Occupational & Physical Therapy
Enabling Access, Enhancing Performance:
MCOE's Occupational & Physical Therapy Services
School-based Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs) work collaboratively with educators, families, and other professionals to ensure students can fully access and engage with their educational curriculum. Our team provides specialized assessment, intervention, and support services tailored to each student's unique needs.
Our Occupational Therapists support a child's engagement and participation in daily occupations within the educational environment, including:
- Fine motor skill development
- Sensory processing and integration
- Visual-motor coordination
- Handwriting and tool use
- Self-help and functional life skills
- Academic and classroom task participation
- Social participation and play skills
- Adaptation of school environments and materials
Our Physical Therapists focus on improving a student's physical access to and participation in educational activities through:
- Gross motor skill development
- Posture and balance training
- Functional mobility within the school environment
- Strength and coordination enhancement
- Accessibility assessment and adaptation
- Assistive device selection and training
- Physical positioning for optimal classroom participation
- Safe navigation of school environments
OT and PT are considered "related services" as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). These services are provided to eligible students through two main pathways:
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
A student found eligible for special education under one of the 13 disabling conditions, who presents with needs that cannot be met by the general education and special education teachers may be eligible for related services. OT and PT are “related services” as defined by IDEA 2004 as “...such developmental, corrective, or supportive services as are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education…” (34 CFR §300.34(a)).
504 Plan
A child identified as having a disability under Section 504, but not under the IDEA, and who is found to need either OT or PT services as a reasonable accommodation to the general education program may receive the services as defined in the 504 plan.
California Children’s Services (CCS) is responsible for the provision of medically necessary OT and PT when the child is eligible by medical diagnosis and when the related service is specified in the child’s IEP.
IDEA requires that the IEP and services provided be driven by the child's needs and goals. OT and PT services must be considered within the context of a child's total educational program.
Recommendations Based On:
- The therapist's professional judgment
- Interpretation of assessment findings
- The child's academic achievement and functional performance
- The IEP process
Factors Include:
- Age of the student
- Expected response to therapy
- Possibility of needs being met by others
- Stability of status
- Pattern and severity of difficulties
Services
- Comprehensive evaluations and assessments
- Development of individualized intervention plans
- Direct therapy services
- Consultation with teachers and staff
- Classroom-based strategies and adaptations
- Assistive technology assessment and implementation
- Environmental modifications
- Transition planning and support
- Parent and staff education and training
Resources
Main Contacts
Senior Director- Special Education
Executive Director
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Assistant
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