Starting your career in school-based occupational therapy can be both exciting and overwhelming. While no one expects perfection, being aware of the most common missteps can help you hit the ground running. Here are some tips to help avoid common mistakes that many new school-based OTs make.
1. Understand the Educational Model
Unlike clinics, school-based OT focuses on access to the curriculum, not just skill development.
New OTs often mistakenly apply a medical model to school-based services.
Learning the IEP process, educational relevance, and least restrictive environment policies will help you better understand how to support your students effectively within an educational model.
2. Don’t Write Overly Clinical Goals
Avoid writing goals that aren’t directly tied to educational performance.
For example, instead of “improve pencil grasp strength,” try: “will write a legible sentence using appropriate pencil grasp during a classroom writing task.”
Ensure goals align with general curriculum expectations and avoid setting specific measurements or goals where the standard is 100% (since no one achieves anything 100% of the time, especially not children).
3. Don’t Try to Fix Everything
It’s tempting to address every concern, but focus on what’s functionally relevant for school participation.
Remember, functional doesn’t mean perfect.
Prioritize needs that impact access and success in the school setting.
4. Build Relationships with Teachers
Teachers are your best allies. Failing to collaborate or communicate regularly can isolate you.
Schedule check-ins, co-treat sessions, or offer strategies teachers can embed during class.
If appropriate, deliver your services in the classroom. This benefits teachers and children alike.
5. Avoid Overbooking Yourself
It’s easy to overestimate how many students you can see in a day, especially across multiple schools.
Be realistic with your caseload and always leave room for documentation, communication, and emergencies.
Most importantly, eat your lunch and avoid taking work home. If you notice that things are piling up, speak with your administrator or supervisor before the situation gets out of control.
6. Make Sure to Begin to Collect Data From Day One
You can’t improve what you don’t measure.
Document your baseline data, session outcomes, and progress regularly.
Use simple tracking sheets, graphs, or rubrics.
7. Set Clear Boundaries
School OTs often feel pressure to “do it all.” It’s okay to say no or to clarify your role. You are not a handwriting teacher or behavior therapist—stay within your scope.
8. Don’t Skip Collaboration with Parents
Involve families early.
Share strategies they can use at home, and ask for input during goal setting.
Parents are a key part of student success.
9. Adapt Your Materials
Adapt your interventions to fit short windows of time, real classroom contexts, and available materials.
10. Invest in Continued Learning
Stay current on best practices.
Follow OT influencers, attend school-based OT webinars, and join groups like AOTA or your state’s OT association.
Conclusion: Being a great school-based OT isn’t about being perfect—it’s about staying curious, connected, and collaborative.
Learn from your mistakes, and always reflect on how your work impacts student access and success.
Want to learn more? Check out my website, SuperKids Occupational Therapy, or purchase my latest ebook, The Beginner’s Guide for School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners.
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