Special Education Listserv
Subject: OT/PT Guidelines document
Source: Thea Scott, Assistant Director, Compliance
Intended Audience: Special Educators, Related Service Providers, Administrators of Special Education
Date: October 21, 2008
The Guidelines for Providing Occupational and Physical Therapy in Missouri Public Schools and other Responsible Public Agencies is now posted at http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Compliance/documents/otptguidelines.pdf.
The purpose of this document is to discuss the provision of occupational and physical therapy in local school districts and other responsible public agencies and to provide guidance in implementing and maintaining quality educational programs for students who require the related services of occupational and physical therapy.
The document is primarily designed for use by school-based occupational and physical therapists, administrators of special education, teachers, paraprofessionals, and others who serve on evaluation and Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams.
The OT/PT Guidelines contain information relating to:
• Federal and state laws and regulations
• The educational background and qualifications of occupational and physical therapy practitioners
• The therapist’s role in each step of the special education process
• The role of therapy/therapist assistants and supportive personnel
• An overview of a functional approach to assessment and intervention
• Models of service delivery
• Matching services with student needs
• Administrative issues