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OT in a School Setting
Becky Meyers
Occupational Therapist, Ascension Catholic School
2025-01-19
Becky Meyers is an Occupational Therapist for Ascension Catholic School. She discussed why OT in a school setting is crucial, how it differs from clinical OT, and what we can do at home.
Notes from January 19th - Becky Meyers - OT in Education
- Becky is the OT on staff at Ascension Catholic School
- She has worked in schools across the country in public schools with children from 3 to 21yo
Medical OT vs School OT:
| 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) - Fine motor - Precision, finger dexterity, coordination - Visual motor - Integration of visual information with actions - Visual perceptual skills - Making sense of what we see - General Motor Coordination - Hop, skip, jump, push and pull - Self Regulation - Manage emotions, behavior and attention - Self Care - Dressing, toileting, etc. - Executive Function - 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