School-based occupational and physical therapy practitioners frequently become aware that school-age students are receiving occupational therapy (OT) and/or physical therapy (PT) services through non-school agencies, such as outpatient clinics, Regional Centers, or California Children’s Services (CCS). However, school-based practitioners may have limited knowledge of these agencies’ referral processes, evaluation procedures, treatment approaches, typical service frequencies and durations, and recommendations for ongoing care. In this training, occupational and physical therapy practitioners representing these agencies will provide an overview of their respective service delivery models and practices. Participants will gain a better understanding of the goals, processes, and scope of services provided in outpatient, Regional Center, and CCS settings, as well as how these services compare with and differ from school-based therapy. The training will also provide opportunities for discussion, clarification, and the development of collaborative partnerships to better support students across educational and community-based environments.

Learning Objectives: Participants will:

1.     Obtain clarification of the parameters different agency providers work under in relation to OT/PT School-based practice

2.     Understand the difference between a school-based practice OT or PT assessment compared to those of the agencies’ being presented

3.     Clarify their understanding of common misconceptions about what outside-of-the-school-system agencies provide in their treatment interventions and equipment recommendations

4.     Expand their resources to better educate parents in the school system regarding outside OT and PT services.