School systems
Occupational therapy practitioners provide services to children and youth to support development and learning at school.
Resources to support school-based practice
Review official documents to guide decision making about education, practice, advocacy, and policy, and use practical resources to guide school-based assessment and treatment.
Guidelines for Occupational Therapy in Early Intervention and Schools
Quality Indicators for School-based Practice
Driving, Community Mobility, and Safety
School Mental Health Toolkit
Back to school & virtual school resources
Handwriting for Children and Youth 5-21
National Alliance of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (NASISP)
Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Children and Youth 5-21
This Practice Guideline provides stakeholders with a condensed summary of a large number of effectiveness studies. It is a valuable tool for facilitating decision making related to occupational therapy interventions for children and youth between the ages of 5-21.
Collaborative goals in school-based settings
The American Occupational Therapy Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association are committed to and encourage interprofessional collaboration to maximize outcomes for clients across the lifespan. In school-based practice, one element of this may be the development of collaborative student-centered goals where interprofessional skills and knowledge are integrated to facilitate the student’s access to and participation in their educational program.
AOTA Continuing Education
Gain new knowledge and capabilities for school-based practice with AOTA's continuing education.
New! Earn a School-Based Practice Professional Certificate
Caseload to Workload: Overcoming Barriers in School-based Practice
Social Emotional Learning & Well-being: High School & Transition to Adulthood
Articles and books
Expand your early intervention knowledge with the latest research, perspectives, and solutions from occupational therapy practitioners.
Collaborating with General Education Teachers
Determining "Appropriately Ambitious" Goals for Students with Developmental Disabilities
Evidence-Based Predictors of Post-School Success
Schools and Early Intervention
Find advocacy-related information and resources for school-based and early intervention services.
Special Interest Sections and Communities of Practice
Network with your fellow AOTA members and grow in the context of a social learning environment.
Children and Youth Special Interest Section
Children & Youth Special Interest Section (CYSIS) members include those who work in programs under Parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and work with infants, preschoolers, children, and adolescents. CYSIS also has a focus on early intervention and school programs.
Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Section
Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Section (DDSIS) members focus on how OT assessment and intervention can facilitate the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in home, school, work, and community life.
Early Childhood Community of Practice
Addresses the demands of working in this critical phase of the life span to address needs as early as possible to prevent later challenges.
School-based Community of Practice
Unmasks the challenges and opportunities to working with children in school settings.
Transitions Community of Practice
Explores key transitions in development and the essential bridge that occupational therapy can be to support successful movement across contexts.
Pediatric Trauma Community of Practice
Explores evidence-based strategies used to address trauma, share resources, collaborate, and advocate for the role of occupational therapy practitioners in trauma informed care.
School Mental Health Community of Practice
Explores the impact occupational therapy can have on meeting the needs of school communities to support children's mental health and well being.
Autism Community of Practice
Explores strategies, challenges, and opportunities for providing occupational therapy to autistic individuals.
Literacy Community of Practice
Addresses the impact of literacy on both developmental and health interventions.