Many school OTs are now delivering services online. Here are valuable tips from fellow occupational therapists for structuring and implementing virtual sessions to help OTs continue to provide the services their kids need and deserve.

<div>
  Since nationwide, there is uncertainty about whether schools will be in person
  or online, as a
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/employee-spotlight-valerie-e"
    >school OT</a
  >, it&rsquo;s wise to
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/no-cost-continuing-education-courses-for-school-based-ots"
    >prepare in advance</a
  >
  so you can bring your kids the
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/8-skills-you-will-need-to-be-a-ot"
    >best in virtual occupational therapy</a
  >.
</div>

<div>
  Here are valuable tips from fellow occupational therapists for structuring and
  implementing virtual occupational therapy sessions so your students can
  continue to receive the services they need and deserve.
</div>

<h2>During your first virtual occupational therapy session:</h2>

<ul>
  <li>
    Go through a materials checklist with the student and parent or guardian to
    document what materials are available at home (colored pencils, scissors,
    construction paper, play dough, games, etc.). Have your students and parents
    create an OT toolkit with the materials you discussed so they will be
    prepared for each session.
  </li>
  <li>
    Go over general expectations for your virtual occupational therapy sessions
    with the parent or guardian and student. Discuss whether or not you will
    need the parent to stay to support the student during the session, what
    types of activities you will be working on, and the length of the sessions.
  </li>
  <li>
    Explain the components of the virtual platform you will be using during the
    first session. For example, if using Zoom, explain and practice using the
    chatbox, whiteboard, screen sharing, and annotating components.
  </li>
  <li>
    Practice a variety of screen positions with your student. For example, try
    setting up a gross motor task so you can see their full body, then a
    fine-motor task so you can see their hands, and a task that requires you to
    see their writing.
  </li>
</ul>

<h2>For all of your virtual occupational therapy sessions:</h2>

<ul>
  <li>
    Schedule a 5-10 minute buffer between students to allow time for students to
    log into sessions.
  </li>
  <li>Have more activities planned than you think you will need.</li>
  <li>
    Have the contact information for the student and parent or guardian
    available in case you need to contact them during the login process.
  </li>
  <li>
    Have students write in a dark color because it is much easier to see on
    camera. The same goes for the therapist when demonstrating in writing.
  </li>
  <li>
    Make a visual list of activities for the session, and if appropriate, let
    the student put them in preferred order for completion to give them some
    control during the session. Having a consistent routine and structure for
    your virtual occupational therapy sessions will help minimize behaviors and
    make treatment sessions more productive.
  </li>
  <li>
    Figure out what a student might want to work toward during your virtual
    occupational therapy session, such as listening to a favorite song, watching
    a short video, or choosing another activity at the end of the session.
  </li>
  <li>Reach out to the rest of the IEP team for support as needed.</li>
  <li>
    Use these
    <a
      href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/ot-assessment-tools-for-face-to-face-and-virtual-ot"
      >virtual occupational therapy assessment tools</a
    >
    to enhance your sessions.
  </li>
  <li>Most importantly, be patient, focus on small goals, and be creative!</li>
</ul>

<div>
  We hope these strategies are helpful so you and your kids can have successful
  virtual occupational therapy sessions together in the new school year!
</div>

<div>
  <strong
    >Discover current
    <a
      href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search-results?what=ot&amp;where="
      >occupational therapy jobs</a
    >
    with Cross Country Education.</strong
  >
</div>


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Virtual Occupational Therapy – Tips for Successful Online OT Sessions

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