Occupational Therapy is a resource to the educational system that assists children in successfully performing student roles.  Occupational therapists help students improve basic motor skills in order to have independent, productive, and satisfying lives.  They work on skills such as fine motor, visual motor and self-help functioning.

Physical therapy  in the school setting focuses on the students' gross motor functioning.  Physical therapists assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance.  They work on improving a student's ability to assume and maintain appropriate positioning for learning and self help during the school day, and improving the student's ability to move efficiently and safely within the school environment.

Children from preschool age to 21 years of age may be referred for occupational and/or physical therapy services when medical, physical, or health factors interfere with academic achievement.

Occupational and/or physical therapy services can include screening, evaluation, therapy, consultation, education and training.  The therapist is involved in the planning and delivery of comprehensive programs to children through a multi-disciplinary team.

Occupational and/or physical therapists can provide direct or indirect services.  A student may be seen individually or in groups.  Consultation is also available to parents, teachers and other school personnel.

Occupational and/or physical therapy programs are tailored to the age and needs of the individual child.

School aged children may have difficulty adjusting to classroom demands due to neurological, physical and environmental factors.  With occupational and/or physical therapy intervention, the child may develop age-appropriate proficiencies.

Occupational Therapy

• Complete fine motor classroom tasks

• Form letters or numbers and space words

• Organize written work on paper

• Develop advanced visual skills for reading

• Master use of school tools (scissors, pencils, computers)

• Improve speed and precision for note taking

• Organize time and work area

• Follow directions

• Participate in prevocational assessment and training

• For more information click here.

Physical Therapy

• Move freely and safely in the school environment
• Work better in the class with good posture and muscle control
• Sustain an optimal level of functioning through an increase in endurance
• Develop advanced eye and hand coordination
• Improve sensorimotor skills such as balance, bilateral coordination, motor planning, and perceptual motor which help to formulate the foundation for learning.
• Improve gross motor skills for better participation in physical education with their peers
• Develop skills necessary to use and/or operate special adaptive equipment
• Develop mobility skills for independent living.

Referral for occupational and/or physical therapy is determined through each students' Committee on Special Education (CSE).  Parents, teachers and other school personnel can initiate requests to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) at any time.  Occupational and/or physical therapy service is contingent upon approval by the home school district and receipt of a physicians' prescription.