The OT Schoolhouse Podcast for School-Based OT Practitioners

In this episode, Jayson is diving into five mindset hacks that will change the way you approach your practice. Jayson will reflect on his own experiences and mindset shifts as a school-based OT, and provide practical advice for managing overwhelming caseloads and fostering open communication with administrators. Tune in to learn more! This episode has many valuable insights, especially for the new...

Join us as Jayson dives into a discussion with pediatric occupational therapist and author Kathryn Mahoney. With five books under her belt and a sixth in the works, Kathryn shares her journey of creating social stories for children that not only captivate them but also offer practical knowledge for adults. In this episode,  learn methods for customizing social stories, understanding their impact o...

Have you ever wondered how a podcast can evolve, grow, foster a community, and make a meaningful impact in the field of occupational therapy? Join us as we celebrate the Journey of the OT Schoolhouse. In this special episode, we'll  discuss the growing reach of our Back to School Conference and our vision to reduce the knowledge translation timeline in occupational therapy. You'll meet t...

Have you ever wondered how a podcast can evolve, grow, foster a community, and make a meaningful impact in the field of occupational therapy? Join us as we celebrate the Journey of the OT Schoolhouse. In this special episode, we'll  discuss the growing reach of our Back to School Conference and our vision to reduce the knowledge translation timeline in occupational therapy. You'll meet t...

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...

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 w...

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 ju...

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 th...

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...

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 pl...

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,...

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 t...

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...

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 serv...

In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Kelsey Kornaus delves into the world of visual impairments in students. From the importance of self-advocacy to the impact of sensory difficulties and the role of assistive technology, this episode discusses the challenges and innovative strategies for supporting students with visual impairments in educational settings. Listen now to gain valuable ins...

How can the strategic use of color and contrast in writing programs not only capture children's attention but also foster a focused environment for handwriting tasks? In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, guest Helene Lieberman discusses her journey of developing a program, seeking feedback from colleagues, and making adjustments based on their input. The program features high-contra...

In this episode, special guest Lori Flynn is diving into multiple different aspects of understanding ADHD, creating personalized teaching plans, developing visual schedules, and fostering a supportive environment for every child.  We also discuss the challenges and the practical strategies that can assist. You'll be equipped with some tools to create a positive and inclusive learning environm...

Ever wondered about the transformative power of child-led methods in creating inclusive and empowered learning environments for students with special needs? Dr. Amy Coopersmith is here to share with us how students receiving special education experience occupation deprivation and the important role of child-led decision-making and planning in occupational therapy. Through her own personal examples...

As a school-based Practitioner, have you ever thought about exploring alternatives to traditional pull-out sessions? If you're looking to expand your scope of practice, increase work efficiency, and provide more individualized services in the least restrictive environment, tune into this episode. Jayson dives into the benefits of working with students in their natural context, the different s...

Are you aware of the hidden traumas that adolescents face daily that can sometimes go unnoticed? In this episode Dr. Park sheds light on the subtle negative experiences that may go unnoticed but have a long-term impact on these young lives. The discussion also takes us beyond traditional understandings of trauma to recognize the broader spectrum that encompasses a sense of not belonging and exclus...

Do you ever walk away from an IEP meeting with a plan in mind, only to forget it later?  In this episode, Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, discusses why the IEP is not your treatment plan and the crucial differences between the two.  With actionable tips, and insights from the OTPF-4, Jayson explains why creating a treatment plan is essential and how it provides support, protection, and clear direction f...

Would you like to have a better understanding of integrated OT services in schools? In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Dr. Woolley shares many insights on integrated OT services, the importance of understanding individual student needs, collaborating with teachers, and adapting interventions.  She shares valuable insights and strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment. F...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by Medicaid billing and unsure of how to navigate the funding process? In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Elizabeth & Jason will dive into the world of Medicaid billing. You'll have a basic understanding of Medicaid billing and be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate this vital aspect of our profession and have the knowledge to...

In today's episode, Lisa Lodesky and Kate Schoen discuss their experiences and insights on helping students transition into vocational settings. They share stories, challenges, and successes from their own programs they have created. Discover the importance of providing diverse options for students, learn about the ability to be inclusive within a therapeutic day school, and gain insights int...

Welcome to the Back to School Conference Recap!  Our journey at the conference led us to explore crucial subjects, such as reframing behavior, addressing mental health concerns, navigating post-school outcomes, discovering evidence-based resources, implementing effective tiered intervention programs, and expanding your toolkit for fine motor skills.  Join us as we delve into these topics and gain...