Mission Statement:
Our goal as occupational therapists working for Moorpark Unified School District is to support families and their children enrolled in MUSD. We diligently work with students, teachers, parents, and other service providers to maximize students' abilities to perform in all parts of their school day. Even if a student does not qualify for OT services, modifications may be made in his classroom to accommodate his needs. This web site will have several user friendly ideas for parents and teachers to utilize ranging from how to hold a pencil to sensory diets that help students remain focused in the classroom or at home.
Eligibility for OT:
Those students found eligible for special education services can be assessed by an OT who then brings her results to the IEP team for determination of OT services. Parents and teachers are an essential part of this team as they share valuable information about their child/student. Even if the student does not qualify, the OT can suggest modifications or accommodations to the IEP team to be implemented in the classroom or at home.
What is the Difference between Educational vs. Medical Occupational Therapy?
Educational OT services improve a student's ability to function in his school environment.
Medical OT services are designed to maximize one's ability to function at home and in his community.
Occupational Therapy focuses on:
· self-help abilities
· sensory processing and organization
· environmental adaptations and use of assistive devices
· motor planning and coordination
· visual perception and integration
· social and play abilities
· fine motor abilities
· cognitive rehab
Strategies for Children: Fun at Home: Home Accommodations Food Fun at Home Adapting the Home Food Fun when Eating Activities for Home Food Fun with Snacks Bath Time Learning thru Touch Dressing Skills Learning to Print Homework Strategies Media Monitoring Hand Skill Activities at Home
Printing Ideas: Forming Letters Paper: narrow lined Pencil Grasp Pencil Grasp Diagram Printing Readiness: Hand Skills Ages 2-5 Hand Skill Development Learning to Print Developing Printing Skills Strategies for: Copying Copying Text Cutting Skills Dictation and Composition Left Handed Students Motivating Students to Write Organizing Supplies Printing on the Lines Spacing and Margins Spelling Remediation Vision: Signs of Visual Problems Vision Strategies Caring for Your Eyes
Defining Sensory Integration Sensory Questionnaire Characteristics of Defensiveness Looking at the Environment Organizing the School Environment Sensory Strategies and Diets Behavior Management Calming and Alerting Ideas Classroom Sensory Strategies Foods that are Calming Heavy Work in the Classroom Heavy Work Outdoor Games Sensory Diet Ideas Sensory Strategies
Kathleen Viola-Press, MS OTR/l kviolapress@mrpk.org Lauren Johnson, MS OTR/l ljohnson@mrpk.org Vera Strang, OTR/l vstrang@mrpk.org