Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists offer a very holistic attitude toward all the meaningful activities that children attempt in the course of a school day. We are concerned with ensuring a match between the student’s abilities and the expectations placed on each student in school.

Occupational therapists at each grade level offer support in math, reading, social skills, recess, sports participation, and self-help skills. We also work with parents, psychologists, speech therapists, and inside the classroom with teachers to help students with diverse learning needs. 

Objectives: 

• Filter out irrelevant sensory stimulation and focus on the lesson
• Cognitive: attention, rate of speed of process, memory, comprehension
• Coordinate eyes with hands (to copy from blackboard, throw a ball, etc.)
• Fine-Motor: handwriting, typing on keyboard, opening a milk carton
• Gross-Motor skills : large muscles used running, skipping, kicking
• Maneuver smoothly through the classroom’s physical environment
• Maintain alert body posture appropriate to specific tasks such a writing
• Grasp and manipulate school tools (pencils, rulers, etc.)
• Change for gym in a timely manner
• Use a knife, fork & spoon independently

In all the tasks above, the child with special needs could have difficulty participating. We observe a student engaging in an activity and provide strategies to facilitate the student’s full participation. We are especially concerned with finding abilities, while teaching how weaknesses can become strengths. If needed, assistive technology can be attained to support student success. In the higher grades, we help identify long-term goals for post-school outcomes.

Of utmost importance is our ability to reduce barriers (such as uncomfortable seating or grapho-motor difficulties) that limit student participation in the classroom. For occupational therapy to be truly effective, strategies must be carried out throughout the child’s day. Working in the classroom allows us to model specific strategies for the teachers so they gain tools for achieving success with each child. We strive to educate teachers in occupational strategies they can use in the classroom to provide the most appropriate climate for learning.