Occupational behavior theory provides guidelines for current occupational therapy practice. This theory, based on the balance of work and play activities, guided the development of an evaluative tool to monitor the skill acquisition of the 10-year-old child. This article presents a conceptual model of basic childhood skills and abilities required for successful transition into adolescence. The model and principles supporting the evaluative tool are used to demonstrate assessment of critical skills required for competent role performance during the latency period of life and the child’s readiness for the adolescent struggle.