Thinking about working directly with schools or going through a staffing agency? Jayson and Elise explore the pros and cons of direct contracting vs. staffing agencies, and share insights to help you make informed decisions about your career path. They discuss the nuances of being a 1099 subcontractor versus a W-2 employee, the non-therapy duties that often come with traditional employment, and the hard-to-navigate waters of rates, negotiation, and setting up clear, beneficial contracts. They...

How do children’s brains manage the interplay between self-regulation and executive functioning tasks?  In this episode, join Lindy Joffe, OTD, OTR/L as she discusses the interconnectedness between sensory and executive function. She will offer insight into the clinical observations that can unlock a better understanding of student behaviors and learn actionable strategies to empower our children as co-learners in their educational journey.  Tune in to understand the connection with executive...

Do you think AI can revolutionize school-based OT? In this episode, join expert guest Teresa Fair-Field as she explores innovative uses of artificial intelligence that are reshaping the way OTPs support students and clinical decision making. Discover the collaborative efforts between clinicians and tech experts in developing predictive AI, and learn how these advancements can generate treatment plans and improve communication.  This episode is great for any school-based OT who wants to...

Imagine a school environment where every student, regardless of their abilities, can actively participate in physical education. How can we turn this into reality? In today's episode, we are joined by Faith Newton, an occupational therapist based in England, who is passionate about inclusive physical education (PE) for students with special educational needs and disabilities. In this episode, Faith will discuss the school-based occupational therapy system in the UK and how it compares to...

Have you thought that optimizing your practice with efficient goal banking strategies might be helpful?  In this episode, we explore a range of goal banking options, from simple PDFs to advanced spreadsheets, to help you streamline your process.  Join us as Jayson shares his journey and a practical six-step plan to create and utilize your personalized goals. Jayson also introduces the concept of templating goals and even offers a glimpse into the AI-powered solutions for creating...

Dive into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast's latest episode, where Jayson welcomes Amy Crosby, whose innovative application of the Kawa Model in education is cultivating an oasis of calm for educators amidst the tempest of school day chaos. Join us as Amy reveals how a simple yet profound shift in supporting teachers can ripple into improved classroom dynamics and personal well-being, backed by her engaging workshop results. Don't miss out on this insightful journey through the lens of the Kawa...

Are you curious to understand how OTPs can use AI? Tune in as Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, dives into the future of AI and occupational therapy.  Discover how AI tools like Chat GPT can change your approach to evaluations, IEP planning, and beyond while ensuring ethical practice and preserving confidentiality.  Whether it's creating personalized goals, drafting treatment plans, or enhancing service delivery, Jayson discusses the potential of AI to level the playing field and optimize OT...

In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Kelsey Kornaus delves into the world of visual impairments in students. From the importance of self-advocacy to the impact of sensory difficulties and the role of assistive technology, this episode discusses the challenges and innovative strategies for supporting students with visual impairments in educational settings. Listen now to gain valuable insights into assessment techniques, the decision-making process for residential placement, and...

How can the strategic use of color and contrast in writing programs not only capture children's attention but also foster a focused environment for handwriting tasks? In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, guest Helene Lieberman discusses her journey of developing a program, seeking feedback from colleagues, and making adjustments based on their input. The program features high-contrast laminated pages to reduce distractions, helping children with low vision and attention deficit...

In this episode, special guest Lori Flynn is diving into multiple different aspects of understanding ADHD, creating personalized teaching plans, developing visual schedules, and fostering a supportive environment for every child.  We also discuss the challenges and the practical strategies that can assist. You'll be equipped with some tools to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Join us as we explore these valuable insights and work towards making a real difference in the...

Ever wondered about the transformative power of child-led methods in creating inclusive and empowered learning environments for students with special needs? Dr. Amy Coopersmith is here to share with us how students receiving special education experience occupation deprivation and the important role of child-led decision-making and planning in occupational therapy. Through her own personal examples and strategies, she shows how these approaches can help foster independence and self-advocacy,...

As a school-based Practitioner, have you ever thought about exploring alternatives to traditional pull-out sessions? If you're looking to expand your scope of practice, increase work efficiency, and provide more individualized services in the least restrictive environment, tune into this episode. Jayson dives into the benefits of working with students in their natural context, the different service models available, and how to implement them effectively. He discusses many areas from...

Are you aware of the hidden traumas that adolescents face daily that can sometimes go unnoticed? In this episode Dr. Park sheds light on the subtle negative experiences that may go unnoticed but have a long-term impact on these young lives. The discussion also takes us beyond traditional understandings of trauma to recognize the broader spectrum that encompasses a sense of not belonging and exclusion due to identity-based microaggressions. Join us as we uncover the impact of trauma on...

Do you ever walk away from an IEP meeting with a plan in mind, only to forget it later?  In this episode, Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, discusses why the IEP is not your treatment plan and the crucial differences between the two.  With actionable tips, and insights from the OTPF-4, Jayson explains why creating a treatment plan is essential and how it provides support, protection, and clear direction for OTPs.  Tune in now to learn more! Listen now to learn the following objectives: Learners will...

Would you like to have a better understanding of integrated OT services in schools? In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Dr. Woolley shares many insights on integrated OT services, the importance of understanding individual student needs, collaborating with teachers, and adapting interventions.  She shares valuable insights and strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment. From understanding different service delivery models to integrating multimodal teaching...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by Medicaid billing and unsure of how to navigate the funding process? In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Elizabeth & Jason will dive into the world of Medicaid billing. You'll have a basic understanding of Medicaid billing and be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate this vital aspect of our profession and have the knowledge to be able to advocate for more support from your supervisors. Listen now to learn the following...

In today's episode, Lisa Lodesky and Kate Schoen discuss their experiences and insights on helping students transition into vocational settings. They share stories, challenges, and successes from their own programs they have created. Discover the importance of providing diverse options for students, learn about the ability to be inclusive within a therapeutic day school, and gain insights into the transitioning process after graduation. Also, find out about innovative solutions in preparing...

Welcome to the Back to School Conference Recap!  Our journey at the conference led us to explore crucial subjects, such as reframing behavior, addressing mental health concerns, navigating post-school outcomes, discovering evidence-based resources, implementing effective tiered intervention programs, and expanding your toolkit for fine motor skills.  Join us as we delve into these topics and gain valuable insights to our knowledge in School-Based OT Listen now to learn the following...

Curious to explore the world of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? Join us on this episode where Kate Nealon, PhD, CCC-SLP, BC-CLS and Zahava L. Friedman, PhD, OT, BCBA delve into the fascinating interplay and coexistence of CAS and SPD. Gain insights into the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration between OTPs and SLPs in supporting children.  Tune in now to broaden your understanding of CAS and SPD! Listen now to learn the following...

Celebrate the 2023 school-based OT practitioners of the year! Join us in this episode, where we recognize the contributions of three exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond to support students, teachers, staff, and the profession. These three OTPs are receiving awards from the OT Schoolhouse for impacting the 2020 to 2023 school years as OTPs.   Tune in to hear their inspiring stories, and click here to learn more about them.  Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into...

Why do you love school-based OT?  In this episode, Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, explores the world of school-based occupational therapy by highlighting the many advantages of being a school-based OTP. Jayson shares his experiences and insights, highlighting the power of collaboration, the importance of a student’s natural context, and advocating not only for the students but also for ourselves as OTPs.  Tune in to learn more about the ways occupational therapy transforms the lives of...

Ready to transform your classroom into an engaging and supportive learning environment? Join us on this episode, where we explore the topic of setting up the classroom for success with Kelly Wilk-Downs. Discover important tips and strategies to optimize the learning environment, from creating individual workspaces to mastering sound and lighting. Kelly also introduces the TEACCH method, a tool that benefits not only children with autism and ADHD but all students. As occupational therapy...

On this episode of OT Schoolhouse Podcast, host Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, welcomes guest Jenna Rufo, Ed.D., to discuss post-pandemic special education.  Jenna shares her philosophy on education and inclusion, offering strategies on how to get administrators on board with an inclusive approach. As an educator with over 20 years of experience, Rufo also emphasizes the importance of parent interaction and the role of OTs in providing support to students in areas such as executive functioning...

Have you heard of the Kawa model?  On this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, We'll discuss the advantages of understanding this model for occupational therapy practitioners. Dr. Iwama talks about the interrelatedness of the different factors contributing to a person's well-being and performance through the metaphor of a river.  We'll learn about how cultural differences impact the concept of occupation, and how the Kawa model emerged. Additionally, we discuss how occupational therapy...