This course involves reviewing and applying evaluation methods, evidence-based intervention, and the application of the role of occupational therapy in pediatric care, specifically within school-based settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding the roles of all team members, including the student/child, parents, guardians, service providers, and teachers. Regulatory guidelines, ETRs/IEPs, equipment, transitional living needs, and accessibility issues are explored. Relevant OT models of practice appropriate for the population are synthesized. Additional knowledge and skills required for rural practice are addressed. Coursework will focus on the development of professional competencies in assessment and intervention.
Students in good standing with all previous semester coursework to date will be assigned a Level I fieldwork experience in a pediatric/school system setting. Students will analyze occupational engagement and participation within the school setting during the Level I fieldwork experience embedded within the course. Level I experience is designed to enrich didactic coursework through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the OT process