Discover the TimberNook program, where nature becomes the ultimate classroom for sensory integration, emotional growth, and creativity. 

TimberNook empowers children to explore, problem-solve, and thrive through outdoor play. 

Jayson and Angela discuss how this innovative approach can be woven into school curriculums and the profound benefits it offers.  Get inspired by the magic of unstructured play and its critical role in child development. Tune in and reimagine what learning through play can achieve!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify common sensory and motor issues affecting students.
  
  
• Learners will identify the impact of outdoor play on sensory integration and child development.
  
  
• Learners will apply strategies to incorporate nature-based activities into therapeutic interventions.
  
  
• Learners will recognize the benefits of outdoor play for children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

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 your caseloads pushing you to the brink?

In this episode, Jayson digs into the pressing and widespread issue of high caseloads faced by school-based occupational therapists. With eye-opening statistics Jayson uncovers how these overwhelming demands contribute to burnout and impact the quality of student services. But this isn't just about identifying the problem—it's a call to action. 

Tune in for innovative strategies and practical steps to create change and sustainability in school-based OT.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify the critical factors contributing to high caseloads in school-based occupational therapy and their impact on service quality and practitioner retention.
  
  
• Learners will understand the broader implications of high caseloads on related service providers and school systems, including the need for collaborative advocacy.
  
  
• Learners will understand two different approaches to start addressing high caseloads.

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!

Have you ever wondered how integrating reflex patterns could enhance your approach to therapy?

Join us as we discuss the world of reflex integration with Kokeb McDonald. She shares her journey and discusses the importance of understanding the root causes of developmental delays. You will learn about the MNRI program and how Kokeb has adapted its principles to create effective treatment plans within occupational therapy practice. 

This episode offers valuable insights into how addressing reflexes can lead to significant improvements in motor skills, attention, and overall functioning. Tune in to learn more!


Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will be able to understand what reflex integration entails and its role in school-based OT
  
  
  
• Learners will understand the importance of reflex integration in occupational therapy, particularly in addressing self-regulation and sensory processing issues.
  
  
  
• Learners will understand how movement activities can be integrated into classroom settings to support reflex integration and improve student outcomes.

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 if there was a way to make sensory integration more accessible, effective, and inclusive for every student you support?

In this episode with Dr. Colleen Cameron Whiting, OTD, OTR/L, she shares her research on integrating sensory integration within the school setting. From implementing a flexible 15-week intervention model to adapting strategies within a Multi-Tiered System of Support. Join us as this episode is packed with practical insights to empower us to make a meaningful change.

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify how sensory integration can be effectively implemented within a school setting using a multi-tiered support system (MTSS).
  
  
• Learners will understand the importance of collaboration between occupational therapists, teachers, and parents to enhance student engagement and classroom performance
  
  
• Learners will understand how to integrate SI strategies into everyday academic activities and tailor them to fit individual student needs.

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 and Amanda Gibbs as they discuss building a school-based OT toolbox. Together, they dive into tools and resources—like the interactive Osmo, 'Tools to Grow,' goodwill, and more—that make therapy sessions both effective and budget-friendly. Amanda shares her journey from navigating limited resources as a new grad to finding creative solutions that enhance her practice. Don’t miss this episode full of insights and practical tips to elevate your OT practice on a budget!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify cost-effective tools and resources for supporting skill development in school-based occupational therapy.
  
  
• Learners will understand district budgeting and resource processes to advocate for necessary occupational therapy materials, including recognizing key contacts for resource support in schools with limited budgets.
  
  
• Learners will identify tools and strategies for implementing a multisensory learning approach.

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!

Have you ever wondered how vestibular challenges might be impacting your students’ ability to succeed in the classroom? 

In this episode, Dr. Annie Baltazar Mori and Dr. Jennifer Petersen join us to unpack the powerful connection between the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, sharing insights that can transform your approach to these often-overlooked issues. Vestibular disorders are frequently at the root of classroom challenges, affecting everything from focus to motor coordination. Our guests will guide us on how to help students improve not only their physical skills but also their confidence and self-esteem.

Tune in as Dr. Baltazar Mori and Dr. Petersen walk us through the latest research, share their clinical expertise, and offer practical strategies to help our students reach their full potential!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will understand how the vestibular and proprioceptive systems interact
  
  
• Learners will identify at least 2 standardized assessment tools they can use to evaluate vestibular function in their students
  
  
• Learners will identify effective intervention strategies for vestibular disorders
  
  
• Learners will identify key strategies for educating teachers and others on recognizing vestibular challenges and embedding sensory-based interventions.

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 feeling uncertain about how to prepare your students with disabilities for the transition to college?

As OTPs we want to equip students for life beyond the classroom, including their next steps after high school. In this episode, we’ll tackle the challenges that arise when students navigate the vastly different expectations and supports of college life. Annie will share important insights and practical strategies to help us support our students during this huge transition. 

Listen to this episode to help empower your students for success beyond high school!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify how school-based OTPs can support our students in the transition to college process
  
  
• Learners will identify a variety of services for their students, including assistive technology, employment support, and potential funding options for college, to help students prepare for their future
  
  
• Learners will understand the importance of fostering self-advocacy in students during their k-12 education

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!

Have you ever wondered how the knowledge you gain from a podcast can be effectively applied in real-world practice?

In this episode, Taylor Poirier, shares her insightful journey of how she has implemented what she’s learned from about 150 OT Schoolhouse podcast episodes into her everyday practice. 

Tune in to discover the actionable steps she took, the resources she utilized, and the challenges she navigated to become a dynamic force in school-based occupational therapy.


Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify strategies for applying knowledge gained from podcast episodes.
  
  
• Learners will identify tips to guide new school-based occupational therapy practitioners.
  
  
• Learners will recognize ways to stay organized to be able to best implement podcast insights.

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 if there was a tool that could not only help you organize your thoughts and observations into a comprehensive report but also save you hours of work each week?

Join us as Angela and Mani, the creators of Everbility, share how this game-changing tool for OTPs can streamline your documentation with customizable templates. Learn how the "brain dump" method can help you organize observations and save time, so you can focus more on supporting your students.

Tune in to learn more!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify the benefits of using AI tools like Everbility compared to traditional methods or other AI tools, such as ChatGPT, by focusing on template standardization, ease of use, and time savings.
  
  
• Learners will understand how the Everbility tool assists occupational therapists in organizing, editing, and formatting their notes and assessments into cohesive, structured documents.

Click here to check out Everbility.



Full disclosure: the OT Schoolhouse is an affiliate of Everbility, meaning that we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use the links above and sign up for their service. We only work with brands that we feel can truly support therapists in an ethical and supportive manner. If you would prefer that we do not earn a commission, you can always head directly to ​everbility.com

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, the roles are switched as host Jayson Davies takes the guest seat, being interviewed by Abe Saffer, a federal lobbyist for the American Occupational Therapy Association. 

Together, they discuss the power of advocacy in the OT profession. Learn about Jayson’s journey and the important role that AOTA plays  in shaping education policy. Tune in to be inspired and find ways to take action!

Listen now to learn the following objectives:

• Learners will identify the key roles that advocacy plays at different levels within the occupational therapy profession.
• Learners will understand  the importance of engaging with AOTA and state organizations in ensuring that OT practitioners have a voice in legislative decisions.

Check out AOTA's Back to School page here

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!