Occupational Therapy and Children: Benefits of Having OTs in Schools

Published on: March 12, 2025

A group of children does playful activities with a therapist.

For children facing challenges that affect learning, behavior and daily activities, occupational therapy can help them succeed. Thus, occupational therapists (OTs) in schools support students with fine motor skills, sensory processing and social-emotional development, ensuring they can fully participate in the classroom environment. Read on to explore how — working alongside educators and families — OTs help create inclusive learning spaces that meet the diverse needs of all students.

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How Occupational Therapists Support Children in Schools

Occupational therapists assume a vital role in helping students develop essential academic, social and physical skills. They provide targeted interventions to improve gross motor skills that help children strengthen coordination and balance for activities like running, jumping and participating in physical education.

For students with sensory processing challenges, OTs implement sensory integration therapy, using techniques such as deep pressure activities or movement-based exercises to help children regulate their responses to sensory input. These strategies allow students to stay focused and engaged in the classroom environment.

Beyond motor and sensory development, OTs assist with self-care skills, teaching children independence in dressing, eating and personal hygiene. They also support students struggling with attention and focus by incorporating structured routines and movement breaks to enhance concentration. Working closely with teachers, parents and special education teams, occupational therapists in schools ensure that students receive individualized support — creating an inclusive learning environment where all children can succeed.

Key Benefits of Occupational Therapy in Schools

School-based occupational therapy helps children develop skills needed for academic success, daily activities and peer interactions. By addressing challenges in movement, attention and self-regulation, OTs promote independence and create a more inclusive classroom environment.

Enhancing Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Occupational therapists in schools help children develop gross motor skills (such as running and jumping) as well as fine motor skills needed for more precise daily tasks (like handwriting and cutting). Strengthening hand muscles through activities like squeezing therapy putty or molding playdough improves grip and dexterity. Scissor practice enhances hand-eye coordination, while structured exercises refine motor control. In addition, OTs may use activities like threading beads or stacking blocks to build finger strength and precision. These interventions enable children to participate fully in classroom activities, promoting independence, academic success and confidence in their abilities.

Supporting Sensory Processing Needs

Children with sensory processing challenges may struggle to interpret and respond to sensory information, leading to difficulties in focus, behavior and participation in classroom activities. Occupational therapists address these challenges through sensory integration therapy, which helps children process and integrate sensory input more effectively. Common interventions include creating sensory-friendly classrooms equipped with tools like weighted vests and fidget devices and designing activities that provide appropriate sensory stimulation. Such strategies enhance children's ability to engage in learning and social interactions.

Improving Social and Emotional Skills

Occupational therapists in schools help children develop social-emotional learning (SEL) by improving emotional regulation, peer interactions and confidence. They use strategies like social stories and role-playing to teach social cues and appropriate responses, helping students navigate social situations with greater ease. For students with autism and other challenges, OTs provide tailored interventions to elevate communication and participation, such as using visual supports, structured routines and sensory-friendly strategies. Fostering self-awareness and coping skills, OTs help children manage frustration, adapt to changes and engage more meaningfully with peers. These techniques create a supportive environment where children can build relationships, develop independence and succeed academically.

Assisting With Self-Care and Daily Living Skills

Occupational therapists are crucial in fostering children's independence in daily activities such as dressing, eating and personal hygiene. Implementing adaptive strategies tailored to each child's needs allows OTs to help establish effective routines that enhance self-care capabilities. Mastery of these skills not only boosts a child's confidence but also positively impacts their academic performance, as increased independence allows for better focus and participation in classroom activities. Through individualized interventions, OTs empower students to navigate daily tasks more effectively, which contributes to their overall development and success within the school environment.

Enhancing Focus, Attention and Classroom Participation

Occupational therapy for ADHD and other attention-related challenges helps students stay engaged in the classroom. OTs use structured routines, movement breaks, alternative seating and sensory tools to improve focus and participation. They also collaborate with teachers to create supportive learning environments that meet individual needs. By integrating these strategies, occupational therapists in schools help students develop better attention skills and, in turn, a greater ability to learn and interact in academic settings.

Facilitating Academic Success and Accessibility

OTs play a pivotal part in adapting educational materials to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. They collaborate closely with educators to modify classroom tasks in a way that ensures inclusivity and accessibility. For instance, occupational therapists may implement assistive technologies such as speech-to-text software and specialized input devices to support students' learning experiences. These interventions enable students to engage more effectively with the curriculum — thereby promoting academic success and full participation in the classroom.

Encouraging Play and Social Participation

Recognizing play as a fundamental avenue for growth, occupational therapists can utilize play-based therapy to support children's learning and development. Through structured play activities, OTs help children build peer relationships and confidence, fostering essential social skills. They employ strategies such as group games and collaborative projects to encourage engagement in group activities. These interventions both promote SEL as well as contribute to improved academic performance and overall well-being.

Supporting Transition Planning and Life Skills Development

OTs in schools help students build essential life skills as they transition to new academic settings and adulthood. They teach executive functioning skills like organization and time management to support the move to middle or high school. For students with disabilities, OTs focus on developing independence through self-care routines, vocational skills and daily living tasks. These interventions prepare students for further education, employment and greater autonomy.

Reducing Barriers to Learning for All Students

Occupational therapists work to create inclusive classrooms by implementing strategies that cater to diverse learning needs. They collaborate with educators to design environments that support all students, including those with disabilities. Employing universal design principles, OTs ensure that classroom materials and activities are accessible to everyone in order to promote equal participation. Additionally, OTs teach students coping strategies to manage academic and social stress, enhancing their resilience and well-being. These interventions not only improve individual student outcomes but also foster a supportive and inclusive school culture. Through these comprehensive approaches, OT for children helps reduce learning barriers so that all students have the chance to thrive academically and socially.

The Role of Occupational Therapists in School Collaboration

Collaborating closely with teachers, administrators and families, occupational therapists in schools can create inclusive learning environments. Their expertise is essential in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that provide necessary accommodations for students with disabilities. By integrating therapy into daily classroom activities, occupational therapists help students build essential skills in a familiar learning environment, thus improving retention and application.

Beyond direct student support, OTs in the school setting provide professional development for educators — offering training on sensory processing, gross motor skills and adaptive teaching techniques. They also serve as a bridge between school staff and families, ensuring consistent strategies are used across different settings. Through this collaboration, OTs contribute to more accessible classrooms and better learning experiences for all students, particularly those in special education.

Support Children’s Development With a Degree in OT From Husson

Occupational therapy in schools provides critical support for children's academic, social and physical development. From enhancing gross motor skills and sensory processing to promoting social-emotional learning and accessibility, OTs help students overcome challenges and thrive in the classroom. Through collaboration with educators and families, they create inclusive learning environments that benefit all students.

If you're passionate about making a difference in children's lives through occupational therapy, consider advancing your career with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT). Learn more about this program through Husson University today!