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Occupational Therapy (OT)
What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?
An occupational therapist is a trained health professional who uses purposeful, goal-directed activities and task analysis to enable a child with a disability to benefit from their individualized education program (IEP). Federal law mandates that occupational therapy (OT) in the school system be educationally relevant. The focus of OT services in a school setting is to work collaboratively with the student's IEP team and to promote functional independence or participation within the educational environment. Educational OT services are those services developed by educational personnel and the family and authorized in a student's IEP. OT services may be delivered directly to the child, on behalf of the child (consultation with parents and teachers), or through modifications and support for school personnel that will be provided for the child (in-service training). The IEP team may determine that the student does not require occupational therapy through the educational program. OT services are not intended to satisfy the medical needs of a student and therefore may not meet the total therapy needs of the student. However, the student's family may wish to pursue therapy services outside the educational setting.
The federal definition of occupational therapy as a related service means services provided by a qualified occupational therapist;
and includes:
- Improving, developing, or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury, or deprivation;
- Improving the ability to perform tasks for independent functioning if functions are impaired or lost; and
- Preventing through early intervention, initial or further impairment, or loss of function. [34 CFR 300.24(b) (5)]
Occupational Therapy services are provided differently under Part B and Part C of IDEA
Qualifications of a School OT
To work as an occupational therapist in Colorado's public schools, you must (a) maintain current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), (b) be licensed as an occupational therapist with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), and (c) have a Special Services License through the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).
Responsibilities of a School OT
In a school setting the OT may be involved by facilitating any or all of the following areas that may interfere with a child's educational performance:
- Self-help skills (feeding, dressing, hygiene)
- Fine, gross and visual motor skills
- Sensory processing and visual processing skills
- Positioning, functional mobility, and transitions
- Functional communication through alternative methods
- Adaptive devices/equipment & using educational tools/toys
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Session 1: September 8, 2025 - Registration CLOSED
- Session 2: The Collaborative IEP Process: From Assessment to Service Delivery: Best Practices in School-based Services
- Date: January 21, 2026
- Registration closed
- Session 3: The Collaborative IEP Process: From Assessment to Service Delivery: Designing Supports for Student Access, Engagement, and Progress
- Date: March 19, 2026
- Time: 1:00-3:30 PM MT
- Location: Live Webinar via Zoom
- Audience: OTs, PTs, OTAs, and PTAs
Registration for Professional Development
Please be aware that:
It is a policy in the Exceptional Student Services Unit (ESSU) that all training registrations must be closed two weeks prior to the event to address all the conference/meeting logistics needs
2025-2026: OT/PT Professional Development On-Demand Webinar Series
About this Series:
Advancing Best Practices in School-Based Services: Strategic Supports for Student Success through Self-Regulation, Sensory-Based Interventions, and the Collaborative IEP Process from Assessment to Service Delivery is a three-part on-demand series.
Module 1: Self-Regulation Intervention & Sensory-Based Intervention Best Practices
Module 1: This self-paced webinar provides current research insights into neurodevelopment and sensory processing as they relate to self-regulation. Participants will explore the effectiveness of traditional sensory integration techniques alongside cognitive-behavioral intervention strategies. This professional development also includes considerations for the design and use of “Sensory Rooms” and offers practical strategies and interventions to support student self-regulation in educational settings.
Module 2: The Collaborative IEP Process: From Assessment to Service Delivery: Best Practices in School-based Services
This session explores best practices in the collaborative development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with a focus on the roles of occupational and physical therapists within school-based services. Participants will examine key regulatory issues that impact practice, learn how OT and PT may contribute within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and learn strategies for conducting comprehensive assessments and delivering effective interventions. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative approaches that promote meaningful student outcomes and align with educational goals.
This on-demand webinar will be available for one year from the date it is posted:
- Posted on: February 18, 2026
- On-Demand End Date: February 18, , 2027
Module 3
Coming Soon!
Listserv
The Colorado Department of Education Occupational Therapy listserv supports school-based OTs: 1) by providing information and news regarding the profession; 2) by announcing professional development and training opportunities; and, 3) by posting school-based job openings. There are no advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. This service is also chat-free.
To subscribe to the OT/OTA listserv:
- Please complete the online listserv subscription request, OT/OTA Listserv Subscription.
- Once you have been added, you will receive a confirmation email.
Tools and Resources
- 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
- Memo - ESSA joint statement (PDF)
- Section 504
- Occupational Therapy's Role as SISPs under ESSA (PDF from Texas Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (TOTA))
- What is the Role of the School-Based OT? from AOTA
- Occupational Therapy Scope of Practice from AOTA
- Guidelines for Supervision from AOTA
- Joint Statement for Collaborative Goals (PDF from AOTA APTA ASHA)
Employment and Recruitment
Post Available Positions - OT/OTA & PT/PTA Form
*The Post Available Positions - OT/OTA & PT/PTA Form should be completed by district leaders, HR representatives, SLP Team Leads, or Directors.
View Available OT/OTA & PT/PTA Positions
(updated regularly; check back often)
Please note that this form is optional and does not include all of the jobs open in Colorado. Visit individual district websites for a complete list of job opportunities. All applications should be submitted directly to the district in which you are applying.
Professional Organizations
Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Advisory Council
The Exceptional Student Services consultant for OT/PT along with regional OT/PT representatives who comprise the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, meet throughout the year to inform the Colorado Department of Education on statewide OT/PT professional learning and technical assistance needs and assist in the development of guidance materials to support the profession.
For more information, please contact:
Hannah Mackie
Email Hannah Mackie
Phone: (720) 697- 4545
Having trouble with this webpage?
If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.