How to Collaborate with Occupational Therapists in Special Education

13 August 2025

When you think of superheroes in the classroom, your mind might immediately go to teachers—the ones tirelessly supporting students every day. But what if I told you there’s another unsung hero working quietly in the background? Enter: the Occupational Therapist (OT). These are the folks helping students unlock the skills needed not just to survive, but to thrive in school. Now, imagine what could happen if teachers and OTs joined forces effectively. Sounds powerful, right?

Let’s dive into the mysterious (and often misunderstood) world of how to collaborate with occupational therapists in special education. It’s simpler than you might think—and the benefits? Oh, they’re worth every second of effort.

The Silent Force of Occupational Therapists in Special Education

Before we get into the how, let’s unpack the who and why. Who are these occupational therapists, and how do they fit into the special education puzzle?

An OT is like a detective, constantly observing and analyzing how a student functions in school. They help kids who struggle with things like handwriting, using scissors, tying shoes, paying attention, staying calm—basically, all the "behind-the-scenes" things that make learning possible.

You might not notice them in the hustle and bustle of school life, but their impact? It’s profound. They’re helping students access education in ways that are tailor-made for their unique needs.

Why Collaboration Matters (A Lot More Than You Think)

Here's the thing: you can’t do it all. As a teacher or special ed professional, you’re already juggling a million things. But when you team up with an OT? Suddenly, you’ve got an extra brain (and hands) working toward the same goal.

Think of it like co-piloting an airplane. You’re navigating the classroom, planning lessons, managing behavior—and the OT is adjusting the controls so the flight is smooth for every student. Together, you create a learning environment that’s both accessible and empowering.

Collaboration isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s essential.

Step 1: Understand Each Other’s Roles

Let’s face it—one of the biggest barriers to collaboration is not knowing what the other person actually does.

Start with a conversation. Ask your OT, “What does your day look like?” You might be surprised. They’re not just doing fine motor activities or helping kids hold pencils better. They’re digging deep into sensory processing, executive functioning, even social-emotional learning.

In return, share your goals. What’s your classroom setup? What are your biggest challenges with students who have special needs?

This mutual understanding is the foundation of real teamwork.

Step 2: Set Shared Goals

Once you’re on the same page, it’s time to set some goals together. Start simple: pick one student. Talk about what you both see as challenges and strengths.

For instance, maybe a student has trouble staying seated and focused during math. You might be thinking about classroom management strategies, while the OT is thinking about a sensory seating option or movement breaks.

By combining your perspectives, you can come up with a rock-solid plan that’s way more effective than if you tried to tackle the issue separately.

Pro-tip? Put it in writing—agree on what each of you will do and how you’ll measure success.

Step 3: Communicate Like Clockwork

Communication can make or break a collaboration. And no, I’m not talking about endless email threads or cryptic sticky notes.

You need ongoing, consistent, and clear check-ins. This doesn’t have to be formal. A weekly five-minute chat can do wonders. Ask:

- How’s the student responding?
- Is something not working?
- Any adjustments needed?

Keep it conversational, quick, and focused. Use tools like shared planning documents, Google Drive folders, or even walkie-talkie apps to stay in touch.

The key is staying in the loop, so no one feels like they’re working in isolation.

Step 4: Co-Create Classroom Strategies

Here’s where the magic happens. Use the OT’s expertise to enhance your daily routines.

Let’s say your students struggle during transitions. The OT might suggest:
- Visual schedules
- Calming sensory paths
- Transition songs or timers

Or maybe there’s a student who melts down during writing tasks. Together, you might test out:
- Pencil grips
- Slant boards
- Voice-to-text tech
- Shortened assignments

You don’t need to be an expert in OT to implement these strategies. That’s the beauty of it. You’re learning by doing, and the OT is right there to guide and support you.

Step 5: Invite the OT Into the Classroom

Now here’s something not everyone does—but should. Don’t just meet with the OT in the hallway or at IEP meetings. Invite them into your actual classroom during core instruction time.

Why?

Because context matters. When OTs see students in their learning environment, they can offer way more tailored suggestions. Plus, students see a united front. They’ll notice the grown-ups in their lives working together, which builds trust and stability.

Give the OT a chance to observe, interact, and even co-teach. That’s how collaboration goes from theory to practice.

Step 6: Involve Families in the Process

Collaboration isn’t just about adults at school—it’s about creating a support network around the child, and that includes families.

Loop parents or guardians into the conversation. Share what you and the OT are working on. Invite their insights, because they know their child in ways you never will.

A simple note home, a quick phone call, or a shared folder of strategies they're using at home can create continuity and reinforce progress.

When families see that teachers and therapists are working hand-in-hand, their confidence in the school—and their child’s success—soars.

Step 7: Reflect, Adjust, Repeat

No plan is perfect—especially when it comes to special education. What works one month might flop the next. That’s okay.

The trick is: don’t treat your collaboration as one-and-done. Regularly reflect with your OT partner. What’s going well? What’s changed? What needs to shift?

Make it a habit. Set bi-monthly or quarterly check-ins. Bring data, observations, and student feedback to the table.

This cycle of “reflect, adjust, repeat” ensures your efforts stay dynamic and student-centered.

Common Myths (Let’s Bust a Few Real Quick)

Before we wrap up, let’s debunk some myths that might be floating around:

“The OT Only Works on Fine Motor Skills.”

Nope. They also address sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional needs.

“Only Students with IEPs Can Get OT Support.”

Not always. Some schools allow for RTI- or MTSS-based OT involvement.

“I Don’t Have Time to Collaborate.”

Fair...but hear me out: effective collaboration saves time long-term. You solve problems faster and prevent issues before they spiral.

The Real Impact? Students Thrive.

At the end of the day, this isn't about checking boxes or meeting mandates. It's about impact. When educators and occupational therapists collaborate, the outcomes shift from good to great.

- Students feel seen and supported.
- Classrooms become more inclusive.
- Learning becomes possible—even joyful—for every student.

So, are you ready to turn your "me" into a "we"? Because collaboration is the secret ingredient missing in a lot of special education success stories. And you’ve got the power to change that.

Final Thoughts

Collaborating with an occupational therapist might seem like just another task on an already overflowing plate. But here’s the truth: it’s one of the smartest, most rewarding moves you can make as an educator.

It takes a bit of effort upfront, sure. But the return? Better strategies, less stress, more breakthroughs, and a stronger support system for your students.

So don’t wait for the next IEP meeting to get started. Go knock on your OT’s door, send that email, or schedule that coffee chat. Because the sooner you collaborate, the sooner your students win.