Learn to assess and treat children (0–18) using a modern task-oriented approach. Train observations of infants and children with (neurological)diseases and build evidence-based plans through projects.

Do you enjoy working with children and want to understand why they move the way they do? 

How can you change motor performance with a smart, child-friendly plan? 

This is the minor for you!

In this minor, you explore motor development, motor control and motor learning in children, with one clear backbone: a contemporary task-oriented approach.

You learn to observe motor skills as purposeful actions shaped by the task and the environment. That means you do more than “choose exercises”: you develop strong clinical reasoning and translate it into interventions that fit the child.

 What you will do:

• Train video and live observations of children and perform process diagnostics to describe typical and atypical movements and explain underlying mechanisms.
• Perform task analyses and build interventions in logical “baby-steps” with clear progression.
• Work with pediatric assessment tools such as AIMS (infants) and MABC-II (children).
• Apply key motor learning principles (e.g., implicit/explicit learning, feedback and instruction strategies, constraints manipulation).
• Link your assessment and treatment choices to all relevant ICF domains and pediatric frameworks.
• Discuss and practice approaches for children with DCD, CP and ABI (with guidance for complex clinical reasoning).
• Complete outdoor practice and field tasks to connect theory to real-life contexts.

How you learn:

• A varied mix of working groups, interactive lectures, skills training, discussion groups, workshops, group work and some self-study (literature).
• Teaching takes place in small groups, with frequent feedback on observation skills, task analysis, outcome measures and treatment planning.
• Brightspace supports learning with study tasks, rubrics, example products and literature.
• An 80-hour pediatric physiotherapy internship gives you an authentic view of daily practice and your own professional fit.

Learning goals 

LO1 – Observing and interpreting motor development

You systematically observes and interprets motor development in children aged 0–18, and, with guidance, in DCD, CP and ABI. You develop a case-specific pediatric physiotherapy treatment plan that addresses all relevant ICF domains, and provide a motivation based on pediatric frameworks.

LO2 – Project

You analyses and interprets one preset complex pediatric case in collaboration with study group members. You design and adapt case-specific outcome measures and interventions grounded in evidence-based and theory-based practice. You justify your chosen approach by referring to professional guidelines and scientific literature.

LO3 – Internship

During an 80-hour internship in the field of Pediatric Physiotherapy, you actively engages in professional practice by observing and participating in daily routines. You explore the roles and responsibilities of a pediatric physiotherapist, and critically reflects on your own competences and professional ambitions. This Enables you to formulate a substantiated view on the potential fit with a future career in pediatric physiotherapy.

Entry level  

At least 3rd-year bachelor level in Physiotherapy (or equivalent).

Required literature  

Not necessary, but helpful during the project and internship if you want a strong clinical-theory bridge:

• Lee & Schmidt – Motor Learning and Performance: From Principles to Application
• Haywood & Getchell – Life Span Motor Development

• Motor Learning and Performance 7th edition
• Life Span Motor Development 8th edition
• Shumway-Cook & Woollacott – Motor Control: Translating Research into Clinical Practice (6th ed.)

• Palisano/Orlin/Schreiber – Campbell’s Physical Therapy for Children (6th ed.)

Time schedule 

Start: Period 1 (September) and period 3 (February).

2 full lesson-blocks on Monday

2 full lesson-blocks on Friday

In between: self-study and group projects

Credits / Study load  

LO1 (17EC) is assessed with:

• Digital applied final exam (Remindo)
  Focus: systematic observation and interpretation, appropriate test selection, clinical reasoning, ICF-based planning, and justification using pediatric frameworks.

LO2 (10EC) is assessed with:

• Integrated workshop assessment (group demo) – Measurement innovation
  Output: a case-specific outcome measurement design/adaptation, supported by evidence and theory, presented via a knowledge clip and an interactive workshop.
• Integrated workshop assessment (group demo) – Intervention innovation
  Output: a case-specific intervention innovation, supported by evidence and theory, typically presented via a poster and an interactive workshop.

LO3 (3EC) is assessed with:

• Reflective internship report (individual)
  Focus: participation in practice, understanding professional roles and responsibilities, and critical reflection on competences and career ambitions.

Retake arrangements are communicated via Brightspace and follow programme regulations.

Total: 30 EC 

Additional information 

N.B.: Avans program linked to this minor module is: 

Physiotherapy in Breda, in dutch: Opleiding tot Fysiotherapeut Breda (FT-B).
You need this information for registration in Studielink. 

Minor is open to "exchange" students. 

You have to arrange an internship for period 2 of the minor by yourself. 

The minor is offered in the 1st semester (September to February) and the 2nd semester (February to July). 

Ask your study advisor from your own study program which conditions apply to participate. 

If you would like more information about studying at Avans, please contact our International Office: internationaloffice@avans.nl or +31(0)88 - 525 80 01

More information about this program is available at the Avans School of Welfare, Education and Health: globalisation.aweg@avans.nl