School Based Occupational Therapy

Schools provide occupational therapy when a child with a disability requires this related service to assist the child to benefit from special education. Occupational therapists use purposeful activity to facilitate a child's active participation in self-maintenance; academic and vocational pursuits; and play or leisure activities that occur in school environments. Using direct and indirect services, as well as assistive technology and environmental modifications, school occupational therapists collaborate with parents, teachers and other educational staff to help implement a child's special education program.

Approximately 400 occupational therapists and 100 occupational therapy assistants are employed in Wisconsin public schools. These occupational therapists serve almost 10,000 children from the ages of 3 to 21. Questions about school occupational therapy can be directed to Patricia Bober, Occupational Therapy Consultant, at (608) 266-5194.

For employment opportunities in school occupational therapy, please search the Jobs page.

License application for a school occupational therapist or school occupational therapy assistant.

For more information about school occupational therapy in Wisconsin, visit the CESA #1 website.

September 2009 Videoconference for New School OTs and PTs

School-Based and Community Based Therapy Services - Brochure
(Page 1 and Page 2)

Evidence-Based Practice

• Powerpoint Presentation on Using Systematic Reviews to Inform Practice developed by Dr. Steven Cope, Concordia University of Wisconsin, October 27, 2005
• Online Database List for finding abstracts and citations for individual articles and systematic reviews related to occupational therapy
• Searching Tips for using online databases

Frequently Asked Questions About School Occupational Therapy and School Physical Therapy

• Slide Presentation
• Cover
• Overview - Frequently Asked Questions about School Occupational Therapy and School Physical Therapy
• OT and PT in Public Education - Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy as part of an Individualized Education Program
• Evaluation - OT and PT in the Evaluation and Reevaluation Process
• IEP Team Process - OT and PT Participation in IEP Team Decisions and IEP Documentation
• Providing Services - IDEA and State Practice Laws Direct Occupational and Physical Therapy Services in Schools
• Documentation - Reporting Progress and Keeping Records
• Personnel - Maintaining Highly Qualified OT and PT Staff in Schools
• Universal School Therapy - Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy for All Children in School

Information Resources

Information Update Bulletin 03.01 - Occupational Therapy Licensing Rules
Information Update Bulletin 02.02 - Physical Education for Students with Disabilities

For questions about this information, contact Patricia A. Bober (608) 266-5194

Last updated on 8/17/2009 9:17:43 AM