life. These services support children who have developmental delays, disabilities, or medical conditions that affect how they move, communicate, play, or learn.

At SOAR365, our Pediatric Therapy team focuses on helping children reach their full potential while supporting their families along the way. This article explains pediatric therapy and the different types of services available, including Early Intervention and common therapy options.

What Is Early Intervention (EI)?

Early Intervention, often called EI, provides support and services to children from birth to age three (36 months). These services are for children who have a developmental delay or a diagnosed condition that is likely to cause developmental challenges.

In Virginia, the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia is overseen by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and provides EI services and supports. Children must be found eligible through an evaluation to receive services.

The goal of Early Intervention is to support development during the most important years of growth. Services are family centered and often take place in a child’s natural environment, such as the home or daycare.

Types of Early Intervention Services

Early Intervention services are tailored to each child’s needs. Common services include:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech Language Therapy
• Developmental Services or Early Childhood Education
• Case Management or Service Coordination

Every family enrolled in Early Intervention receives service coordination to help connect them with resources and guide them through the process.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapy helps children take part in daily activities that are important for growth and independence. These activities include self care, play, and learning.

Occupational therapists address various physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges with a primary goal of helping children achieve independence and improve their quality of life by focusing on meaningful activities, often referred to as ‘occupations.’ 

Occupational therapy may focus on:

• Self care skills such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene
• Play skills that support social and emotional development
• Fine and gross motor skills used for tasks like writing, using scissors, and playing games
• Sensory processing for children who have trouble responding to sounds, textures, movement, or other sensory input

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapy supports a child’s movement, strength, and coordination. Physical therapists help children build confidence in how their bodies move and function.

By addressing movement challenges early, physical therapy helps children reach developmental milestones and take part in daily activities.

Physical therapy often focuses on:

• Large muscle development
• Balance and coordination
• Skills such as sitting, crawling, walking, running, climbing, and riding a bike
• Strength and endurance

Speech Language Therapy (ST)

Speech language therapy treats communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists work with children who have difficulty understanding or using language and focuses on receptive language, which is what a child understands, and expressive language, which is how a child communicates wants and needs using gestures, sounds, or words.

Speech therapy may address:

• Speech sound production and articulation
• Language delays
• Stuttering or fluency challenges
• Voice disorders
• Feeding and swallowing difficulties

Developmental Services or Early Childhood Education (DS)

Developmental Services providers, also known as Early Childhood Educators, focus on how children learn and interact with the world around them. They support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

These services help children build early learning skills through structured and unstructured play. Developmental Services also support daily routines that promote learning and social growth.

Areas of focus may include:

• Social skills and emotional development
• Early learning and problem solving
• Play skills
• Routines that support cognitive growth

How Pediatric Therapy Supports Families

Pediatric therapy is not just about working with a child. It also supports families by providing education, guidance, and resources. Therapists work closely with caregivers so skills can be practiced during everyday routines.

Early support can make a meaningful difference in a child’s development and confidence.

Learn More About Pediatric Therapy at SOAR365

SOAR365 offers pediatric therapy services designed to support children and families at every step. If you have concerns about your child’s development or want to learn more about Early Intervention and pediatric therapy, our team is here to help.

Click here to learn more about services, evaluations, and next steps for your family.