You're On the Right Path: SBP Daily Steps to MTSS & TIC

Learner Outcomes:

1. Summarize the historical and current school based OT practice trends, patterns and opportunities.
2. Articulate ways to integrate mental wellness interventions based on MTSS & TIC approaches  that may enable attendees to implement presented strategies into their practice upon the start of the next school week.

Abstract:
School-based practitioners’ response to the contemporary problems within the schools may not encompass the fullest extent supported by our scope of practice. When applying a perspective stemming from a public health model and occupational science theories, an overview of school-based practice (SBP) history and legislation supporting the multi-tier system of supports (MTSS) as well as trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches, SBP may recognize opportunities for engagement in mental wellness interventions. Discussions will address the neurodiversity paradigm, definitions and perspectives aimed at congruent understanding and application by occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs). Our overarching objective is to facilitate common knowledge of theories, frames of reference, and terminology that supports EBP to the fullest scope of practice for occupation-based practitioners in school settings. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend as this is intended as a collaborative process for validating and constructing takeaway strategies for those in school-based settings. As an interactive session, facilitating team exchanges and building upon evidence-based practices (EBP) within the historical and current scope of practice for all school-based practitioners will be promoted. Building upon reflection of one’s individual practice, these activities will honor the individual’s knowledge, capacity, and aspirations to move that service provision to more impactful levels.

Biography:

Mary Schmitz- As a mentee for advocacy and school-based mental health through the CommunOT Mental Health SIS Mentorship Program, and an ArizOTA representative for the Mental Health Interstate Consortium, as well as founder of the ArizOTA school-based pediatric SIS sub-group, Mary demonstrates that she’s a champion for the profession. 

Susan Skees Hermes- Susan has 40 years of experience working with all ages and populations in a variety of traditional and community-based contexts in multiple states.   Her current research interests include pediatric advocacy, IPC, JEDI, OT’s role in disaster and emergency planning, telehealth practices, and professional association leadership development.

References to support evidence-based practice

Ball, M. A.  Revitalizing the OT role in school-based practice:  Promoting success for all students. (2018). Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention,  11(3), 263-272. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2018.1445059

Chen, Y.-L., & Patten, K. (2021). The Issue Is—Shifting focus from impairments to inclusion: Expanding occupational therapy for neurodivergent students to address school environments. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75, 7503347010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.040618

Davies, J. (Host). (2024, May 20). Are OT practitioners mental health providers? Episode 150. [Audio podcast episode]. In The OT Schoolhouse. Schoolhouse Education, LLC. https://www.otschoolhouse.com/single-post/ots-150

Grajo, L. C., Candler, C., & Sarafian, A. (2020). Interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to improve children’s academic participation: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74, 7402180030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.039016

Hintz, L. A., Maas, C., Bliss, R., & Pizarro, E. (2024). School-based occupational therapy and multitiered systems of support in the United States: A scoping review. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2024.2315577

Kornblau, B. L., & Robertson, S. M.. (2021). Guest Editorial—Special issue on occupational therapy with neurodivergent people. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75, 7503170010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.753001

Lynch, et al. (2020). A Public Health Model as a Foundation for TraumaInformed Care for Occupational Therapists in School Settings. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2020.173226