Consultation * Adaptation * Rehabilitation * Education
Occupational Therapy
CARE occupational therapists provide school based evaluation and treatment for children with physical and developmental disabilities as well as children with delays as well as Early Intervention Services for children birth to three.
School Based Occupational Therapy
Schools provide occupational therapy when a child with a disability or delay requires this related service to assist the child to benefit from their education. Occupational therapists use focused activity to promote self help, fine motor and written communication skills and to facilitate a child's active participation in self-maintenance; academic and vocational pursuits; and play activities that occur in school environments.
Occupational therapists work to help children accomplish the daily tasks required for success in school, such as writing, painting, playing with toys, and cutting with scissors.
The occupational therapist may adapt, design and fabricate equipment so the student can better function while at school, whether in the classroom, lunchroom, or restroom.
Using direct and indirect services, as well as assistive technology and environmental modifications, school occupational therapists collaborate with parents, teachers and other educational staff to help improve a student’s chance for reaching their full potential.
School-based therapy is provided to give students improved access to education and is not a substitute for medically based therapy.
Fine Motor Skills
Occupational therapy focuses on the development of a child’s fine motor skills.
What are Fine Motor Skills and Why are they Important?
Fine motor skills are the manner in which we use our fingers, hands and arms. They include reaching, grasping, manipulating objects and using different tools like crayons and scissors.
Activities that require fine motor skills:
- Zipping and Buttoning
- Picking a flower
- Writing a note
- Cutting with scissors
- Turning pages of a book
- Communicating with sign language
- Brushing teeth
- Opening door
- Shaking someone’s hands
- Using an elevator
- Operation of a remote control
Collaboration between Educators, Therapists, and Families
For the student that experiences challenges in school because of a disability, delay, or injury it is essential for everyone to work together and follow through in the classroom, during the therapy session, and at home to meet the child’s educational goals.
How do I receive services for my child?
Contact your school district’s special education coordinator or school principal for more information. You may also contact your child’s pediatrician.
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CARE for Children · P.O. Box 616, 20 Russell Boulevard, Bradford, PA 16701 · (814) 362-4621