Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) Services & Supports in McDowell County Schools

At McDowell County Schools, we are dedicated to providing a supportive and comprehensive learning environment for all students. For students with disabilities, this includes specialized support from our dedicated Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) teams. These services, known as "related services" under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), are designed to help students access and benefit from their special education program, ensuring they can fully participate in their school day.

What are School-Based OT and PT?

• Occupational Therapy (OT): Our OTs focus on a student’s "occupations" or daily activities related to their school day. This includes skills such as handwriting, fine motor coordination, self-care routines, and sensory processing, all to help them thrive in the classroom and throughout the school environment.
• Physical Therapy (PT): Our PTs address a student’s gross motor skills, mobility, balance, and strength to help them move safely and effectively around the school. This can involve navigating stairs, participating in PE, or accessing various school locations.

Our "Dream Team" Approach: The heart of our services is the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, which includes you, the parent, as the most important member. Together, we work with teachers, administrators, and therapists to:

• Explore Needs: Through a thoughtful referral and assessment process, our therapists observe and gather information to understand how a student's functional needs impact their education.
• Craft a Unique Plan: The IEP team collaborates to determine if OT/PT services are necessary for a student to access their education. This is where we set clear goals and decide on the best support plan.
• Make Support Part of Every Day: Our therapists integrate their support directly into a student's school day. This can include one-on-one sessions, but a large part of their role is working with teachers to embed helpful strategies right into the classroom routine.
• Celebrate Progress: We continuously monitor progress and meet at least once a year to review the IEP, celebrate a student’s growth, and make any necessary adjustments to their services.

Eligibility for Services

• Eligibility for school-based OT or PT is determined by the IEP team. Services are provided when a student's physical or functional needs impact their ability to access or benefit from their special education. It is important to note that this is different from clinical therapy, as the focus is specifically on educational relevance.

We believe that collaboration is key to student success. For more information, please refer to the resources on our website.