OT Scope of Practice in Schools

OTs promote occupation within all school routines, including recess, classroom, bathroom, meal/snack time in cafeteria by providing skilled services to increase independence within the educational setting. In the school setting, OTs support students in academic achievement, functional performance, and social participation.

IDEA define occupational therapy as:

A) improving, developing or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury or deprivation
B) improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning when functions are impaired or lost
c) preventing through early intervention, initial or further impairment or loss of function"
(S 300.34(c)(6))

What is the

Difference

Between

Medical &

Educational

OT Services?

The medically based OT model focuses on improving client's health to increase their participation and independence in ADL/IADL, while the focus of an educational OT model is to facilitate the student’s access to the educational curriculum and support their progress toward IEP goals.

Service Delivery

Direct

Work directly with students to implement strategies
Occur one-on-one or in a group setting
Provided when students require continuous services & strategies/modification/techniques used by an OT
May take place in variety of settings within the school (e.g., special education resource room, separate therapy room, cafeteria, playground)

Indirect

Interventions taught to teachers for them to implement, however, OT provides regular input
Requires planning & consultation with the teacher
OT maintains regular contact with the student to monitor their needs/progress
Planning for innovative services and new programs around the school
Contribute to school wide committees (e.g, PBIS, bully prevention)

Services

Training/Approaches/
Interventions in GE

Training & resources for school personnel, students, and families

Evaluation

Assist the IEP team with identifying the presence of an educational need for occupational therapy services.

Interventions

Services may include environmental adaptation, accommodations, ensuring access and participation in school activities, and assisting in preparation for transition post-graduation.

State Licensure

Visit

https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/advocacy/scope-of-practice-chart-10-21.pdf

to review the OT scope of practice according to the state where you practice

Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
The OT Compact allows licensed occupational therapy practitioners to practice in all states that join the compact.

Visit

https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/advocacy/final_ot_compact-practitioner-fact-sheet.pdf

to review AOTA & NBCOT fact sheet for practitioners

For additional info, review this brochure from AOTA

https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/Practice/Children/School-Administrator-Brochure.pdf