Occupation Therapy

At Therapy Care in Illinois, our team of school-based occupational therapists (OTs) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) are dedicated to breaking down barriers that hinder students’ learning and engagement within the school environment. We believe that occupational therapists, like a paper writer, are valuable resources who enhance the quality of classroom instruction. By collaborating with schools and early intervention programs, we not only help students meet national achievement standards but also assist in optimizing program effectiveness while potentially reducing special education budgets.

How Can Therapy Care Support Students In The Classroom?

An occupational therapist from Therapy Care can provide valuable support to students in the classroom. If a student faces challenges in physical participation and activities crucial to their academic success and social interactions, an OT may be recommended. In a school setting, an OT may assist students who:

• Struggle with tool manipulation, such as using scissors and pencils.
• Experience difficulties in drawing and writing legibly.
• Exhibit diminished attention and organization due to sensory processing issues.
• Face challenges in performing self-care skills (Activities of Daily Living or ADLs) necessary within the school environment.

By addressing these areas, our occupational therapists help students thrive academically and functionally, promoting their overall development and success.

Services Provided By Occupational Therapists In Batavia And Port Charlotte

Our team at Therapy Care is committed to providing comprehensive support for you and your students. When you engage our occupational therapists, you can expect assistance throughout the entire process, from initial assessment and ongoing care to discharge when appropriate. Our services include:

• Conducting initial screenings, evaluations, and goal setting.
• Offering early intervention within a Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) framework.
• Collaborating with Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams and facilitating accommodations.
• Conducting outcome evaluations to ensure goal achievement.
• Modifying student treatment plans as needed.
• Partnering with school districts to help students meet academic achievement standards.

With our expertise and dedication, we aim to optimize students’ learning potential and promote their overall success within the school environment.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy focuses on enabling students to engage in their daily activities, or “occupations,” within the classroom. By addressing physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory components, our occupational therapists help improve students’ ability to participate in the following areas:

• Academics
• Play and leisure
• Social situations
• Self-care rituals

In addition, occupational therapy enhances students’ capacity to perform vital Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in the classroom, such as personal hygiene (washing hands), organizing classroom supplies, and materials, and eating. Our goal is to empower students to actively participate and thrive in their educational environment.

Occupational Therapy (OT) vs Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) are both essential components of our comprehensive related services team, supporting students in their classroom success through distinct approaches.

OT focuses on enhancing a student’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) by:

Taking a holistic approach, ensuring students fully engage in daily life activities.

Addressing fine and gross motor skills relevant to specific daily tasks.

Considering behavioral and environmental factors contributing to a student’s challenges.

PT, on the other hand, primarily focuses on improving or accommodating specific muscle impairments resulting from injury or disability.

At Therapy Care, our expert OTs and PTs collaborate to provide comprehensive care, ensuring students receive the specific interventions they need to optimize their functional abilities and overall well-being.

Adding An OT To Your Related Services Team In Batavia And Port Charlotte 

When incorporating occupational therapists into your school or program, it is crucial to ensure they possess the appropriate credentials and experience. Generally, OTs should have completed the following to obtain licensure in most states:

Graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program

Completion of supervised fieldwork

Passing a national certification examination

Determining the number of OTs and COTAs to hire will depend on your school’s specific requirements, therapist schedules, and caseloads. Utilizing data collection and management software like our BudgetWatch™ Summary Reports can assist in optimizing resource allocation.

We Simplify The Process Of Adding OTs To Your Team:

At Therapy Care, we handle the vetting process, ensuring that you have the right team to meet your student’s needs. Once a therapist is placed in your program, we remain dedicated by providing ongoing support, including:

• Continuous supervision of therapists
• In-service training for teachers
• Day-to-day program management

With our comprehensive services, we make it seamless for you to integrate occupational therapists into your related services team, facilitating enhanced support for your students.

Establish Your School-Based Occupational Therapy Team With Therapy Care

Therapy Care in Illinois offers the expertise you need to enhance your related services team with highly qualified occupational therapists. Our goal is to support your students and improve your special education program while being mindful of your budget. To discover how we can assist you in achieving these goals, contact us today!

Therapy Care is can provide specialists to fill one position or implement a fully managed department with interim or long-term leadership. We are licensed to contract staff or teletherapy in the following states:

•  Illinois
• Connecticut
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• New Jersey
• Florida