Helping Families Understand the
Educational vs. Outpatient Therapy Models
Austill’s educational therapy addresses access to special education and school environments for children ages 3 - 21 years old. Our therapy services promote and support independence and participation in a student’s educational setting. These therapy services are provided at no cost to the student or family as part of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
For 3 year olds to age of beginners (age of entrance into first grade), families can contact their local Intermediate Unit (IU), school district or statewide number at 1-800-692-7288. Therapy eligibility for preschoolers is determined by a 25% delay or 1.5 standard deviation below the mean in one or more developmental areas OR any of the physical or mental disabilities identified by the state; AND students in need of special education and services. For preschool age students, services are provided in educational centers, classrooms, home and preschool.
For 3 year olds to age of beginners (age of entrance into first grade), families can contact their local Intermediate Unit (IU), school district or statewide number at 1-800-692-7288. Therapy eligibility for preschoolers is determined by a 25% delay or 1.5 standard deviation below the mean in one or more developmental areas OR any of the physical or mental disabilities identified by the state; AND students in need of special education and services. For preschool age students, services are provided in educational centers, classrooms, home and preschool.
For school-aged children, families can contact their child’s guidance counselor or their school district’s special education department. A school age student is eligible for special education services if they meet the eligibility criteria for physical and mental disabilities determined by the state AND needs special education. The evaluation takes into consideration the needs that are associated with special education programming and access to the student’s educational environment. The IUs and school districts have up to 60 days to complete the report and initiate services. For school age students, services are provided in a variety of settings such as schools, classrooms, lunchrooms, on the playground, etc.
Receiving Outpatient Therapy
Our partner, Theraplay, provides outpatient therapeutic services for children to address developmental and/or medical conditions in order to gain/restore function. As part of the process, families and caregivers are educated on how to assist their child/adolescent in achieving their individual developmental and functional goals.
Referral is initiated by a parent or physician based on observed delay or diagnosis; the child needs to display a need for therapy services. Often families can obtain an evaluation within a week of their initial call to Theraplay. The evaluation process includes clinical testing and observation by licensed occupational or physical therapists, or speech/language pathologists, information gained from the child/adolescent and their family, and outside reports. All the settings and activities a child or adolescent participates in are also taken into account. The medical team determines location, focus, frequency and duration of therapy.
Referral is initiated by a parent or physician based on observed delay or diagnosis; the child needs to display a need for therapy services. Often families can obtain an evaluation within a week of their initial call to Theraplay. The evaluation process includes clinical testing and observation by licensed occupational or physical therapists, or speech/language pathologists, information gained from the child/adolescent and their family, and outside reports. All the settings and activities a child or adolescent participates in are also taken into account. The medical team determines location, focus, frequency and duration of therapy.
Insurance coverage, doctor’s orders and transportation may be determining factors in receiving medical based therapy services. Fees vary based on the needs of the child and insurance benefits. Private pay options are available if insurance does not cover therapy. Therapy services are provided in an outpatient center. Outpatient therapy services can occur in conjunction with Early Intervention or educationally based services while collaborating to best meet the individual needs of the child/adolescent and family.
Testimonials
“Ashley is on-top of all student sessions, and always is sure to make-up missed sessions. She is very communicative with me & with my students' parents. Ashley puts each students' needs first, and has positive rapport with all students and staff.”
– Montgomery County Staff