Occupational Therapist Contractor - 23/24 School Year - Parker, CO

Leman Academy of Excellence is an independently operated, tuition-free public classical charter school with open-admission policies. Many of the foundational principles for the educational philosophy of Leman Academy of Excellence have been formed and established by Dr. Kevin Leman, the founder of the school, who has often dreamed of launching a school and learning environment for young people that willingly engages and embraces parents in the educational process, highlighting the parent-teacher-scholar relationship to bring out the best in each and every child. The primary goal of Leman Academy is to prepare our scholars to become contributing members of society, future leaders, and powerful difference-makers in our world. How does this happen? Well… it starts with relationships, and our school is all about relationships.

The school’s three core values will drive the success of Leman Academy of Excellence, and fostering relationships is at the core of two of them. We view parent engagement at Leman Academy a critical piece to the success of our school. Research demonstrates that scholar learning and achievement is greater the more active a role the parent plays in the school. We will partner with our families knowing the significant role parents play for a child to reach their full potential in life.

Additionally, we will treat every young person worthy of our utmost attention and respect, and worthy of receiving a rich, generous, connected curriculum that respects each as a learner. Our teachers will greet their scholars at the door as they enter the classroom, letting the young people know on a daily basis that they are valued and cared for by their teacher. This goes back to relationships and creating a positive school culture, which ultimately promotes greater academic learning for all of our scholars.

Finally, by offering a rigorous classical educational program that significantly impacts scholar learning, we are providing our teachers with a clearly defined and incredibly effective pathway to academic excellence.

OUR MISSION:

Leman Academy of Excellence offers a rigorous, classical education based on the traditions of Western culture where all disciplines are interrelated allowing scholars the ability to think independently and critically. We purpose to partner with supportive parents, pursue excellence, provide a safe and challenging environment, and instill morals and values in order to produce tomorrow’s leaders today. Additional information can be found at lemanacademy.com.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Fulfills the duties of a licensed occupational therapist on an itinerant basis. Works side by side classroom teachers to provide services to campus and community sites. Promotes scholar success, encourages natural supports and provides technical assistance to scholars with disabilities. Establishes and maintains an atmosphere of mutual respect, self-worth, self-discipline, confidence, cooperation, consideration and responsibility.

Reports to: Executive Director of Exceptional Scholar Services and Site Principal

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Curriculum and Instruction:

• Provides occupational access to educational activities; movement requirements for daily living and self care; prevocational occupational requirements; access to school recreation activities and equipment; occupational management components related to psycho-social development, functional communication and transportation to and from school
• Writes assessment reports of scholars
• Participates in meetings to interpret the findings of assessment reports and to make recommendations to school personnel, parents and when appropriate, to agencies and specialists
• Assists with the development of scholar IEP's
• Provides educational occupational therapy services to qualified scholars
• Participates in the special education process as appropriate, and maintains services and records in compliance with district/state procedures and federal statutes and regulations
• Consults with classroom teachers and others involved with children in relation to program planning, adapting the physical environment or modifying curricular procedures for specific problems
• Adapts equipment used in the classroom to meet individual needs for scholar academic pursuits.
• Advises staff on safety, lifting, positioning and handling techniques to address the occupational needs of scholars
• Evaluates/advises for mobility needs for transfers, wheelchair, mobility, gait, etc., for scholars
• Provides relevant in-service training and on-going activities for scholars, parents and teachers to increase their understanding and ability to meet the needs of the child in the educational environment
• Communicates with other professionals working with children in order to coordinate each child's program on an on-going basis
• Provides training and consultation to instructional aides, teaching assistants, or other individuals in order to provide generalization of skills within the educational environment
• Assists in determining the need for and receipt of supervision/consultation from other staff or outside agencies
• Communicates with community agencies, physicians and others, as needed, to coordinate appropriate services for the child
• Promotes and supports district-wide educational advancement in 21st Century Skills.
• Integrates knowledge and skills that are relevant to the 21st Century Professional Development
• Maintains awareness of current developments in the area of occupational therapy, as they relate to special education. Participates in activities such as conferences, in-service programs, professional organizations and university coursework

Non-instructional Functions:

• Is accountable to the Executive Director of Scholar Services for knowledge of and compliance with appropriate laws, District policies and procedures, and verbal and written directives
• Advises the Executive Director of Scholar Services and the Principal or designee, of potential problems, and cooperates in problem-solving
• Selects, requisitions and maintains equipment and instructional materials in accordance with established policies and procedures of the District
• Is familiar with procedures used in reporting scholar accidents

Qualifications/Minimum Requirements:

REQUIRED:

• Valid Colorado license of Occupational Therapy

• Thorough working knowledge of the integration of occupational therapy in a school environment

• Thorough working knowledge of a variety of treatment techniques appropriate for use in an educational environment

• Knowledge of major theories, treatment procedures and research relevant to providing occupational therapy services to school-aged scholars with disabilities

DESIRED:

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
• Background in the Special Education process and familiarity with I.D.E.A. legislation
• Two years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist