Occupational/Physical Therapy Support Program

What are kindergarten motor screenings? Kindergarten motor screenings were developed by the AIU OT/PT department to address district needs regarding increasing numbers of students demonstrating delayed motor skills as they enter kindergarten. The AIU Occupational and Physical Therapists perform specifically-developed screenings in skill areas needed for success in the classroom. This program is designed to assist districts in developing and planning for the needs of incoming kindergarten students.

How does it work? There are several steps taken, including:

• Teacher uses the “Indicators for motor screening checklist” to identify students with potential delays who may require further screening.
• Therapist screens these students individually (10-15 minutes) to identify areas of need: fine-motor, self-help, sensory, gross motor using a specifically designed, school-based screening tool.
• Therapist prepares a list of students identified as having needs in one or more of the above listed areas.
• Regular education students who are identified through this process can be included in motor group programming when school begins or supported through the formal OT/PT screening process, to provide the teacher with student specific strategies to support the child in the classroom.
• Students identified for special education services can be referred for further OT/PT screening or evaluation.

What are the benefits? There are numerous positives form this screening, including:

• Early identification and support that often reduces the need for services long term.
• Provides teacher support and education for students struggling with fine-motor, self-help, sensory, and gross motor deficits.
• Reduction in district costs by provision of brief screenings versus multiple full evaluations.

Is there an additional cost for this service? No, the cost is the same as AIU standard hourly rates.

What are fine-motor groups? The fine-motor group program was developed by the AIU OT/PT department to address district needs regarding increasing numbers of students demonstrating poor fine-motor skills in kindergarten. OT staff work weekly with groups of students, within the classroom setting, who are identified as having difficulty with fine-motor tasks such as pencil grasp, printing, and scissor skills.

How can the AIU help? Our therapist models and shares strategies and adaptations with the teacher for carry over throughout the week. School districts implementing these groups have noted a reduction in the need for OT referrals and teachers have learned strategies to benefit all students.

How does the program work? OT staff work with groups of students within the classroom setting who are identified as having difficulty with fine-motor tasks. These sessions typically run 30 minutes per week ranging from six weeks to year-round, depending on student need. The students do not need to be identified as special education. Your teacher is provided with a Fine-Motor Fun Kit of supplies such as pencil grips and sensory fidgets to trial with students.

Does the therapist interact with the classroom teacher? Yes, our OT collaborates with the teacher throughout the activity and also shares strategies and adaptations that can be used throughout the week. The therapist also is available to answer questions throughout the week, if needed.

What are the benefits of utilizing this service? Fine-motor groups can reduce OT referrals, provide teacher education for strategies to implement across the school day and benefit all students, including regular and special education. Through this program, the therapist can effectively support multiple students and identify students who may require more support within the traditional classroom setting.

Is there an additional cost for this service? No, the cost is the same as AIU standard hourly rates.

For more information, please contact Supervisor Marry Grassi at mary.grassi@aiu3.net or 412-394-5479.