Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Megan Johnke
Keywords
child development, daycare setting, occupational therapy, program development
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
The purpose of this capstone project was to implement a program within a daycare setting using an occupational therapy perspective. The project explored the impact of staff education combined with guided, hands-on activities in supporting child development. Seven developmental areas served as a focus for two weeks each during the capstone experience. Main components of the program included presentations and debrief sessions for staff, hands-on, developmentally supportive activities with the children, handouts for caregivers, and the creation of a resource with activity ideas for daycare staff to utilize after program implementation. Pre and post-test surveys were used to assess the impact of the program. Survey results indicated gains in parent and staff knowledge and confidence in supporting children’s development, as well as improvements in children’s developmental skills. Findings indicated that educational programs using an occupational therapy perspective can enhance caregivers’ ability to support child development and promote children’s developmental progress.
Recommended Citation
Glaser, Autumn F., "Enhancing Child Development in a Daycare Setting Using an OT Perspective" (2026). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 165.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/165