SERVICES
School-based and Preschool Physical and Occupational Therapy
Associated Physical & Occupational Therapists provides PT and OT services in school districts, charter schools, and center-based programs across Western New York. We work alongside district and agency employees, functioning together as an interdisciplinary team, to provide services to students as per the Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans. Services include individual, group, and co-treatment sessions which are tailored to each student’s needs and focus to help them fully access and participate in their academic curriculums.
For preschool services, APOT contracts with both Erie and Niagara County to provide physical and occupational therapy to students age 3-5 under the Committee of Preschool Special Education (CPSE). Our therapists provide services to children in local pre-schools, daycares, and homes to address delays in gross and fine motor development, sensory processing, and visual motor/perceptual skills.
Our therapists are experienced in developing IEPs, establishing school-based goals, and providing service level recommendations to help each student obtain maximal function within the school setting.
We strive to help students reach their goals to promote education in the least restrictive environment. We are knowledgeable in Medicaid and NYSED requirements, have developed successful response to intervention programming, and build strong, long-lasting partnerships with districts and agencies.
Outpatient Services and Evaluations
Outpatient OT and PT services enhance a child’s motor skills, executive functioning (problem solving), sensory regulation, emotional regulation, social skills, and motor planning necessary for success in school, play, and self-care. Our specialized pediatric occupational & physical therapists can complete assessments and treatment sessions in your home, or virtually via teletherapy.
Benefits of outpatient OT and PT services:
child-centered services target areas of need that may not be supported within the school setting
can provide supplemental therapeutic services for students who may already be receiving in-school OT or PT
1:1 caregiver education and communication directly with your therapist
take-home resources cultivated especially with your child’s needs in mind
Caregiver communication is key in helping our therapists understand your child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. We value caregiver input and aim to provide ongoing support, education, and resources to carry over the benefits of OT and PT into other settings.
APOT conducts comprehensive outpatient evaluations for OT and PT for ages 3 and up.
Standardized testing and clinical observation are used to identify need areas and establish measurable goals, recommend services, and provide insight into how to best support children’s needs in a variety of settings.
Evaluations target:
Fine and gross motor skills
Sensory processing abilities
Balance
Coordination
Strength
Visual motor integration
Visual perceptual skills
Manual dexterity
Reflex Integration
Summer Programming
We at APOT are constantly working to support children and families both in and out of school. APOT’s summer day camp and summer bridge programs help to build and maintain skills over school break… all while having a LOT of fun and meeting new friends! Our programs change annually to cater to a variety of ages and need levels.
All of APOT’s summer programs are designed and led by OTs and PTs to introduce & reinforce campers’ skills through fun, creative activities in such areas as:
mindfulness, self-regulation
fitness, wellness
sports, bike riding
handwriting, crafts
fine motor skills
kinesthetic learning
sensory exploration
executive functioning, problem-solving
social skills, cooperation
Our summer programs are designed with kids in mind; topics and themes reflect child and caregiver requests and are constantly evolving to continue to provide meaningful, purposeful, and FUN activities for our campers & their families.
Kindergarten Readiness & Parent Education Groups
Preschool & daycares are wonderful options to support children in preparation for kindergarten. APOT strives to prepare PARENTS for that transition as well!
Small group services targeted for children ages 3-5 reinforce pre-academic & social skills that are needed to prepare for success in kindergarten. Our groups support children through guided play and developmentally appropriate fine and gross motor activities while incorporating letters, numbers, and pre-academic skills like cutting and coloring.
We also work to incorporate parent education into our programs to ensure that the whole family is prepared! Some topics include:
self regulation, behavioral support
social skills, cooperation
picky eating
bedtime routines
toilet training
health, wellness
developmental milestones
sensory processing
We are happy to cover more specific topics to address caregiver requests.
Clinical Instruction
APOT greatly values our relationships with dozens of colleges and universities from across the country. We provide clinical internships for OT and PT students with our experienced pediatric therapists in school-based, clinic, and community-based settings. Students placed with APOT receive hands-on experience working with children as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team. We encourage both active and prospective OT and PT students to partner with APOT for an inclusive, unforgettable learning experience.