The OT Schoolhouse Podcast for School-Based OT Practitioners

Latest Episodes:

Screenings With a VMI Tool That Scores Itself Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Jayson teams up with guests Karen and Heather to get into the transformative world of Psymark—a digital tool designed to revolutionize school-based occupational therapy assessments. Karen’s journey from school psychologist to a tech innovator, alongside Heather’s experience as an occupational therapist, offers listeners a deep dive into how technology is reshaping the way we monitor and support students' visual motor integration.

Discover the magic behind self-scoring iPad assessments that promise to simplify processes, provide teachers and therapists with precise insights, and potentially reduce referrals, all while laying the groundwork for essential interventions. Join us for an exploration of cutting-edge strategies making waves in the field of occupational therapy.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will recall the components and purpose of the Psymark tool
Learners will identify the specific visual motor assessment areas that the Psymark tool evaluates
Learners will be able to indicate some of the initial research and data analysis of the psymark tool

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Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.
Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com
See you in the next episode!

Supporting The Teachers in Adapting the Classroom Enviroment Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Discover the transformative power of nature in the classroom with this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast! Join host Jayson Davies as he chats with Alex Thompson, an experienced occupational therapist and former teacher, who has devoted her career to blending nature with school-based OT practices. Learn how Alex empowers teachers and students by redesigning classrooms, creating sensory-friendly environments, and fostering self-regulation through the innovative use of outdoor and nature-inspired strategies. Don’t miss the chance to reimagine classroom design with nature as your guide!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will recognize…the significance of collaborating with teachers and students to create learning environments (via classroom makeovers or modifications) that address the diverse sensory, emotional, and learning needs of all students.

Learners will identify the role of occupational therapy in classroom design and understand how incorporating nature and holistic approaches can improve self-regulation and learning outcomes in students.
Learners will associate that supporting teachers' self-regulation and wellness directly impacts the classroom atmosphere and student outcomes.

Daily Notes: What to Write & How to Save Time Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever feel like daily notes are just another task on your never-ending to-do list? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of note writing in school-based OT with Jason Gonzalez, OTR/L, co-founder of Double Time Docs. We’ll unpack the purpose of documentation, discuss strategies to make it more efficient and explore how technology can simplify your workflow. Whether you're a seasoned OT or new to school-based practice, this conversation will help you streamline your notes and spend more time doing what you love—helping students thrive!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify the essential components of effective school-based OT documentation and its role in student progress.
Learners will understand common challenges in note writing and how to streamline documentation without sacrificing quality.
Learners will apply strategies for efficient documentation, including using digital tools like Double Time Docs to track progress and inform interventions.

How Many OT Treatment Hours are Possible in a Week? Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

How can two school-based OTs have identical caseload numbers but vastly different workloads?
This episode promises a fresh perspective on evaluating the true demands of our roles, focusing not just on the numbers but the actual time commitments involved.
Join me as I introduce a new series of short, five-minute episodes designed to provide quick, actionable insights tailored for the OT Schoolhouse community.
Together, we'll explore:
• Misconception of measuring your caseload vs another
• Understanding the significance of workload in daily practice
• How different treatment frequency impacts your workload
• The implications of the 24-hour treatment threshold
• A shift in OT conversations from caseload to workload
So, let's break away from the norm and start asking the right questions to truly reflect the demands and responsibilities of our roles. Share your thoughts and let me know if this new format resonates with you!
Do you know your workload?
Grab your caseload spreadsheet and Identify your workload here.

Win Over Teachers & Kids with Proven, Fun Strategies to Improve Writing! Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

What do you think makes handwriting fun and effective for kids? In this episode, we dig into strategies that don’t just teach handwriting but make it enjoyable for students.

Dr. Beverly Moskowitz, the Size Matters Handwriting Program creator, shares her 48 years of expertise to show you how to empower teachers, build student buy-in, and integrate handwriting practices across the curriculum.

From understanding key concepts like "Super C" letters to using engaging tools like stars, dice, and even spaghetti and meatballs for spacing, this episode is packed with practical, research-based tips. So, grab a notebook and join us as we explore the art of handwriting in a way that's as impactful as it is entertaining!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify at least two handwriting strategies that could be embedded in all content areas across the curriculum.
Learners will identify at least two handwriting strategies you can use to increase student buy-in and teacher retention in the classroom.
Learners will understand the benefits of structured and Adapted Material

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#166 Bridging the Classroom with Nature the OT Way Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Discover the TimberNook program, where nature becomes the ultimate classroom for sensory integration, emotional growth, and creativity.
TimberNook empowers children to explore, problem-solve, and thrive through outdoor play.
Jayson and Angela discuss how this innovative approach can be woven into school curriculums and the profound benefits it offers. Get inspired by the magic of unstructured play and its critical role in child development. Tune in and reimagine what learning through play can achieve!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify common sensory and motor issues affecting students.
Learners will identify the impact of outdoor play on sensory integration and child development.
Learners will apply strategies to incorporate nature-based activities into therapeutic interventions.
Learners will recognize the benefits of outdoor play for children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Paving the Path to Change High Caseloads in 2025 Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Are your caseloads pushing you to the brink?

In this episode, Jayson digs into the pressing and widespread issue of high caseloads faced by school-based occupational therapists. With eye-opening statistics Jayson uncovers how these overwhelming demands contribute to burnout and impact the quality of student services. But this isn't just about identifying the problem—it's a call to action.

Tune in for innovative strategies and practical steps to create change and sustainability in school-based OT.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify the critical factors contributing to high caseloads in school-based occupational therapy and their impact on service quality and practitioner retention.
Learners will understand the broader implications of high caseloads on related service providers and school systems, including the need for collaborative advocacy.
Learners will understand two different approaches to start addressing high caseloads.

Reflex Integration Challenges and Solutions in School-based OT Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how integrating reflex patterns could enhance your approach to therapy?

Join us as we discuss the world of reflex integration with Kokeb McDonald. She shares her journey and discusses the importance of understanding the root causes of developmental delays. You will learn about the MNRI program and how Kokeb has adapted its principles to create effective treatment plans within occupational therapy practice.

This episode offers valuable insights into how addressing reflexes can lead to significant improvements in motor skills, attention, and overall functioning. Tune in to learn more!
Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will be able to understand what reflex integration entails and its role in school-based OT
Learners will understand the importance of reflex integration in occupational therapy, particularly in addressing self-regulation and sensory processing issues.
Learners will understand how movement activities can be integrated into classroom settings to support reflex integration and improve student outcomes.

Making Sensory Integration Work in School Environments Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

What if there was a way to make sensory integration more accessible, effective, and inclusive for every student you support?

In this episode with Dr. Colleen Cameron Whiting, OTD, OTR/L, she shares her research on integrating sensory integration within the school setting. From implementing a flexible 15-week intervention model to adapting strategies within a Multi-Tiered System of Support. Join us as this episode is packed with practical insights to empower us to make a meaningful change.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify how sensory integration can be effectively implemented within a school setting using a multi-tiered support system (MTSS).
Learners will understand the importance of collaboration between occupational therapists, teachers, and parents to enhance student engagement and classroom performance
Learners will understand how to integrate SI strategies into everyday academic activities and tailor them to fit individual student needs.

A Practical Guide to Building a Budget-Friendly OT Toolbox Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

Join Jayson and Amanda Gibbs as they discuss building a school-based OT toolbox. Together, they dive into tools and resources—like the interactive Osmo, 'Tools to Grow,' goodwill, and more—that make therapy sessions both effective and budget-friendly. Amanda shares her journey from navigating limited resources as a new grad to finding creative solutions that enhance her practice. Don’t miss this episode full of insights and practical tips to elevate your OT practice on a budget!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify cost-effective tools and resources for supporting skill development in school-based occupational therapy.
Learners will understand district budgeting and resource processes to advocate for necessary occupational therapy materials, including recognizing key contacts for resource support in schools with limited budgets.
Learners will identify tools and strategies for implementing a multisensory learning approach.

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