When your child starts therapy, you may notice there are several professionals involved in their care. You might hear titles like SLP, SLPA, OT, or OTA, and wonder who everyone is and what their role is in your child’s progress.

At STEPS Therapies, therapy is a team effort. Each member of the team plays an important role in helping your child build skills, gain confidence, and reach meaningful milestones.

Let’s take a closer look at two important members of the therapy team: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs).

What is an SLPA?

A Speech-Language Pathology Assistantworks alongside a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to help children develop communication skills.

Think of the SLP as the architect of the therapy plan. They evaluate your child, design the treatment goals, and monitor progress. The SLPA helps bring that plan to life during therapy sessions.

An SLPA may:

Lead fun and engaging speech and language activities
Practice communication skills through games, play, and structured exercises
Help children work on vocabulary, sounds, and social communication
Track progress and share updates with the supervising SLP

Because children learn best through practice and repetition, SLPAs help provide the consistent support needed for skills to grow.

What is an OTA?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)works with the licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to support the development of everyday skills that help children participate fully in daily life.

The OT evaluates your child and creates the therapy plan, while the OTA helps guide children through the activities that build those important skills.

During sessions, an OTA may help children with:

Strengthen fine motor skills for writing, drawing, and using utensils
Improve coordination and body awareness
Practice self-care routines like dressing or feeding
Work through sensory activities that help children regulate and focus

OT sessions often look like play, but behind every activity is a carefully designed goal.

Why Are Therapy Assistants Part of the Team?

Therapy assistants are highly trained professionals who work under the supervision of licensed therapists. Their involvement allows children to receive more hands-on practice, which is one of the most important ingredients for progress.

At STEPS Therapies:

Therapy plans are developed by the supervising therapist and carried out collaboratively by our therapy team
Our therapy assistants help carry out each child’s individualized therapy plan during sessions
Your child’s progress is regularly reviewed by the supervising therapist and adjustments are made when needed

This collaboration approach ensures your child receives consistent, high-quality therapy while benefiting from a support team.

The Same Goal: Helping Your Child Thrive

Whether your child is working with an SLP, SLPA, OT, or OTA, every member of the therapy team shares the same mission: helping your child build the skills they need to communicate, learn, and participate confidently in the world around them.

If you ever have questions about your child’s therapy sessions or the professionals involved, please do not hesitate to ask. We love partnering with families and believe that informed parents are empowered parents.

Together, we celebrate every step of your child’s growth and progress.