School-Based Occupational Therapy
In schools, occupational therapists (OTs) help students succeed in daily routines of their school day, including activities within the classroom, playground, lunchroom, and extracurricular activities. Skills targeted to assist with development of these skills often include a focus on fine motor and visual motor skills, sensory processing, and task analysis of self care/play skills. Use of assistive technology, activity and environmental modifications may also be of focus depending on individual needs (Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapists, n.d.).
Occupational therapists also address the sensory needs of students as well as the other aspects within the school environment that may impact learning (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2009). OTs offer direct services to individuals and small groups, as well as interventions for whole classrooms (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2017b). They also offer consultation and collaboration with the entire school team, such as physical therapists, classroom teachers, school psychologists and speech-language pathologists, to support a student’s learning, daily living skills, play and leisure activities, and beginning work skills.
Contact Information
Brianna McGovern, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Early Childhood Center
Phone: 508-829-4766
Email: brianna_mcgovern@wrsd.net