Through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), students can receive school-based services that help them succeed academically. Depending on each child’s needs, this plan sometimes includes occupational therapy.
Hi, my name is Jennifer Hatch, and I’m an occupational therapist at Fluens Children’s Therapy. Today, I want to talk about occupational therapy within the school system, how it supports students with IEPs, what these services focus on, and how they differ from outpatient therapy.
How Occupational Therapy Supports Students with IEPs
A child’s challenges in school aren’t always academic. Underlying issues such as motor coordination delays, sensory processing differences, or executive functioning difficulties (like attention, memory, or emotional regulation) can make classroom tasks harder. These struggles can lead to frustration or emotional outbursts that interrupt learning.
When occupational therapy is included in a student’s IEP, the therapist identifies what’s standing in the way of success and helps the child develop strategies that improve focus, organization and participation in class.
What School-Based Occupational Therapy Looks Like
In the school setting, occupational therapists may work directly in the classroom (“push-in”) or meet with students in a separate setting (“pull-out”). Both approaches let the therapist address real learning challenges within the child’s natural environment.
An occupational therapist might collaborate with teachers to add sensory breaks, adjust classroom seating, or create visual supports that help with attention and regulation. They might also strengthen fine motor skills for handwriting or introduce redirection strategies that keep students on task.
Because school-based occupational therapists are part of the educational team, they can observe daily challenges firsthand and offer practical solutions that help both students and teachers.
Why Parent Involvement Matters in Occupational Therapy
Once therapy begins at school, communication with parents makes a huge difference. When parents understand what their child is working on, they can reinforce those same strategies at home.
Consistency between school and home helps children make faster progress and build confidence in their new skills. When parents regularly check-in with teachers and therapists, it also ensures that any new concerns are addressed quickly.
The Difference Between School-Based Occupational Therapy and Outpatient Occupational Therapy
Both school-based and outpatient occupational therapy aim to help children grow and thrive, but they serve different purposes.
- School-based occupational therapy supports academic skills such as handwriting, sustained focus and classroom regulation — skills that directly affect learning.
- Outpatient occupational therapy focuses on life skills and independence outside the classroom, including dressing, feeding, and daily self-care.
If your child receives occupational therapy at school, they may still benefit from outpatient therapy to address other areas of growth. Similarly, a child who attends outpatient sessions may not need school-based occupational therapy unless classroom participation needs support.
Reach Out to Fluens Children’s Therapy
If your child has an IEP and you feel they could benefit from additional support outside of school, Fluens Children’s Therapy can help. We have no wait list and can create a personalized plan that meets your child’s individual goals.
Call us at (253) 212-3502 to schedule an appointment or request a free 15-minute online or in-person screening. You can also reach out via our site’s Contact page.