START-Play (Sitting Together and Reaching to Play) is an early intervention that targets sitting, reaching and motor-based problem-solving to promote development and readiness to learn in infants with motor delays or challenges.
Physical therapists deliver a perceptual-motor program centered on early cognitive constructs. Intervention occurs in infants’ natural environment, with caregiver social support to scaffold infant skills.
Training for providers
A 10 hour online continuing education course for physical or occupational therapists is available and can be accessed here: click here
Registration is open for the 2026 START-Play Continuing Education Training!
Sitting Together and Reaching To Play is a motor based problem solving intervention that encourages infants to engage with the world, which enhances their motivation to move.
Designed for pediatric physical and occupational therapists, this course explores the principles, theoretical models, practice examples and adaptive strategies behind START-Play, an evidence-based intervention that connects early motor development with learning and cognition.
Overview for parents and caregivers