School Readiness and Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh: Preparing Young Learners for Success

Starting school is a big milestone, but not every child is fully ready for the demands of the classroom. Some struggle to sit still, hold a pencil, follow routines, or interact socially with peers. These challenges can lead to frustration, low confidence, and academic delays. That’s where occupational therapy plays a crucial role.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapists help young learners build the essential physical, emotional, and cognitive skills they need to succeed in preschool and primary school. Our focus is on school readiness—helping children feel confident and capable in the classroom from day one.

What Is School Readiness?
School readiness is more than knowing numbers and letters. It’s about having the foundational skills to participate in learning. These include:

• Fine motor control (for writing, drawing, and cutting)

• Gross motor skills (balance, posture, coordination)

• Self-regulation (handling emotions and transitions)

• Attention and focus

• Self-help skills (toileting, dressing, opening snacks)

• Social interaction with peers and teachers

When children are strong in these areas, they’re more likely to enjoy learning, build positive relationships, and develop healthy self-esteem.

How Occupational Therapy Supports School Readiness
At OrbRom Center, our occupational therapy programs in Phnom Penh are specifically designed to support school readiness. We assess each child’s developmental level and create a personalized therapy plan targeting their specific needs.

Therapy sessions include:

• Hand and finger strengthening for pencil grasp and cutting

• Core exercises to improve sitting posture and endurance

• Listening games to develop auditory processing and focus

• Visual schedules and routines to support transitions

• Role-play and social games to build cooperation and turn-taking

• Practice with classroom materials (scissors, pencils, lunchboxes)

We help children build comfort with common school tasks so they can participate with confidence.

Common Challenges Before Starting School
Children may benefit from occupational therapy if they:

• Struggle with holding a pencil or using scissors

• Avoid messy play or fine motor activities

• Have difficulty sitting still for more than a few minutes

• Become overwhelmed by group settings or noise

• Have trouble following simple instructions or routines

• Get frustrated easily and have frequent meltdowns

We recommend a Developmental Assessment before school enrollment to identify areas of need and create a readiness plan.

At-Home Tools That Support School Readiness
To support your child at home, consider integrating tools and activities that build school-ready skills. Our Sensory Shop offers valuable resources, such as:

• Sensory Rocking Chair: Helps children self-regulate before or after school

• Noise Cancelling Headphones: Ideal for children sensitive to noisy classrooms

• Sleep Sound Machine: Encourages better rest, which supports focus and behavior

• Weighted Sensory Blanket: Provides calming deep pressure after a stimulating school day

With guidance from our therapists, families can use these tools to create a school-ready home environment.

Collaborating with Schools in Phnom Penh
OrbRom Center works closely with schools to ease the transition for young learners. We offer:

• Reports and recommendations for classroom accommodations

• Coordination with teachers to support IEPs or behavior plans

• Observations to assess how children function in school settings

• Guidance for classroom routines and sensory-friendly strategies

Our goal is to create a bridge between therapy and school, so each child can access learning on their own terms.

Why Parents in Phnom Penh Trust OrbRom Center
Families choose OrbRom Center for school readiness because we provide:

• Licensed occupational therapists experienced with early learners

• Bilingual support in Khmer and English

• Child-friendly therapy rooms designed to mimic classroom routines

• Personalized programs tailored to Cambodian and international school systems

• Tools and parent training to reinforce skills at home

We understand that every child’s first school experience matters—and we’re here to make it a positive one.

Conclusion: Building the Foundation for a Lifelong Love of Learning
School readiness isn’t just about being smart—it’s about having the motor, emotional, and social skills to thrive in the classroom. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapy programs help young children prepare for success by building the essential skills they need to feel confident and capable on their first day—and beyond.

To learn more about our approach to school readiness, visit our Occupational Therapy Services or schedule an evaluation today.