Occupational Therapist’s Job Description

What Your Students Might Want You to Know

• Listen to me.
• Learn from me.
• Let me learn.
• Be trustworthy.
• Always speak kindly.

Help me connect with other students.

• Let me fail sometimes.
• Ask, “What do you need?”
• Support.
• Handle me with care.
• Be belonging. Be safe.
• Be there, but give me space.
• Hear me.
• When I have difficulties, kindly redirect.
• Be gentle.
• Allow us to create together, laugh together, and have fun together.
• Encourage independence.
• If I am loud, be quiet.
• Remember, I am a person first.

Encourage softly.

• If I am sad, wipe my tears.
• Assume competence always.
• When I am happy, step back.
• Be a learner yourself.
• Allow choice.
• Ask, “How can I best help you?”
• Redirect softly.
• Step back.
• Relax.
• Assume friendship is possible.
• Set me up to be successful.
• Watch me thrive.
• Do not control.
• Speak softly.
• Follow my lead.
• Give me space.
• Breathe.

The Occupational Therapist’s Handbook for Inclusive School Practices—By Dr. Julie Causton & Chelsea P. Tracy-Bronson