The OT Schoolhouse Podcast for School-Based OT Practitioners

Latest Episodes:

Greatest Hits: Fostering Safe & Regulating Environments in the Classroom Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

School-based occupational therapists wear many hats. Sometimes we treat students individually and other times we have to train the teachers in ways they can support students in the classroom.

In this greatest hits episode, Join Jayson & Jamie as they talk about supporting teachers in fostering safe and regulating environments in the classroom for students with sensory differences.

If you did not catch the original airing of this episode when it was released, or if you simply want to dive into a really good episode on how sensory processing impacts student participation, have a listen during your next walk, drive, or workout.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify what is our role in addressing sensory processing in school-based OT
Learners will identify strategies that can be used to provide support to students with sensory differences in the classroom
Learners will Determine what impact the sensory system has on student performance and engagement

Thanks for tuning in!
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!

Using the 3-to-1 Service Model to Enhance Collaboration And Flexibility Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

Discover how the 3-to-1 service model can transform collaboration among OT, PT, and speech providers, streamline evaluations, and enhance communication with teachers and parents. In this episode, we'll dig into the scheduling and IEP logistical concerns that come with this model and explore strategies for successfully implementing it, including writing services onto the IEP.
Stay tuned as we uncover the impact of the 3-to-1 model on IEPs and highlight the importance of flexibility and creativity in delivering effective school-based OT services.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will be able to identify the differences between the 3-to-1 model and the traditional one-time-a-week direct service model.
Learners will identify the key benefits of the 3-to-1 service model in enhancing collaboration among OT, PT, and speech providers.
Learners will identify strategies to manage their caseload effectively during flex weeks.

Are OT Practitioners, Mental Health Providers? May 20, 2024

Show notes

Abe Saffer and Dr. Miranda Virone are here to dive into the roots of occupational therapy’s involvement in mental health, uncover current challenges, and explore practical strategies for integrating effective mental health interventions in schools.

If you're looking to expand your impact and equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge to address these kinds of challenges, or are just curious about the evolution of school-based mental health strategies, this discussion is for you. Tune in to learn more!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify strategies for advocating the role of OT in mental health
Learners will be able to apply strategies for integrating mental health interventions into their practice
Learners will be able to analyze the biopsychosocial approach

The Essentials of Contracting as a School-Based OTP May 06, 2024

Show notes

Thinking about working directly with schools or going through a staffing agency? Jayson and Elise explore the pros and cons of direct contracting vs. staffing agencies, and share insights to help you make informed decisions about your career path.

They discuss the nuances of being a 1099 subcontractor versus a W-2 employee, the non-therapy duties that often come with traditional employment, and the hard-to-navigate waters of rates, negotiation, and setting up clear, beneficial contracts. They will touch upon the importance of establishing boundaries to prevent burnout and maintain a fulfilling career.

Tune in to learn more!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify the differences between contracting in a school and being a school employee
Learners will understand the process for self-contracting and going through a staffing agency
Learners will identify ways to find and negotiate a contract as a school-based therapist

Executive Function's Role in Sensory Regulation Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

How do children’s brains manage the interplay between self-regulation and executive functioning tasks?

In this episode, join Lindy Joffe, OTD, OTR/L as she discusses the interconnectedness between sensory and executive function. She will offer insight into the clinical observations that can unlock a better understanding of student behaviors and learn actionable strategies to empower our children as co-learners in their educational journey.

Tune in to understand the connection with executive functions and sensory regulation within school-based occupational therapy!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify the relationship between child behavior, environment, and factors contributing to executive functioning
Learners will understand how to empower the children as co learners and use interventions to reflect their unique needs
Learners will identify practical assessment tools to use for executive functioning

Revealing OT’s potential with Artificial Intelligence Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

Do you think AI can revolutionize school-based OT?

In this episode, join expert guest Teresa Fair-Field as she explores innovative uses of artificial intelligence that are reshaping the way OTPs support students and clinical decision making.
Discover the collaborative efforts between clinicians and tech experts in developing predictive AI, and learn how these advancements can generate treatment plans and improve communication.
This episode is great for any school-based OT who wants to stay up to date, and utilize technology to enhance evidence-based practice and ultimately enrich student outcomes.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will recognize the ethical considerations of AI use
Learners will understand the applications and implications of artificial intelligence in school-based occupational therapy
Learners will identify strategies for integrating AI into clinical decision-making, IEP development, and treatment planning

View the full show notes at otschoolhouse.com/episode147
Watch this episode on YouTube

Occupational Therapy Strategies for Crafting Inclusive PE Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

Imagine a school environment where every student, regardless of their abilities, can actively participate in physical education. How can we turn this into reality?

In today's episode, we are joined by Faith Newton, an occupational therapist based in England, who is passionate about inclusive physical education (PE) for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

In this episode, Faith will discuss the school-based occupational therapy system in the UK and how it compares to models in the US. She will also explore universal design principles and strategies for making PE more inclusive for all students. Tune in to learn more!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will Identify the key components of an inclusive PE program for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Learners will understand the role of occupational therapy in supporting neurodivergent students in physical education settings.
Learners will understand how to conduct an activity analysis for common PE games like dodgeball to identify sensory, physical, cognitive, and emotional demands.

Crafting Your Goal Bank for School-based OT Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Have you thought that optimizing your practice with efficient goal banking strategies might be helpful?
In this episode, we explore a range of goal banking options, from simple PDFs to advanced spreadsheets, to help you streamline your process.
Join us as Jayson shares his journey and a practical six-step plan to create and utilize your personalized goals. Jayson also introduces the concept of templating goals and even offers a glimpse into the AI-powered solutions for creating reusable, searchable goals.

Don't miss out on this insightful episode to help you in your daily school-based practice!
Click here to check out the OT Schoolhouse Goal Bank

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify the purpose and benefits of creating and using a goal bank for school-based OT

Learners will understand the process of templatizing goals and customizing criteria and accommodations

Learners will be able to apply strategies for organizing and categorizing goals to create their own goal templates.

View the full show notes & transcript

The Kawa Model in Education: Supporting Students by Supporting Teachers Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

Dive into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast's latest episode, where Jayson welcomes Amy Crosby, whose innovative application of the Kawa Model in education is cultivating an oasis of calm for educators amidst the tempest of school day chaos.
Join us as Amy reveals how a simple yet profound shift in supporting teachers can ripple into improved classroom dynamics and personal well-being, backed by her engaging workshop results.
Don't miss out on this insightful journey through the lens of the Kawa Model to cultivate professional and personal fulfillment for you and the teachers you serve.
Tune in, and let's navigate the turbulent waters of education together!
Learning Objectives:

Identify and describe the core concepts of using the Kawa model to support teachers as introduced by Amy Crosby in school-based occupational therapy.
Recognize the environmental and personal stress factors in educational settings that were highlighted during the workshop.
Recall the strategies for stress reduction taught in the workshop, including deep breathing and thought reframing.

Click here to view the full show notes

Navigating AI as a School-Based Practitioner Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

Are you curious to understand how OTPs can use AI?

Tune in as Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, dives into the future of AI and occupational therapy.

Discover how AI tools like Chat GPT can change your approach to evaluations, IEP planning, and beyond while ensuring ethical practice and preserving confidentiality.

Whether it's creating personalized goals, drafting treatment plans, or enhancing service delivery, Jayson discusses the potential of AI to level the playing field and optimize OT services.

Whether you're a tech-savvy OTP or an AI novice, this episode will educate, and inspire you to harness the power of AI in your daily practice.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

Learners will identify ways in which school-based practitioners can use AI to support themselves and their students.
Learners will understand the role of AI and tools to assist in the development of treatment plans, documentation, and monitoring of student progress.
Learners will identify the importance of ethical considerations and maintaining confidentiality when integrating AI into school-based practice.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The OT Schoolhouse Podcast for School-Based OT Practitioners

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected