Community Vs. School Therapy

Community-Based Therapy

Community-based therapy is provided in clinics, hospitals, homes and community settings. The physician, family and therapist make the decision regarding the amount, frequency and duration of therapy recommended. Treatment techniques, such as hot/cold, electrical stimulation, biofeedback training, social emotional skills, may be utilized. Intervention is discontinued when any of the following occurs: functional skills are achieved, a plateau in progress is reached, participation in service is limited because of various circumstances, child is stable with a therapy maintenance program, or discharge is requested. There may still be a need for school-based services.

School-Based Therapy

School-based therapy is a related service to special education and is provided only if the child needs therapy to function in the educational setting. In the school, the need for therapy is determined by the IEP team. Therapy takes place where the child receives education. Appropriate intervention may be provided in classrooms, hallways, gyms, playgrounds, lunchrooms, bathrooms, or in a separate therapy room. The decision to discontinue therapy is made by the IEP team. This may occur when the student no longer is eligible for special education, when other members of the IEP Team can provide necessary interventions, or when the child can perform school tasks without therapeutic intervention. There may still be a need for community-based services.

Source: https://dpi.wi.gov/