Therapists participate in the problem solving process at the individual student level. Provide intensive interventions that can improve an individual student’s performance. Therapy assessments are part of comprehensive and individual evaluation under IDEA.
Therapists participate grade-level meetings to problem solve classroom/ playground/PE challenges. Explore environmental barriers, possible accommodations or supports to promote student’s participation and desired behavior in school routines with peers. Consult with teacher to differentiate routines, activities & expectations.Provide pre-teaching of skills in same or similar settings with smaller number of peers ( Pre-K recess groups or pre-teach PE) along with suggesting purposeful activities throughout school day.
Therapists assist with environmental design of classrooms to enhance engagement and learning performances. Provide in-services to staff on typical development, resources or equipment needed for classrooms. Provide in-service to school administration /teachers on benefits of flexible seating and dynamic learning environments to promote alertness for academic preparedness. Educate staff on the continued need/ benefits of increased activity levels in various classroom settings such as Art, PE, outdoor recess and hallway transitions.
The above information obtained from RTI Fact Sheet