School Based Services

The School Based Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) Program provides OT and PT services to Frederick County Public Schools. Levels of support vary based on individual school and student needs.  OT and PT support may include but is not limited to:

  • Providing technical support, consultation & training to school teams on strategies, materials, accommodations, and equipment to promote functional independence and support of students
  • Consultation to develop accommodations for students with 504 Plans to improve their ability to access and participate in their school program
  • Consultative and direct OT and PT services for students ages 3-21 who are found eligible through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  Both OT and PT are related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  By addressing access and participation concerns, related services are provided to help a student with an educational disability to benefit from their special education program in their least restrictive learning environment. 
    • Consultative services allow an OT or PT to provide support across all learning environments throughout a student’s school day.  Broad support of student concerns can be provided through direct student interaction to facilitate student specific recommendations, observations, coaching, and/or training of the school team, including the family, when OT or PT consultative services are supported on the student’s IEP.
    • Direct services are driven by student specific goals which require the unique expertise of an OT or PT.  Based on the complexity and number of student goals, OT and PT direct service time is determined.

School-based OT and PT services are not intended to replace medical based services.  A medical diagnosis or motor delay confirmed by evaluation results does not automatically indicate a need for school-based OT or PT services.  Rather, there must also be an adverse impact on the student’s performance or access to their educational environment where the unique expertise of an OT or PT is required.

Additional resources related to school-based OT & PT: