Remember that old ditty. . .
"School days. School days.
Good old golden rule days.
Reading and 'riting
and 'rithmetic . . ."

     Unfortunately, due to delays in fine motor, gross motor, visual perception, or sensory motor skills, school may not be a good experience for all kids! School-based Occupational Therapists work in the school setting to help the teacher, parent, and other educational team members turn frustration into success for their student. The key to help a child achieve the child's educational goals, and in turn increase the child's self-esteem, is to create integrated and supportive strategies for classroom learning.

     School-based Occupational Therapy referrals may occur when a child consistently experiences difficulty in any of the following areas:

• handwriting (cursive or printing)
• self-help ie eating, dressing, and using restrooms during the school day
• copying off the board
• using scissors
• manipulating small classroom objects
• organizing belongings, school books and materials
• sitting still
• using playground equipment

     If a school refers a child for evaluation by an Occupational Therapist, the teacher supplies the Occupational Therapist with the child's educational goals. The Occupational Therapist evaluates the child in the school setting to determine what is preventing attainment of the educational goals. The Occupational Therapist provides strategies for the student and teacher to better achieve goals.

     Occasionally, students are provided with direct therapy in the classroom to implement and assess strategies that work best in a specific situation.

     School based Occupational Therapy provides significant benefits to teachers, parents, and students:

• enhances learning capabilities
• improves educational performance
• reduces distractions and disruptions to class
• increases self esteem