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School-based related services are a vital part of special education, helping students access and participate in their educational programs. Occupational Therapists (OTs), Physical Therapists (PTs), and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) work collaboratively with educators and families to support students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Whether you’re a clinician new to school-based practice or a school administrator planning services for your district, understanding how related services work is essential.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions!
Related services are specialized supports provided to students with disabilities when those services are necessary for them to benefit from their education.
These services may include:
The goal is always educational access rather than medical treatment (associated with outpatient therapy, which is discussed in more detail below).
Once concerns are identified, the school district initiates the evaluation process. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether there is an underlying deficit that is impacting the student’s participation in the educational program.
The evaluation results are then reviewed by the educational team to determine the level and amount of services needed to meet the students’ needs in the least restrictive environment.
One of the biggest differences is the purpose of treatment.
Outpatient therapy often focuses on improving a child’s overall physical, developmental, or medical abilities.
School-based therapy focuses on helping students succeed in the educational environment by addressing barriers that impact classroom participation, communication, mobility, self-care at school, or access to learning.
Every therapy goal should support the student’s educational success.
School-based therapists are active members of multidisciplinary teams.
Collaboration often includes:
This team approach helps create consistent support throughout the student’s school day.
School-based therapy doesn’t always happen in a therapy room.
Depending on the student’s needs, services often occurs:
Providing therapy within natural school environments helps students practice skills where they use them most.
Working with an experienced school-based therapy provider (like Austill’s Educational Therapy Services!) helps districts maintain consistent services while ensuring therapists understand educational regulations, documentation requirements, and collaborative service delivery.
A specialized provider can also support recruitment, onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing professional development for therapists.
Effective school-based related services are built on teamwork. When therapists, educators, administrators, and families work together, students receive meaningful support that promotes participation, independence, and educational success.
For more than 40 years, Austill’s Educational Therapy Services has partnered with schools across Pennsylvania to provide high-quality school-based occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology services while fostering a supportive environment for clinicians. Whether you’re seeking an experienced therapy partner or exploring a career in school-based therapy, Austill’s is here to support your goals.
