Now Hiring for the 26-27 School-Year! School-Based OT, PT, & SLP Careers: Join Our Team
Providing high-quality related services requires more than scheduling therapy sessions. It involves collaboration, educational planning, and a shared commitment to helping students access their learning environment.
Below are some of the most common questions school administrators and clinicians ask about school-based occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology.
Related services are specialized supports that help eligible students with disabilities access, participate in, and benefit from their educational program. As defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), these services may include occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), speech-language pathology (SLP), counseling, transportation, and other supportive services provided as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Each service is designed to reduce barriers to learning and help students succeed in their school environment.
School-based therapy goals are created through the IEP process.
Therapists collaborate with teachers, families, and other team members to develop measurable goals that support educational participation.
Goals should reflect the student’s needs within the school environment and align with classroom expectations whenever possible.
Direct therapy is only one part of a school-based therapist’s role.
Clinicians also:
These collaborative efforts have a lasting impact on student success.
Students are most successful when therapy strategies are carried over throughout the school day.
By partnering with educators and administrators, therapists help integrate supports into everyday classroom routines rather than limiting intervention to scheduled therapy sessions. This approach encourages consistency and meaningful progress.
When selecting a school-based therapy partner, districts should consider providers that offer:
A quality therapy provider becomes an extension of the educational team. Austill’s Educational Therapy Services is proud to be a partner in school-based excellence for over 40 years!
Many clinicians enjoy the opportunity to build long-term relationships with students, collaborate across disciplines, and see the impact of their work throughout the school community.
School-based practice also offers opportunities to develop expertise in educationally relevant interventions, interdisciplinary teamwork, and inclusive service delivery.
Successful school-based related services are rooted in collaboration, consistency, and a shared commitment to helping students thrive.
AOT, Inc. partners with school districts throughout Western Pennsylvania to provide experienced occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists who understand the unique needs of educational settings.
Whether your district is seeking dependable school-based therapy services or you’re a clinician interested in joining a collaborative team, our AOT team is here to support you!