School-Based Therapy

School-based therapy services help students participate more successfully in their educational environment. These services are provided through the school system and focus on supporting skills that affect a child’s ability to learn, participate in classroom activities, and function within the school setting.

 

Depending on a student’s needs, school-based therapy may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other related services.

Quick Summary

  •  Therapy is provided through the school system
  • School-based services typically begin at age 3 through the public school system
  • Services focus on helping students access their education and classroom activities
  • Therapy may be included as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • Services typically occur during the school day

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What Does School-Based Therapy Look Like?

School therapists focus on helping students succeed within the classroom and school environment.

 

Therapy may address skills such as:

  • handwriting and classroom tasks
  • communication with teachers and peers
  • mobility within the school building
  • participation in classroom routines
  • self-help skills needed during the school day

Depending on the student’s needs, therapy may occur:

  •  individually
  • in small groups
  • inside the classroom
  • in a therapy room within the school

How School-Based Therapy Is Different from Medical Therapy

School-based therapy is designed to support a student’s educational needs, not necessarily all developmental needs.

 

Because of this, school therapy may focus on specific tasks that affect classroom participation, such as handwriting, communication during lessons, or moving safely around the school environment.

 

Some children receive additional therapy outside of school through outpatient therapy clinics or other programs when broader developmental goals are being addressed.

How Children Qualify for School-Based Therapy

School-based therapy services are usually provided as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

 

 

To qualify, the school team must determine that therapy services are necessary for the student to access their education or participate in school activities.

 

 

The process typically includes:

  •  referral for evaluation
  • assessments completed by school professionals
  • review of evaluation results by the school team
  • development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if the student qualifies

Parents are part of the IEP team and participate in decisions about services.

When Do School-Based Services Start?

School-based therapy services are typically available beginning at age 3 through the public school system.

 

Before age 3, many children receive services through early intervention programs such as First Connections or therapy programs like EIDT. When a child approaches their third birthday, families may begin the process of transitioning to services provided through the local school district.

 

After age 3, children may receive therapy services through the school system if the school determines that those services are needed for the child to access their education.

 

Some children receive therapy only through the school, while others receive both school-based services and medical therapy through programs such as outpatient therapy, EIDT, or other therapy settings.

 

Real Life Tip

School-based therapy and medical therapy often serve different purposes, and some children receive both.

 

School therapy focuses on skills needed for success in the classroom, while outpatient or other therapy settings may address broader developmental goals.

 

For many families, using a combination of therapy settings can provide the most comprehensive support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do students leave class for therapy?

Sometimes. Therapy may occur outside the classroom, in small groups, or within the classroom depending on the student’s needs and the school’s service model.

Yes. Therapy services provided through the public school system are part of a student’s educational program and do not cost families anything.

Yes. Some children receive therapy both through the school system and through outpatient clinics or other therapy programs.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan that outlines a student’s educational goals, services, and supports. It is developed by a team that includes school professionals and the student’s parents.

Children are typically referred to an EIDT program by a physician or other healthcare provider after developmental concerns have been identified.

Once the referral is received, the EIDT program will usually schedule a developmental evaluation to determine whether the child qualifies for services. This evaluation is completed by a qualified professional and uses standardized developmental testing.

 

In many cases, children will also complete therapy evaluations (such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy) around the same time. These evaluations help determine which therapy services the child may need if they qualify for the program.

 

Families who believe their child may benefit from services can start by talking with their child’s pediatrician or current therapy provider about a referral.

Helpful Resources

Families exploring school based therapies may also find these resources helpful.

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Official information and applications

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