What are the benefits of school-based occupational therapy?

One of the biggest benefits of school-based occupational therapy (OT) is that students can develop and improve fine and gross motor skills within the hours of a normal school day. Through targeted activities, school-based OTs helps students develop the essential skills they need to thrive in all aspects of school. 

Benefits of school-based occupational therapy:

• School-based OTs work with students in the school setting to develop skills needed to improve social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. 
• OT in schools helps children thrive, offering unique activities to ensure academic success and boost confidence. 
• OT in schools also offers support to families with at-home activities and access to information and resources so that students can practice and generalize skills learned across multiple settings.

Benefits of working as a school-based occupational therapist.

Most OTs enter the field with a passion and desire to help others. Working as a school-based occupational therapist provides fulfillment as you get to experience each child’s growth first-hand. This rewarding career allows you to make a meaningful impact directly and support your students’ success.  

Many school-based occupational therapists also enjoy the flexibility of their hours, which adhere to standard school-time hours and schedules. 

Shorter workdays and no work on the weekends help promote a healthier work-life balance. Not only does work-life balance mean overall better satisfaction, but it also means a reduced risk of burnout. School OTs also work collaboratively, relying on others for support, providing a chance for you to advance your career skills by learning from other therapists and team members in the school setting.  

Benefits of school-based occupational therapy for students.

Working as a pediatric occupational therapist provides a unique opportunity to make a long-lasting impact on students’ lives. First and foremost, school-based occupational therapy supports students who need extra academic support. OT in schools can also target issues with fine and gross motor skills. 

Facing specific challenges, such as handwriting difficulties or problems with organization, can interfere with a child’s ability to succeed in school. Personalized OT support in schools identifies the root cause of these struggles, leading to overall improved academic performance. Students who develop the necessary skills to thrive in the classroom often exhibit improved attendance, resulting in better academic performance. 

Helping students in a school setting can also enhance social interaction and engagement by improving confidence. With your targeted support, school-based OT helps encourage children to grow, learn, and thrive in a place where they feel supported. Some examples of targeted activities include those that target attention skills, visual perception skills, and sensory processing. 

Benefits of school-based therapy for parents and families.

While school-based OT focuses on students, this type of OT also makes a huge difference for parents and families. Of course, parents and families want to see their children thrive. 

School-based occupational therapists provide parents with resources and guidance that can help encourage growth. Additionally, OTs may recommend activities and strategies that can be used during non-school hours to improve students’ progress. 

Pediatric Therapeutic Services: we’re here to help you make a difference. 

More and more school districts are seeing the benefit of using a company to hire their school-based therapists. At Pediatric Therapeutic Services, we work with occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, psychologists, mental health professionals, and other clinicians to help you find the right school-based placements. 

If you’re interested in becoming a school-based occupational therapist, learn more about joining our team. 

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