What is school-based Occupational Therapy?

School-based Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on issues that impact a child's performance in school.  Occupational Therapy helps children to be able to access the school environment fully and become more successful.  Each student's needs are unique, therefore occupational therapy differs from student to student.  Occupational Therapy focuses on goals listed in a child's Individual Education Plan (IEP).  

How does a student receive Occupational Therapy Services?

If a child is suspected of having a problem that might require special related services, then Occupational Therapy and other related services will begin the evaluation phase.  An Occupational Therapy Evaluation might consist of observation, functional assessments, and/or standardized or non-standardized testing.  All special related services present their findings to the Admissions and Release Committee (ARC).  The ARC determines the child's present level of performance, goals, and short term objectives before identifying which special education services are needed to master the goals and objectives established in the child's IEP.  It is ultimately the ARC's decision if a child qualifies for Occupational Therapy.

What kind of things do Occupational Therapy work on?

Each child's needs are different, however, there are common problems that Occupational Therapy addresses.  OT's may work on fine/gross motor skills, visual motor/perception, coordination, sensory, and/or self help skills.  Click on the links above on the left-hand side, to find out more information.