How does a student qualify to receive Occupational Therapy at school?

Occupational Therapy services are considered through a referral process, usually after a student has already been identified and qualifies for Special Education Services.

The I.E.P ( Individual Education Program) team, made up of the parent/guardian, classroom teacher, administrator, and other team members, such as a Special Education teacher and /or Speech and Language Therapist, may refer a student to receive an Occupational Therapy evaluation, if the student appears to require more support with specific skills in order to benefit from their Special Education Program. Some of the reasons the I.E.P team may consider O.T. services include, but are not limited to; concerns regarding a student’s ability to perform hands on tasks in the classroom such as pre-writing skills, printing, cutting with scissors, coloring, manipulation of materials and assembling projects. Other concerns may include the ability to maintain focus and attention to instruction, the ability to transition and move throughout the school setting with safety, the ability to access activities and physical structures within the school, and performing routines required during the school day. Some of the areas of function evaluated by Occupational Therapy may include; Self-care skills, Fine Motor skills, Visual Perceptual and Visual Motor Integration skills, Postural Control and Gross Motor Coordination, as well as Sensory Integration and Regulation skills.