School Occupational Therapy Goals, Methods & Impact for Students

Overview of School Occupational Therapy

School occupational therapists work with students who have disabilities or challenges that interfere with their ability to fully participate in the school environment. The overarching goal is to enable students to gain skills and accomplish tasks so they can engage in occupations of childhood, such as playing, learning, and socializing.

Common Goals Targeted in School OT

Some common goals that school OTs may focus on include:

Improving fine motor skills needed for handwriting, using scissors, buttoning clothes, etc.
Developing self-care skills like feeding, toileting, dressing, hygiene
Promoting social-emotional learning and relationship building
Teaching organizational and planning abilities for complex schoolwork demands
Modifying the environment and tasks to enable participation despite physical, sensory or learning challenges

Methods Used in School-Based OT

To address these goals, school OTs employ methods such as:

Sensorimotor and gross motor activities
Hand strengthening, visual-motor, and visual perception activities
Self-regulation strategies
Social skills groups
Environmental modifications and use of adaptive equipment
Educating teachers and families on helpful strategies

The Impact of School OT Services

Research shows that occupational therapy services in school settings can have a range of benefits, including:

Improved performance of school-related tasks
Enhanced social and play skills with peers
Increased independence in self-care activities
Higher levels of school participation and improved quality of life
Greater inclusion in classroom and school activities
Higher motivation and self-perception

In Closing

Occupational therapy in schools plays a vital role in identifying barriers and providing intervention to help students gain skills for full participation. OTs work collaboratively with educators and families to make a positive impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of education do school OTs have?

School occupational therapists must complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy, including coursework and supervised fieldwork placements working with children.

How do students qualify for school-based OT services?

A student must undergo an evaluation showing they have a disability that impacts school performance. Their IEP or 504 team determines eligibility and therapy needs.

What does a typical school OT session look like?

A school OT session may involve working one-on-one or in a small group on skills like handwriting, cutting with scissors, motor planning, following directions, sensory regulation or social interactions.

Do school OTs go into the classroom or pull students out?

School occupational therapists use a combination of pull-out one-on-one sessions and push-in support within the classroom. The approach depends on the child’s needs and goals.

How do school OTs work with teachers and parents?

Collaboration is key. OTs train teachers and families on helpful strategies to reinforce therapeutic goals and facilitate the student’s ability to participate across settings.