Occupational therapy (school-based)

Topic: Services, placement and staff

In plain terms

School OTs focus on what a student needs to do at school: write, cut, open lunch containers, manage materials, use a keyboard, dress for recess, or stay regulated in a busy classroom. Therapy can be direct, in the classroom, or consultation with teachers about tools and routines. School OT is educationally focused, which can differ from clinic-based OT.

How it shows up in an IEP

OT goals should name the school task, not only the underlying skill: "will write a 3-sentence response legibly enough for an unfamiliar reader to read 90% of words" rather than "will improve fine motor strength."

Example

The rule

Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.34(c)(6).

Related terms

• Fine motor skillsFine motor skills are the small, precise movements of the hands and fingers used for tasks like writing, cutting, buttoning and using utensils.
• Visual-motor integrationVisual-motor integration is the coordination of what the eyes see with how the hands move, as in copying shapes, letters or diagrams.
• Sensory processingSensory processing is how the nervous system takes in, organizes and responds to sensory information like sound, touch, movement and light.
• Related servicesRelated services are supports, such as speech therapy, transportation or counseling, that a student needs to benefit from special education.
• Adaptive equipmentAdaptive equipment is gear that helps a student with a disability sit, move, eat, write or take part in activities more independently.

On IEP Atlas

• Fine Motor Skills IEP goals
• Handwriting IEP goals
• Visual-Motor & Visual-Perceptual Skills IEP goals
• IEP goals for occupational therapists

This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.