In this research project, I investigated (1) the use and frequency of early therapy services in the first 2 yr of life following neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge and (2) the relationships between early therapy services and 2-yr developmental outcomes of preterm infants. Infants born at less than 30 wk gestational age were enrolled at birth. Medical factors and sociodemographics were collected through medical records and parent report. After discharge, naturally occurring early therapy utilization was tracked through the state of Missouri early intervention provider, medical records, and parent report. At age 2 yr, infants returned for developmental testing using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (3rd ed.) and the Infant–Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment.

This research project will advance the field of occupational therapy by building evidence to support the use of early therapy services during the first 2 yr of life. The findings of this study can aid the understanding of the optimal time at which to enroll children in early therapy services and can define the benefits of services for improving outcomes. Such evidence could affect policy and service utilization.