< Occupational Therapy

School-based occupational therapy (OT) is designed to enhance the student’s ability to fully access and be successful in the learning environment. School-based occupational therapy is a related service as defined under 300.34 of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)  Part B and is provided to students who meet criteria for special education services under Special Education Rule 13 160-4-7-.05, Eligibility Determination and Categories of Eligibility (GaDOE, 2021). School occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are contributors within the education team. They support a student’s ability to participate in desired daily school activities or “occupations.” Occupational therapy is provided at schools only when it is related to educational needs. Occupational therapists help children to fulfill their role as students by supporting their academic achievement and promoting positive behaviors necessary for learning (AOTA, 2016).  In addition to providing direct occupational therapy services (or instead of), an occupational therapist may provide consultation to a child’s educational team (teachers, paraprofessionals, other therapists, and parents).

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (2016), occupational therapy practitioners have specific knowledge and expertise to increase participation in school routines throughout the day. Interventions include: