Practical tips for families to support occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT) and speech therapy goals when school services pause.

Why is it important?

When school-based therapy services (OT, PT and speech therapy) pause for summer break, some students experience skill regression. Continuing practice over the summer can help maintain progress, reduce learning loss and support a smoother return to school in the fall.

Key takeaways

• Consistent summer practice can help prevent regression in skills built during the school year.
• Everyday routines and play can reinforce OT, PT and speech goals at home.
• Ask about Extended School Year (ESY) services and summer therapy programs through your school or community.

What can you do?

Start by asking your child’s school about Extended School Year (ESY) services and whether eligibility is determined by the IEP team. You can also ask about school-run summer therapy programs. If school options are limited, talk with your pediatrician about local clinics, community organizations and summer therapy camps. At home, keep goals moving forward by weaving therapy targets into everyday activities like storytelling, puzzles and interactive games.

Summer can provide opportunity for your child’s development

1. Consistency creates lasting progress
   Summer is an important time to keep your child moving forward. Without the structure school provides, learned skills can plateau. Consistent practice, including carryover from school-based therapy or summer therapy, helps build progress. With focused intervention, children can:

• Maintain hard-earned progress in motor, cognitive and self-care skills.
• Practice targeted skills more frequently, improving carryover (utilizing acquired skills outside of the therapy setting).
• Build momentum that supports a smoother transition back to school.

2. Everyday family activities can become learning opportunities
   Summer routines offer meaningful ways to work on developmental skills in your child’s natural environment:

• Outdoor play (biking, climbing, running etc.) — These activities strengthen coordination, balance and endurance.
• Water play (sprinklers, pools, baths etc.) — In addition to the physical benefits of regular outdoor play, water play supports sensory processing, body awareness and motor planning.
• Daily routines like dressing, snack prep and clean-up build independence and fine motor skills involved with tying knots, buttoning buttons and zipping up jackets and bags.
• Playgrounds are easy and accessible places that offer a fun way to encourage upper body strength, bilateral coordination and confidence with movement.

3. A regulated, engaged child learns best
   Children make the most progress when they are calm, engaged and motivated:

• Repetition in a low-pressure environment strengthens the brain.
• Positive, play-based experiences support attention and learning.
• Celebrating small successes builds confidence, independence and willingness to try new skills.

Summer isn’t a break from growth — it’s a chance to accelerate it. By keeping therapy consistent and weaving goals into everyday fun you’re giving your child the best possible start for the new school year!

If you’d like help choosing summer supports, start with your child’s school team and pediatrician, then create a simple weekly plan that fits your family’s routines.