Overton County Schools will expand occupational and physical therapy services for students across the district.
Special Education Supervisor Amanda Masters said the new contract primarily focuses on addressing fine motor and gross motor needs for children. Masters said the agreement also includes provisions for speech therapy should the school system require additional support beyond its current staff.
“We just need them to be in there and see the kids and give the kids the services that they need so they can live, you know, a productive lifestyle,” Masters said. “They’ve already been in the classrooms I think for about three weeks and communication has been great and I just know that our students are, are getting the services that they deserve.”
Masters said approximately 50 students currently receive occupational therapy services within the county. Masters said between 10 and 15 students are expected to utilize the physical therapy portion of the program. The system partners with Elevate Therapy Collective
“We have students who come into the school system, you know, who have fine motor and gross motor needs,” Masters said. “And a lot of times parents aren’t able to take them to those therapies outside of school. So we’re just trying to close, you know, both the educational and the life skill gaps that those kids need while they’re at school.”
Masters said the school system was referred to Elevate Therapy Collective by its existing partner, KidsFirst, due to a high volume of students requiring assistance. Masters said the contract is renewed on an annual basis and currently runs through June 30.
“They work very closely with them so it’s kind of great that we have two locally owned therapy companies who are willing to pitch in and both work together to serve our students,” Masters said.
Masters said the district currently employs one speech therapist and three assistants but maintains the option to use Elevate Therapy Collective staff if a vacancy or need arises. Masters said the owner of the collective, Elizabeth Reeder, is providing therapists who bring more than 10 years of experience in school-based services to the partnership.
“I’m just really excited to work with professionals who want to make a difference with our students,” Masters said.