The questions families ask most.

Strong writers start with strong roots. The name reflects how occupational therapy works: we strengthen the foundational skills (the roots) so a child can rise into confident, independent writing at school and beyond.

Children who need extra support developing the skills necessary for successful writing, and the families and educators around them. Root + Rise provides occupational therapy-based handwriting evaluations and individualized intervention for children.

A free 15-minute discovery call, a comprehensive handwriting evaluation package, and individualized handwriting intervention sessions that follow the evaluation. There's no required package or predetermined number of sessions — following the evaluation, we'll discuss a recommended starting plan and check progress along the way. Families who'd like regular weekly sessions can pay for a block of sessions up front as a session pack; just ask.

During an in-person evaluation at your home, we use a variety of handwriting and functional writing assessments selected based on your child's age, individual needs, and classroom expectations.

For younger writers, assessments such as the Learning Without Tears® Print Tool help us examine the physical production of handwriting, including letter formation, sizing, spacing, and placement. As students get older, we take a broader look at the demands of classroom writing. Assessments such as the DeCoste Writing Protocol help us explore writing fluency, written productivity, and how handwriting compares with other methods of written expression, such as keyboarding, while additional functional assessments may examine copying from near and far points.

Guided by our ROOTS framework, we also explore foundational skills that may be influencing writing, including fine motor coordination, pencil grasp, visual-motor integration, postural stability, and sensory processing.

Following the evaluation, we meet virtually for a 30-minute consultation to review the results. You'll also receive a comprehensive written report with individualized goals and practical recommendations for home and school.

In your family home, after school, rather than in a clinic. Root + Rise provides in-home handwriting services throughout Chittenden County, Vermont, and surrounding areas; travel outside Chittenden County may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis. Discovery calls and parent consultations happen by phone or video.

Yes, with your permission. Your evaluation package includes one optional 20-minute virtual consultation with your child's school team to review relevant findings and discuss classroom strategies. It's intended to complement existing school-based services, not replace formal educational team or IEP meetings.

Root + Rise is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly.

No referral is required for a handwriting evaluation or intervention.