Student Services

School Occupational Therapy

School occupational therapists (OTs) must hold a degree from a recognized university program in Occupational Therapy (OT) and have or are working towards a School Clinician certificate. OTs must be licensed to practice occupational therapy with the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba (COTM). School OTs work in collaboration with school teams and parents/guardians to support students identified as having physical, developmental or additional learning needs. School occupational therapists support the student’s ability to function within the school setting, facilitating participation and access to the curriculum and environment.

Information for Schools, Students, and Families

Consultation Support Provided

Occupational therapists (OTs) that work in Manitoba schools provide a consultative-collaborative service that is available to all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. These services will vary across a continuum of supports that best meet the needs of students to maximize their learning opportunities and success.

The school OT is an active participant in the Student Services Team. Following an inclusion model of service, the school OT provides consultation and support to educators for classroom-based instruction, assessment and learning. As part of a school division's early identification process, classroom-based information may indicate that a student has diverse learning needs; student-specific assessment and programming is available by request through the school division referral process to initiate OT services.

School OT programs and services may vary across school divisions in Manitoba based on the regional needs of students, families, educators and communities, school division policy, contracted services with regional health authorities, and the skill level and experience of the OT.

These services include but are not limited to:

  • Student-specific assessment, evaluation, and recommendations for individual programming
  • Small group intervention programming
  • Parent and school staff education
  • Classroom-based programming and supports
  • Collaboration with teachers, school and divisional teams
  • Assistive technology, specialized materials, and/or mobility equipment
  • Referral to additional agencies
  • Collaboration with community programs
  • Program, resource and policy development

School-based occupational therapists support students and school staff in a variety of areas including but not limited to self and co-regulation, fine and gross motor movement and skill building, structure and management of school environments and routines, life skills, self-care, and supporting the development of early years foundational skills. The management of student needs in an educational setting often requires the integrated efforts of the OT, other clinical professionals,the family and the student services team.

Links

Legislation, Standards, Policies

Contact

General Enquiries
Inclusion Support Branch
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
Telephone: 204-945-7912
Toll Free in Manitoba: 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7912
Email: isbinfo@gov.mb.ca