School-Based Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists (OT)/Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA)
- Jackie Cubberly 845 228-2300, ext. 517, jcubberly@carmelschools.org
- Carolyn Catalano 845 878-3211, ext. 290, ccatalan@carmelschools.org
- April DeFrancesco 845-225-8441 adefranc@carmelschools.org
- Kate Ostie 845-321-5029 ext. 321 kostie@carmelschools.org
What is Occupational Therapy?
School-based occupational therapy (often abbreviated as OT) is designed to enhance the student’s ability to fully access and be successful in the learning environment. This might include working on fine motor coordination or visual perceptual skills so the child can complete written assignments, helping the child organize himself or herself in the environment (including workspace in and around the desk), working with the teacher to modify the classroom and/or adapt learning materials to facilitate successful participation. OT services are provided for students based upon New York State Part 200 Regulations.
What is the role of the Occupational Therapist in the educational setting?
- To provide direct and indirect occupational therapy services
- To participate in the academic intervention team
- To observe students (parent/teacher concerns)
- To consult with teachers
- To attend meetings that support student programming
- To design activities that support students in natural environments or general education curriculum
- To provide professional development and training for staff and parents
- To provide assistance in environmental adaptations
- To support school compliance and data tracking
Why would a student need Occupational Therapy?
Fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual skills and/or sensory processing difficulties impede access to education
How is it determined if a student needs Occupational Therapy services?
- Referral submitted by parent, teacher, other related services staff
- Conduct initial screening (as requested)
- Evaluation that includes standardized testing, functional testing, observation, case review
- RTI, 504 Plan, or CSE meeting to determine the level of services warranted
Direct services vs. consult services
Direct services
- Service given directly to the student in either a group or in an individual session
- Push in: to the classroom
- Pull out: in a setting away from peers
Consult services
- Provides strategies and recommendations to:
- General education teacher
- Special education teacher
- Teaching assistant, special education student aides
- Parents
What is the difference between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy?
- Occupational therapists address hand skills (writing/small objects), self-care (shoe tying, dressing), sensory integration, organizational skills, and assistive technology
- Physical therapists address walking, stairs, balance, coordination, posture, large motor skills, gym/recess skills, and sensory integration