Learn how our partnership brings occupational therapy into early childhood classrooms to support development, confidence, and school readiness.
Written by Lisa Fyffe, PhD, OTR/L, Author of the OTEEC Partnership Model
What is Embedded Occupational Therapy?
When you walk into La Familia, you might notice something unique: occupational therapists working right alongside classroom teachers. You might wonder, “Why would a childcare center have occupational therapists on-site?” Great question! We’d like to share our story.
Traditional occupational therapy (OT) requires a doctor’s referral and focuses on children with a diagnosed disability or significant developmental delay. While this approach helps many children, other children who could benefit from OT involvement are missed.
At La Familia, we believe in an embedded approach—one that’s proactive rather than reactive. Our occupational therapists are embedded in our classrooms, working with all children enrolled in our center. This means they can:
• Spot subtle developmental differences early, before they become challenges.
• Support children’s motor skills, self-regulation, and social development as part of their everyday classroom experiences
• Collaborate with teachers to create inclusive learning activities that help every child thrive
• Work directly with parents to answer questions about children’s development in casual conversations at drop-off or pick-up
Embedded Occupational Therapy in Your Child’s Classroom
Our occupational therapists spend extended time in each classroom every week. This isn’t a quick visit or observation. They work closely with La Familia teachers and administration to get to know every child and their classroom routines.
Because our occupational therapists work in the classroom, they can provide support that’s authentic, immediate, and meaningful. They collaborate weekly with teachers to co-create learning activities and classroom environments that help all children succeed.
Children also participate in specially designed enrichment activities tailored to each classroom’s abilities and current interests. These activities build motor skills, problem-solving, and confidence through play.
Why Every Child Benefits
Here’s what makes the embedded occupational therapy approach truly unique: you don’t need a doctor’s referral, and your child doesn’t need a diagnosis to benefit from occupational therapy support. If you have a question about your child’s development, you can simply talk with our occupational therapist. If a teacher notices a child needs extra support with transitions or self-regulation, help is immediately available, no waiting, no paperwork, no logistical barriers, no stigma.
This means every child has equitable access to support that promotes healthy development, prevents small challenges from becoming big problems, and helps children feel confident and capable in their daily lives.
Why the Early Years Matter
The years from birth to kindergarten represent the largest period of brain development in the human lifespan. Your child’s brain is building the foundation for everything that comes next—learning to manage emotions, interact with peers, solve problems, and approach new challenges with confidence.
When occupational therapists are positioned to support children during these critical early years, they can help build strong foundations that last a lifetime. Simple support now—like helping a toddler learn to navigate playground equipment safely or supporting a preschooler’s transition into group activities—can make a profound difference in your child’s confidence and competence.
Our Commitment to Your Child
We believe every child deserves the best possible start. By embedding occupational therapy into the fabric of our early childhood program, we’re creating a community where:
• All children receive expert support for their development and learning
• Parents have trusted professionals to answer questions and share strategies
• Teachers have collaborative partners helping create inclusive, engaging classrooms
• Every child’s unique way of learning and developing is respected and supported
This isn’t therapy in the traditional sense, it’s something better. Its expert support woven into the joyful, playful experiences that make early childhood so magical. It’s prevention rather than reaction. It’s a partnership rather than a prescription.
When you choose La Familia, you’re choosing a community committed to supporting your child’s development in every way possible. We’re honored to be part of your family’s early childhood journey!
Questions about our occupational therapy partnership?
Please contact Deana Munoz, MOT, OTR/L, Embedded Occupational Therapist at La Familia: newmoonot@gmail.com
Lisa Fyffe, PhD, OTR/L, Embedded Occupational Therapy Program Consultant for La Familia: Lisa.Fyffe@colostate.edu
The Embedded Occupational Therapy Program is supported by the Larimer County Behavioral Health Services’ Impact Fund