Occupational Therapy

School-based occupational therapy is a support service to the student's educational program. School-based occupational therapists assess the following areas in the context of the educational environment:

School-based occupational therapists use therapeutic activities that may improve a student's ability to function within the school environment in the areas of self-help, work and play. Occupational therapy intervention may include adaptation of tasks or the environment in order to enhance student performance.

 

 

The Educational Framework for Child Success (EFCS) emphasizes the importance of the child’s abilities within their curriculum in the context of the school environment, and the EFCS also highlights the importance of curriculum; evidenced based practice; team collaboration; and ongoing as well as future postsecondary child outcomes.

Occupational therapy primarily focuses on purposeful, goal-directed activities that improve a student's functional performance during their school day. School-based occupational therapists:

The Los Angeles Unified School District Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Program consists of a growing staff of over 200 state-licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. The occupational therapists and the occupational therapy assistants are state licensed and many of the therapists on staff also hold a Master's or Doctoral degree. The staff members come from diverse backgrounds and have experience in a variety of settings. Some therapists are actively involved in research, teach university-level courses, and have published literature related to the fields of occupational therapy and physical therapy. Additionally, District therapists participate in ongoing continuing education training in a variety of clinical areas.