School-Based Therapy

At a Glance & Program Features

What is school therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) are considered related services in the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program at Volusia County Schools. In school therapy, the expertise of therapists can be utilized to provide education, enhance skill development, and suggest adaptive modifications and other equipment and strategies.

What is the role of the therapist?

• Evaluate student performance
• Provide direct educationally relevant therapy as defined in the IEP
• Work with parents and teachers to develop yearly goals and short-term objectives
• Provide consultation services to schools and parents, as necessary
• Develop classroom/home activities that will help accomplish these goals and objectives
• Train families and school staff
• Monitor the program on a regular schedule
• Reassess student progress

What is occupational therapy (OT)?

• Occupational therapy helps to improve student skills and participation, in the least restrictive environment, by addressing the student's ability to perform daily life activities such as feeding, dressing, or toileting, by addressing fine motor skills and underlying sensory motor skills that may have been affected by injury, disease, or congenital problems
• Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing skills through the use of exercise, functional activities, specific strategies, techniques, and equipment as indicated
• Licensed occupational therapists promote independence in self-care, work productivity, activities, and play or leisure skills

What is physical therapy (PT)?

• Physical therapy helps to improve students' skills and participation in the least restrictive environment, which may have been affected by injury, disease, or congenital problems
• Easterseals' licensed physical therapists use exercise, assistive devices, and special techniques and/or modifications to encourage independence at work, home, school, and in the community

What is a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA)?

• A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is a licensed therapist who works under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist
• The COTA does not complete evaluations, but may assist in this process
• The COTA is trained extensively to provide therapeutic, functional interventions, education, and training to the school personnel, family, and the student to meet the goals and objectives on an individual's IEP

What is a physical therapy assistant (PTA)?

• A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a licensed therapist who works under the supervision of a registered physical therapist
• The PTA does not complete evaluations, but may assist in this process
• The PTA is trained extensively to provide therapeutic, functional interventions, education, and training to school staff, family, and the student to meet the goals and objectives on an individual's IEP

Contact

For information about school-based therapy services, contact Easterseals at 386-255-4568.