OTs hold the key to school-wide success by grounding self-regulation in sensory-motor regulation—not just in emotions. In this episode, Sherry Shellenberger and Jennie Largent show how the Alert Program provides a foundational layer many SEL programs miss, share practical strategies for piloting change, and explain how to talk with administrators to secure support and funding. Tune in to learn clear steps to expand OT impact from individual support to whole-school change.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Identify and effectively communicate the value of sensory-motor self-regulation approaches to administrators and decision-makers by collecting meaningful data through pilot programs and by developing stakeholder-specific documentation.
  
  
• Identify opportunities to integrate self-regulation programs, such as The Alert Program for Self-Regulation, with existing SEL programs, and discover the foundational role of sensory-motor regulation in supporting emotional regulation.
  
  
• Identify strategies to be effective change agents within school settings by collaborating with colleagues, applying evidence-based practices, and establishing systems that demonstrate the unique value of the occupational therapy approach to self-regulation; discover approaches to sustain and scale impact.

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

In this exciting episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Sarah Collins, a pioneer in the world of homeschooling and occupational therapy. It’s been over five years since Sarah first joined us, right at the onset of the pandemic, and so much has evolved since then.

With over 3 million students now homeschooled in the United States, understanding the intersection of occupational therapy and homeschooling has never been more crucial. Sarah brings a unique three-sided perspective as an occupational therapist, a dedicated homeschooling parent, and a mother of a neurodivergent child. Together, we get into how homeschooling has transformed, the challenges families face, and the vital role OT practitioners can play in supporting these students.

Join us as we explore the innovative ways OT can adapt to the individualized learning environments of homeschooled students, the importance of collaboration with families, and how to address their unique needs effectively. Whether you're currently working with homeschool families or anticipate encountering students transitioning from homeschool to traditional settings, this conversation is packed with valuable insights that will enhance your practice.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will analyze the unique culture and philosophy of homeschooling to effectively collaborate with homeschool families without questioning their educational choices
  
  
• Learners will develop skills for supporting transitions between homeschool and traditional school settings, including identifying accommodations parents naturally provide at home that may need to be continued in school
  
  
• Learners will identify approaches for providing occupational therapy services to homeschooled students through various delivery models (nature-based, private practice, public school services where available) while respecting the individualized nature of homeschool education.

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Discover the exciting updates and enhancements of the BOT-3 assessment tool with Dr. Elizabeth Munsell, Research Director at Pearson.

Learn how this latest version offers updated norms, supplemental scores, and innovative features designed specifically for school-based occupational therapy practitioners.

Dr. Munsell explains the key differences between BOT-2 and BOT-3, including new growth scale values for better progress monitoring and specialized scoring options like the Planning and Coordination subtest. She also shares practical insights on how to use assessment results to connect motor performance with functional academic and social participation goals.

Join Jayson Davies for this episode that answers your most pressing questions about transitioning to the BOT-3 and maximizing its clinical value. Listen now to enhance your assessment practices and better support your students' motor development needs!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify the key differences between the BOT-2 and BOT-3, including updated norms, supplemental scores, and growth scale values (GSVs).
• Learners will explain how the new features of the BOT-3 can support connections between motor performance and functional, academic, and social participation.
• Learners will recognize practical considerations for transitioning to the BOT-3, such as communicating its value to administrators and using it in school-based practice.

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Join Jayson Davies as he sits down with occupational therapists and co-founders of B3 Coffee, Jacqueline and Greg Boheler, to explore their unique, neurodiversity-affirming non-profit. They share how they've built a multi-faceted organization that includes a transitional employment model and a robust community program to support young adults with disabilities beyond high school. This episode provides invaluable insight into how school-based OTs can support transition-age youth by focusing on foundational skills and connecting families with crucial adult services. You will also get a look at B3 Coffee's exciting plans to launch a replicable "clubhouse" model for the IDD community. Listen now to be inspired to facilitate meaningful change for your students and your community!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify why a "cliff" occurs and recognize the urgency of addressing it by connecting students and families with crucial adult resources and advocating for a focus on lifelong skills.

• Listeners will understand the significant gap in services and support that many young adults with disabilities experience after graduating high school.

• Listeners will grasp the occupational therapist's vital role in helping students develop a comprehensive, occupation-based transition portfolio. 

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

In this episode, Jayson sits down with Amy Fehr, MSOT, OTR/L, an experienced school-based OT and current clinical advisor at BlazerWorks, to tackle the pressing challenges and exciting opportunities that all therapists—whether contracted, new, or in-district—face in the ever-evolving landscape of school settings. Discover how to effectively build rapport with staff, advocate for the vital role of occupational therapy, and navigate the complexities of district onboarding and supervision.

Are you ready to elevate your practice and make a meaningful impact in your school community? Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your established role, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights to help you thrive and feel truly valued within your school team. 

Tune in now and take the next step in making a lasting impact on your students and school community!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify effective strategies for OT practitioners to build rapport with school staff and administrators.
  
  
• Learners will understand how to leverage IEPs and team meetings to advocate for the OT role.
  
  
• Learners will recognize ways to support professional identity, confidence, and inclusion in school teams.
  
  
• Learners will understand how district leadership can foster a more inclusive environment for all OT practitioners.

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Are you a school-based occupational therapist looking to streamline your practice, build stronger collaborations, and navigate the complexities of documentation, assessments, and district requirements? 

In this episode, Krupa Kuruvilla shares invaluable tips and systems she's developed over her 10+ years in the field. From managing limited workspace to effective parent communication, her insights will help you kick off the school year with confidence and organization. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these practical strategies will elevate your OT practice and make your school year more manageable and impactful.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify practical strategies for organizing caseloads, documentation, and assessments.
  
  
  
• Learners will recognize effective communication techniques with teachers, support staff, and families.
  
  
  
• Learners will understand how to navigate shared workspaces and limited resources in school settings.

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

What do Rubik’s Cubes, art, and therapy have in common? In this inspiring episode, Jayson chats with Kyle Cubes, a Rubik’s Cube artist and autistic adult who has transformed a personal coping strategy into a therapeutic tool for others. Kyle shares his journey of late diagnosis, how he found emotional regulation through cube art, and how he’s now empowering therapists and clients alike to find joy, structure, and growth through this creative medium. Whether you’ve never touched a cube or are already solving them in seconds, this conversation will change the way you think about therapy tools.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify how Rubik’s Cube-based activities can support the development of fine motor, visual-spatial, and executive functioning skills in students.
  
  
• Learners will describe how to scaffold Rubik’s Cube tasks to meet diverse learner needs and align with individualized OT goals.
  
  
• Learners will explore ways in which Rubik’s Cube art can support emotional regulation and student engagement in therapeutic and educational settings.

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

Are you ready to champion one of the most essential—and overlooked—parts of the school day? In this episode, Jayson Davies dives into the impactful world of recess with special guests Morgan and Catherine, founders "Say Yes to Recess."

Listen in as they share how two passionate parents from Tennessee ignited a movement that’s reshaping school policies and even legislation around the country. 

This episode is packed with insights for school-based occupational therapy practitioners: you'll hear research-backed benefits of physical activity, learn strategies for advocating recess in your district, and discover why more unstructured play can positively transform classroom behavior and whole-child development. 

If you want practical advocacy tips and new inspiration to help your students thrive, you won’t want to miss this one!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

1. Learners will understand the benefits of recess and the critical role it plays in supporting children's physical, emotional, and social development.
   
   
2. Learners will understand about systemic barriers to recess, including legislative and administrative challenges, and strategies for advocating for increased unstructured playtime in schools.
   
   
3. Learners will explore research-backed approaches, such as the LINC project, that highlight the positive impacts of physical activity on academic performance, classroom behavior, and overall well-being.

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

What does it really mean to provide neurodiversity-affirming care in schools? In this episode, Dr. Bryden Carlson-Giving—a neurodivergent OT and creator of the Empower Model—shares powerful insights and practical strategies to move beyond deficit-focused practices and truly center student voice, identity, and autonomy.

You’ll learn how to write strengths-based goals, conduct inclusive evaluations, and support authentic participation—while navigating the real-world challenges of school-based OT. Whether you're a seasoned OT or new to the field, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to better support neurodivergent learners.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will understand the foundations of neurodiversity affirming practice
  
  
• Learners will identify practical strategies to make OT services more empowering for neurodivergent students
  
  
• Learners will explore the empower model in School-Based OT

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!

In Part 2 of this important conversation, Dr. Savitha Sundar returns to explore what inclusive OT practice can look like beyond the buzzwords. In this episode, Savitha helps us shift from reflection to action, discussing how to align our evaluations, goals, and service models with the values of true inclusion.

We also talk about building meaningful collaborations with general education staff, embedding participation-focused goals into IEPs, and celebrating small wins in systems that are slow to change. If you’ve ever asked how to make your OT services more inclusive and collaborative, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Distinguish between traditional “push-in” models and inclusive OT practices that center student participation in general education environments.
  
  
• Learn how to write IEP goals and conduct evaluations that promote inclusive outcomes for students with extensive support needs.
  
  
• Explore strategies for building trust and collaboration with general education teachers to support system-wide inclusion.

View the full show notes and Transcript at OTSchoolhouse.com/episode177

Visit pearsonassessments.com/OTResources to explore assessments designed with your clinical reasoning in mind. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together.

Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com

See you in the next episode!