Therapies

Therapies/Related Services

Related services refer to therapies/supports/services that are required to ensure the child is able to participate in and benefit from their special education program. The School at McGuire Memorial offers a full range of therapy services including:

Nursing Support

A full-time Certified School Nurse is responsible for maintaining individual student health records, conducting mandated screenings, distributing daily medications, monitoring complex medical conditions, providing medical intervention, overseeing the implementation of health protocols, and responding to medical emergencies. A part-time treatment nurse assists the Certified School Nurse and ensures that tube feedings, catherizations, breathing treatments, diabetes management, seizure management, medication distribution and other medical interventions are delivered as prescribed.

The nurses employed by The School are responsible for the majority of medical interventions that occur during the school day. Conditions which generally require the presence of an individual nurse include tracheostomies, ventilators and diagnoses that result in daily life-threatening episodes. To initiate individual nursing services, parents will complete a request form and any supporting documentation. Such requests will be considered on a case by case basis, but it should be noted that individual nursing services are not needed or approved unless the condition results in daily life-threatening episodes. Individual nursing services are the financial responsibility of the sending school district. Approved individual nursing services must be documented in the IEP.  

Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for evaluating students for occupational therapy services and for planning and implementing those services.  He/she conducts both formal and informal assessments, writes present levels, develops goals and objectives, attends all IEP meetings, documents progress, and keeps regular notes. The Occupational Therapist provides on-going and daily supervision to the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) according to state and national standards. He/she determines suggested service levels, ensures appropriate paperwork (prescriptions, protocols, etc.) is in place prior to initial treatment, collaborates with medical personnel and/or school staff, oversees and monitors orthotic use, makes recommendations to parents and in services staff, and provides direct treatment to students. The Occupational Therapist may be required to provide input or therapy for sensory issues, fine motor issues, feeding issues, handwriting skills, dressing skills, self-help skills, hand function, visual perception issues, etc. OT services are implemented in a variety of settings including the classroom, therapy room, cafeteria, and community.

Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapist is responsible for evaluating, planning, and administering physical therapy treatment and interventions to students. He/she conducts both formal and informal assessments, writes present levels, develops goals and objectives, attends all IEP meetings, documents progress and keeps regular notes. The Physical Therapist provides on-going and daily supervision to the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) according to state and national standards. He/she determines suggested service levels, ensures appropriate paperwork (prescriptions, protocols, etc.) are in place prior to initial treatment, collaborates with medical personnel and/or school staff, oversees and monitors orthotic use and positioning equipment, makes recommendations to parents, in services staff and provides direct treatment to students. The Physical Therapist collaborates with parents and outside agencies to schedule repair, measurement, and/or acquisition of wheelchairs, standers, walkers, orthotics, etc. PT services are implemented in a variety of environments including the physical therapy room, gym, hallways, playground, and community.

Positive Behavioral Support

A full-time board-certified behavioral analyst serves as the Director of Behavior Services. He/she uses research and evidence-based practices to guide the development and implementation of a comprehensive positive behavior supports program. He/she is responsible for developing and implementing a behavior intervention program rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis, individualized to the needs of students and implemented by well-trained staff. He/she ensures that treatment and intervention options utilized within the school are behaviorally sound, restraint free, and conforming to best practices, state regulations and school policies. The Director of Behavior Services works with behavior technicians to develop, implement, and maintain positive behavior support plans which are based on appropriate analysis of objective data. Behavior Technicians are the primary agents of change for behavioral deficits in children enrolled in The School at McGuire Memorial. Under the supervision of the Director of Behavior Services, they implement positive behavior support plans which are based on appropriate analysis of objective data. They are responsible for detailed data collection, thorough observations, accurate documentation and adherence to evidence-based procedures and regulatory compliance guidelines as well as documenting present behavior levels and progress monitoring using IEP Writer. Behavior Technicians provide direct student support and work collaboratively with Special Education teachers to implement positive behavior support plans in the school environment.  

Speech Therapy

The Speech and Language Pathologist is responsible for the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of students with a wide range of language and/or communication disorders. After completing appropriate formal and informal assessments, the Speech and Language Pathologist is expected to write IEP goals and objectives, present such goals during the IEP meeting, collaborate with school staff, provide training to staff, and provide direct treatment to students. The function of the Speech and Language Pathologist is to assist students in developing functional communication systems and skills. The Speech and Language Pathologist works within the framework of the school system and collaborates with behavior analysts, occupational therapists, special education teachers and physical therapists to develop systems that meet the physical, educational, developmental, and behavioral needs of the student.

Additional Related Services provided through School Districts/Intermediate Units

Hearing and vision services are available to qualifying students identified through the IEP process. These are provided through local school districts or intermediate units. 

Transportation services to/from school are provided by the sending school district. The need for door-to-door transportation is documented in the IEP as is the need for safety devices while being transported. School staff are responsible for students up to the doors of the bus/van. Bus staff are responsible for assisting students into the vehicle, securing harnesses, etc. While behavioral episodes during transportation are out of the realm of our supervision, the School Behavior Department will work collaboratively with districts to problem-solve behavior challenges on busses. Problem solving strategies may include bus staff training, seating suggestions, reinforcement options and suggestions for safety devices.