Description: The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child—in every school and every neighborhood—has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready.
Under the IDEA an occupational therapist provides services to a student within their least restrictive environment to help each student benefit from his or her special education program.
Occupational therapy services address performance within an educational context, including classroom lessons and activities, self-help skills, prevocational and vocational activities, play and leisure, and social skills.
Increasing functional use of hands and visual regard by providing stable positions.
Increasing functional use of extremities through use of adapted equipment.
Enhancing ability to learn through sensorimotor activities that address motor planning, attending and behavior issues.
Promoting competency and safety of educational staff in body mechanics, handling techniques, motor skills and classroom adaptations.
Type of Education Required : The OT must pass the National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy.
Type of Experience and Number of Years : The OT must have a Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited occupational therapy program as approved by the AOTA.
Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding effective coordination of services.
Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding transition from school to community, preparing student to function independently when outlined outcomes are achieved.
Documents all OT services provided within a timely manner as outlined by the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services.
Evaluates and documents student progress in accordance with the ILOTA as well as school district, State and Federal policies.
Addresses personal care, student role, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, graphic communication, needs for assistive technology, accessibility, environmental accommodations as required to access their educational environment through collaboration and participation with school staff.
Participates in clinical educational opportunities for students of occupational therapy.
Adheres to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Provides direct supervision of occupational therapy assistants in accordance with Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act.