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Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services

Fairfield Connecticut Occupational Therapist

203-341-0178
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Lets Learn about RTI & IEP!

June 12, 2023 By admin

What is an RTI?

  • RTI stands for Response to Intervention
  • RTI is an approach that schools use to help all students who may be struggling in school the support they need to thrive in school
  • Tier 1 of RTI includes core universal classroom instruction for all students
  • Tier 2 of RTI is targeted intervention for specific groups of students. This can include small group lessons with a few students 2-3 times per week.
  • Tier 3 of RTI includes small group work or it can also mean individual lessons. Most kids who receive tier 3 support still spend time in the general education classroom but also may spend time one-on-one .

What is an IEP?

  • IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan
  • An IEP is a written statement of an educational program designed to meet a child’s individual needs for ages 3-21. An IEP must have set learning goals for your child and the services that the school district will provide to the child
  • The IEP progress first begins by the parents requesting an evaluation for the child to receive testing. Once the child has been evaluated and the testing results come in, the school has to determine if the child is eligible for an IEP. They must ask two questions (does your child have one or more of the 13 conditions that are covered under the special education law IDEA? and does your child need services and accommodations to succeed at school?)
  • The IEP team will decide if your child qualifies for an IEP at an eligibility meeting. This meeting can include the parents, representative of the school district, social worker, general education teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists, and if appropriate the child with a disability
  • If the IEP team finds that your child is eligible for an IEP, an IEP will be created to assist the child in gaining independence in the educational setting
  • An IEP includes:
    • Presents levels of educational performance
    • Evaluation procedure and performance criteria
    • Modifications and accommodations the child needs to participate in regular education class, general education curriculum or extra circular activities
    • Special education and related services required by the child including transportation and vocational education programs
    • Recommended instructional settings and a list of people who will work with your child to implement the IEP
    • The date of services will begin and end, and the frequency of identified services
    • The length of the school day/year
    • Statement of accommodations and modifications needed to facilitate district wide testing
    • Transition services needed

What is an IEE?

  • An IEE is an independent educational evaluation
  • If the parents disagree with the results of the child’s evaluation and results, the parents have a right to a private evaluation. Sometimes schools are required to pay for an IEE. If the parents do not agree with the results of the school’s evaluation, they have a right to ask for an IEE at public expense
  • An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner, such as an occupational therapist, neuropsychologist, or clinical psychologist who is not employed by the school district responsible for the public education of the child
  • The outside testing can include the child’s history, conversation, and observation of the child. It can include intelligence and achievement testing or information processing, memory reasoning, physical skills such as fine and gross motor, handwriting, and speech testing
  • Once the child has been tested, the parents will get a written report including what tests were used, and the results of the tests. The report will include a statement about how these issues affect the child and recommendations for things that can be done to help
  • The results then can be shared with the school and can provide information to help the parents and school find ways to support the child’s learning

 

What is an IFSP? 

  • IFSP stands for Individual Family Services Plan
  • An IFSP includes information regarding the child’s current level of development for children ages birth to 3 with a developmental delay or who require extra help with their physical, cognitive, or social-emotional development
  • The IFSP progress begins when a caregiver or healthcare care provider has concerns about a child’s development
  • A formal evaluation of the child’s skills is conducted to assess their developmental milestones. This evaluation will provide insight to what areas the child needs support as well as areas of strength the child has
  • A plan and goals with outcomes will then be created that reflect the desired changes for the child and family
  • An IFSP can include, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, social workers, or psychological counseling
  • IDEA requires that the children must receive services in a natural environment to the maximum extent possible, usually occurring in the home setting

 

What is a 504 Plan?

  • 504 plans are formal plans that schools develop to give kids with disabilities the support they need. 504 plans are covered under the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to prevent discrimination towards students with disabilities in school
  • 504 offers accommodations including:
    • Changes in the environment (ex: taking tests in a quiet space/different room)
    • Changes to instruction (ex: one-on-one instruction with student about key concepts)
    • Changes to the curriculum and how it is presented (ex: getting typed notes written for the student)
    • To receive a 504 plan, students do not need to get an evaluation like an IEP. The family can request a 504 plan through the 504 coordinator. The school will then have a meeting to decide if the child qualifies for a 504 plan. This can include looking a medical history, diagnosis, grades, and teacher recommendations

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Two cuties ❤️🫶🏼❤️ @kassandrascottt Two cuties ❤️🫶🏼❤️ @kassandrascottt  @building_blocks_stories
🌟 Just a very important day in the life of an O 🌟 Just a very important day in the life of an OT 🌟

Today was full of those magical moments that remind me why I love what I do. 💛

💪 The squeeze machine and steamroller worked their magic — helping kids build body awareness, deep pressure regulation, and that calming input their nervous systems crave.

🎪 The acrobat swing and climbing layers took courage and focus — strengthening core muscles, balance, motor planning, and confidence one brave swing at a time.

And the best part? Seeing the excitement in their eyes when they get it. ✨

📚 My book, What Is OT?, is opening doors for so many conversations with kids, parents, and teachers — helping everyone understand how amazing and powerful Occupational Therapy really is. The stories are spreading, and it’s truly a success.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported this journey — this is only the beginning! 💕

#BuildingBlocksPediatricOT #OccupationalTherapy #WhatIsOT #SensoryIntegration #PediatricOT #OTFun #CoreStrength #MotorPlanning #SensoryProcessing #AcrobatSwing #Steamroller #SqueezeMachine #WestportMoms #FairfieldCountyOT #JellybeanOT #ChildDevelopment #OTBookSeries
 #LINKINBIO
Hi friends, it’s Justine 💕 Most of you know Hi friends, it’s Justine 💕

Most of you know me as a pediatric occupational therapist here in Westport, CT at Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services. For years, families have asked me the same big question: “What is OT, and what will my child do there?”

So, I poured my heart into creating something that would explain it in a way kids could truly connect with.

📚 The What Is OT? Series is a seven-book collection that breaks down the many skills we work on in OT — from fine motor and sensory, to life skills and social-emotional growth. Each story is colorful, fun, and written to help kids see themselves in the characters.

And here’s the part that makes it extra special for me — the main characters are inspired by my own children, nieces, nephews, and even some OT friends who’ve been part of my journey. This series is my little love letter to the kids I work with every day, and to a profession that means the world to me.

✨ My hope is that these books give parents, teachers, and therapists tools to share what OT really is, and how it helps kids learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for cheering me on as I put this dream into the world — I’m so excited to share it with you 💜

Follow along @justinebedocs, @buildingblockspediatricot, and @buildingblocksbookseries for updates as the series comes to life!

#WhatIsOT #PediatricOT #BuildingBlocksOT #OTBookSeries #OTLove #ChildrensBooks #OccupationalTherapy
Vibration plates= nervous system regulation🧘‍ Vibration plates= nervous system regulation🧘‍♂️ At Building Blocks, we incorporate vibration plates thoughtfully into sessions to meet each child’s unique sensory and functional needs; supporting not just movement, but attention, coordination, and emotional regulation. 
#pediatricot #sensoryregulation #fun #occupationaltherapy #westportmoms 

Learn more about this with the link in bio!👏
✨ Did you know we actually have EIGHT senses (no ✨ Did you know we actually have EIGHT senses (not just five)?
These systems are constantly at work—helping kids regulate their bodies, manage emotions, and shine every day. 🌈

As OTs, we harness these senses through play, movement, and fun strategies so kids can thrive at school, home, and in the community. 💪💖

#PediatricOccupationalTherapy #WestportOT #SensoryIntegration #Vision #Hearing #Touch #Taste #Smell #Proprioception #Vestibular #Interoception #ChildDevelopment #OTForKids #FineMotorSkills #GrossMotorSkills #RegulationSkills #BuildingBlocksPediatricOT #KidsOT #SensoryProcessing
Learn more about what occupational therapy is and Learn more about what occupational therapy is and how it can help your child thrive in life✨ Link in bio!
📚 The What Is OT? Series is part of a seven-boo 📚 The What Is OT? Series is part of a seven-book collection designed to explain Occupational Therapy to children in a fun, simple, and relatable way. Through colorful stories and engaging characters, each book shows how OT supports kids in learning, growing, and thriving every day.

This series also advocates for the OT profession — helping parents, teachers, and therapists share the many important skills that Occupational Therapy builds. Perfect for classrooms, therapy sessions, or at home, these books are a meaningful resource for anyone wanting children to understand the power of OT.

✨ The Seven Books in the Series:
	1.	📗 What Is OT? What Will I Do There?
	2.	📘 Fine Motor Superpowers in OT
	3.	📘 Brain & Body Teamwork in OT
	4.	📗 Together We Can: Eyes & Hands in OT
	5.	📙 Confidence & Independence: Life Skills in OT
	6.	📘 Sensory Processing & Integration in OT
	7.	🌈 Social-Emotional & Regulation Skills in OT
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