OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Welcome to Newport Public Schools Occupational Therapy Page!

School-Based Occupational Therapy

School-based therapy is governed by federal and state laws. Occupational therapy is a related service under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), and is provided, if necessary, to help a student with an identified disability to benefit from special education services.
Students must have a disability and be determined eligible for special education services before being referred for occupational therapy services. Referral for occupational therapy services is an IEP (Individualized Education Program) team decision.
Occupational therapy services are only provided within the school setting if the child requires therapy to function and make progress within the special education program.
Therapy may be provided directly to a student either individually or within a small group by a therapist or therapy assistant. Therapy may also be indirect service in the form of consultation to school staff, monitoring a child’s progress, and/or providing modifications and accommodations within the school environment.
Therapy intervention occurs within the student’s least restrictive environment, which means integrating therapy into the student’s daily routine.

For more information on School-based OT:

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION:

Information for Teachers and Parents:
Information on Written Communication

ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING:

Information for Teachers and Parents:
ADLs PDF

Resources for Teachers and Parents:
Teacher-Parent Resources

EARLY DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS:

SENSORY PROCESSING AND REGULATION: