Occupational therapy practitioners are part of the Child Study Team within a school district. They are included as "related services" within special education. Occupational therapy services are provided on a continuum based on an evaluation and individual needs. Services vary from a consultative model where the therapist communicates with team members on strategies or supports to help the student remain in the classroom to direct services where the student is removed from the classroom to work on specific skills.

In the schools,  occupational therapy practitioners help children to prepare for and perform important learning and school-related activities and to fulfill their role as students. Occupational therapists support academic and non-academic outcomes, including classroom skills, self-help skills and prevocational/vocational skills/participation.