Occupational Therapy (OT)

What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

An occupational therapist is a trained health professional that uses purposeful, goal directed activities and task analysis to enable a child with a disability to benefit from their individualized education program (IEP). Federal law mandates that occupational therapy (OT) in the school system be educationally relevant. The focus of OT services in a school setting is to promote functional independence or participation within the educational environment. Educational OT services are those services developed by educational personnel and the family and authorized in a student's IEP. OT services may be delivered directly to the child, on behalf of the child (consultation with parents and teachers) or through modifications and support for school personnel that will be provided for the child (in-service training). The IEP team may determine that the student does not require occupational therapy through the educational program. OT services are not intended to satisfy the medical needs of a student and therefore may not meet the total therapy needs of the student. However, the student's family may wish to pursue therapy services outside the educational setting.

Office Hours:

OT/PT office hours will held monthly resuming in the Fall of 2023. Check back later for specific dates.

The federal definition of occupational therapy as a related service means services provided by a qualified occupational therapist;
and includes:

Improving, developing or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury, or deprivation;
Improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning if functions are impaired or lost; and
Preventing through early intervention, initial or further impairment or loss of function. [34 CFR 300.24(b) (5)]

Occupational Therapy services are provided differently under Part B and Part C of IDEA

Qualifications of a School OT

To work as an occupational therapist in Colorado's public schools, you must (a) maintain current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), (b) be licensed as an occupational therapist with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), and (c) have a Special Services License through the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

Responsibilities of a School OT

In a school setting the OT may be involved by facilitating any or all of the following areas that may interfere with a child's educational performance:

Self-help skills (feeding, dressing, hygiene)
Fine, gross and visual motor skills
Sensory processing and visual processing skills
Positioning, functional mobility and transitions
Functional communication through alternative methods
Adaptive devices/equipment & using educational tools/toys

Technical Documents

Technical Assistance: School Occupational Therapist (OTR), August 2015 (PDF)
FAQ Document - Coming Soon!

Listserv

The Colorado Department of Education Occupational Therapy listserv supports school-based OTs: 1) by providing information and news regarding the profession; 2) by announcing professional development and training opportunities; and, 3) by posting school-based job openings. There are no advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. This service is also chat-free.

To subscribe to the OT/OTA listserv:

Please complete the online listserv subscription request, OT/OTA Listserv Subscription.
Once you have been added, you will receive a confirmation email.

Tools and Resources

Occupational Therapy and Universal Design for Learning (PDF)
Code of Ethic s (PDF)
Memo - ESSA joint statement
Section 504
Occupational Therapy's Role as SISPs under ESSA (PDF from Texas Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (TOTA))
Memo Direct versus Indirect
What is the Role of the School Based OT? (PDF from American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA))
Occupational therapy Scope of Practice
Guidelines for Supervision
Joint Statement for Collaborative Goals (PDF from AOTA APTA ASHA)

Licensure

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)

Colorado Department of Education - Education Effectiveness

Job Postings

More Information to come!

Professional Organizations

American Occupational Therapy Association

Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado

Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Advisory Council

The Exceptional Student Services consultant for OT/PT along with regional OT/PT representatives who comprise the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, meet throughout the year to inform the Colorado Department of Education on statewide OT/PT professional learning and technical assistance needs and assist in the development of guidance materials to support the profession.

PT CDE website

For more information, please contact:

Jon Paul Burden
Email Jon Paul Burden
(720) 646-0101

Having trouble with this webpage?

If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.