# Therapy & Clinical Services — Occupational Therapy (School OT)

Notes below are from Becky Meyers, the OT at Ascension Catholic School.  Becky has worked in schools across the country in public schools with children from 3 to 21yo. — *[Becky Meyers, Jan 2025](/sessions/20250119_Becky_Meyers_School_OT/notes.md)*

**Medical OT vs School OT:** — *[Becky Meyers, Jan 2025](/sessions/20250119_Becky_Meyers_School_OT/notes.md)*

| Medical | School |
|---------|--------|
| Requires doctor's referral, diagnosis, insurance approval | In public school an IEP is required; at ACS Becky can consult with teachers for shorter-term needs |
| Insurance requires individualized treatment plans | Specifically targets classroom needs |
| Covers skills across all daily living domains | Designed to build new function and help access education |
| Typically for rehab or reinstating function | |

**Skills Targeted by School OT:**

- (Definitions from [The OT Tool Box](https://www.theottoolbox.com/)) — *[Becky Meyers, Jan 2025](/sessions/20250119_Becky_Meyers_School_OT/notes.md)*

- [Fine motor](https://www.theottoolbox.com/fine-motor-skills/) - Precision, finger dexterity, coordination

- [Visual motor](https://www.theottoolbox.com/visual-motor-skills/) - Integration of visual information with actions

- [Visual perceptual skills](https://www.theottoolbox.com/visual-perceptual-skills/) - Making sense of what we see

- [General Motor Coordination](https://www.theottoolbox.com/zones-of-regulation-activities-2/) - Hop, skip, jump, push and pull

- [Self Regulation](https://www.theottoolbox.com/zones-of-regulation-activities-2/) - Manage emotions, behavior and attention

- [Self Care](https://www.theottoolbox.com/self-care-for-kids-with-special-needs/) - Dressing, toileting, etc.

- [Executive Function](https://www.theottoolbox.com/executive-functioning-skills/) - Attention, problem solving, flexible thinking, working memory

**What Happens in the School:**

- Teacher or special ed coordinator identifies need

- OT assesses both the child and the environment

- OT writes individualized plan with 3 strategies: build motor skills, adapt materials, adapt environment

**Practical Tools & Resources:**

- [Zubits Magnetic Laces](https://zubits.com/) for tying shoes

- [Bringing Therapy Home](https://www.bringingtherapyhome.com/)

- [Ability KC](https://abilitykc.org/)

- [Dr. Debs](https://drdebscenter.com/)

- [Zones of Regulation](https://zonesofregulation.com/)

- [Every Moment Counts](https://everymomentcounts.org/)

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[Resource index](/llms.txt) · [Full resources page](/resources/) · [Comprehensive guide](/comprehensive-guide.md)