Occupational therapists (OTs) work with children in a variety of settings which include but are not limited to: Inpatient rehabilitation for adults and children, acute rehabilitation for adults and children, outpatient rehabilitation for adults and children, geriatric or nursing homes and hand therapy, and of course the school setting. In the school setting, OT's typically work with kids in the moderate needs or significant needs programs. An OT is a related service provider that will evaluate and work with kids who qualify for OT services on their Individualized Education Plan IEP). In addition to working with kids that have OT on their IEP, OT's will consult with teachers about any OT related concerns of any student. Occupational Therapy CANNOT stand alone, meaning a student must qualify for the learning specialist, speech therapist, or at times the psychologist.

In the school setting, occupational therapists work with kids on various motor skills as well as sensory integration related difficulty. Typically the OT will work with kids who have delays with any of the following: fine motor skills, visual motor skills, gross motor skills, functional activities of daily living, and kids with sensory integration needs. When children have difficulties with these daily activities, it is hard to fully participate in the things they need to do, want to do, or are expected to do at home, at school and in the community. Some students will work with an OT 1:1 outside the classroom, some work in or out of the classroom in small group, and some will work with the OT within the classroom. For most success, OT works along side the Special Education Team ,teachers and parents, so that these skills can be addressed on a daily basis throughout the school day.