Related Services

What does Speech Language Therapy work on in the School Setting? 

• Auditory processing 

• Auditory memory 

• Listening comprehension 

• Phonological awareness (rhyming, blending and segmenting of sounds etc.) 

• Understanding spoken language 

• Expressive language (grammar, word order in sentences, describing, organization of thoughts) 

• Concepts and vocabulary 

• Categorization skills 

• Antonyms and synonyms 

• Idioms and metaphors 

• Conversational skills 

• Critical thinking and problem solving 

• Voice (pitch, quality, loudness) 

• Fluency 

• Speech production (pronouncing sounds) 

• Alternative and augmentative communication (AT) 

Speech and language therapy services are available to: 

• Students in grades K-12 who are recommended by the Committee for Special Education (CSE). 

• Short-term remediation through the RtI (Responsiveness to Intervention) Model. 

 

Therapy can be delivered within the classroom or as a pull-out, in the therapy room.  Services are given in small groups of no more than 5 students. Individual sessions are provided when appropriate. Sessions typically last 30 minutes.  Please be assured that therapy sessions are scheduled around the students' classroom schedules. 

 

What does Occupational Therapy do in the School Setting? 

• focuses on a child's self-care skills, and sensory, motor, postural, and emotional development 

• provides special equipment i.e.   slant board, chair cushion, pencil grips, etc. 

• practices  dressing skills as related to school, such as putting on and taking off an art smock, putting on and taking off jackets, hats, and gloves including zippers, snaps, buttons, and ties.  Taking off shoes and putting on boots to get ready for dismissal. 

• provides sensory activities such as slow rolling, deep pressure, weight bearing, propelling on scooter boards, etc. 

• teaches  strategies for coordination needed in gross motor tasks such as jumping jacks, jump rope, change of posture( tall kneel, half-kneel) 

• strengthens  the upper body by doing weight bearing positions such as working on the floor propped up on elbows which promotes better grip and stability needed  to improve control in the writing hand. 

• strengthens fine motor skills to help with pencil grip and using scissors, paper clips, rulers, hole punch, etc. 

• works on practicing motor planning and following a sequence of steps needed for assembly, following directions in the classroom, art, and physical education. 

 

What does physical therapy do in the school setting? 

•  focuses on assessing strength, flexibility, posture, overall endurance, balance and gross motor skill development and their effect on the student's ability to function successfully within the school environment 

• provides physical therapy intervention when needed  through the development of an IEP or 504 plan 

• works to improve gait patterns and ambulation skills to allow students to maximize their functional mobility to provide safe access to the school environment  

• facilitates participation in activities and everyday routines that require gross motor skills, coordination, strength and endurance 

• consults with staff and families on adapting the environment through the use of equipment, positioning techniques, etc. to promote functional independence and success throughout the school day 

• serves as a liaison among school, medical personnel, and medical equipment providers 

• provides training to student, staff and families on the use of adaptive equipment including orthotics, wheelchairs, walking aids, etc.