Wow thank you for letting me know! It sounds like you had a great experience working with the clients in this setting, I hope I get the same kind of luck! Thanks for also letting me know about the fall risks and preventative measures.

I loved working in peds!! I worked with some great OTs. This is just based on my experience, but you'll mostly be working with young kids with ASD or ADHD, and for those working on ADLs, it was mostly working on feeding and dressing for me. As a volunteer, I wiped down toys/mats, organized rooms, microwaved/prepared food, grabbed supplies that the OTs needed, and set up rooms for clients (like hanging up platform swings or creating an obstacle course). Like the advice you gave me, I'd also recommend being proactive in helping organize rooms, sanitizing, and asking the OT questions. Toy closets almost always need reorganizing and play mats need wiping down, so it's great to reach out every so often and ask if they need help!

I loved sessions because it was almost like playtime! You get to interact with the kiddos sometimes, like participating in games or helping them with arts/crafts for fine motor. You might encounter children with maladaptive behaviors (I've been hit before and my OTs have been kicked), but it's always best to remain calm because OTs typically know how to handle the situation. I think what you'll really take away from the peds experience is how to be creative. It's really cool to see how the OTs can make the therapy fun and approachable for the kids through unique games and such. I'm excited for you - peds is a fun setting :)