Speech, Language & OT Services at WWS

Speech-language and occupational therapy services at WWS are available for students who meet documented eligibility requirements. An evaluation must confirm that such interventions are necessary for a student to fully access the curriculum. Not all students enrolled at WWS receive these services.

Speech-Language Therapy

Speech-language therapy at Windham Woods School is provided to students with a diagnosed communication disability, such as articulation, expressive/receptive language, social/pragmatic language, or fluency, who require therapeutic intervention to fully access our curriculum.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help children participate in their daily “occupations:” learning, schoolwork, and play. At WWS, OT supports students who have documented challenges in fine motor skills, sensory processing, visual motor and perceptual skills, self-care and daily living skills, social skills, or executive functioning, when these difficulties impact their ability to succeed in our school environment.

How Services Are Delivered

Given small class sizes and an emphasis on inclusive learning, WWS utilizes a push-in model where SLP and/or OT services can be embedded within the curriculum and interventions are aligned with academic expectations. Students regularly receive small-group and individual instruction from an SLP and/or OT within the classroom setting. Due to the low teacher-to-student ratio and the language-based learning approach at WWS, students are accommodated on an ongoing basis. This model allows students to work on goals, which include previewing and reviewing curricular vocabulary and concepts to meet grade-level benchmarks. Students have increased social/practical communication, writing and typing, and executive functioning opportunities within project-based learning activities guided by teachers and therapists. Those who transfer to WWS from public schools are supported by a service delivery model on a case-by-case basis. Decisions are made to meet student needs within the curriculum to motivate and reinforce student learning and maximize progress overall.

Evaluation Requirement

To determine whether therapy support is needed at WWS, families must provide speech-language and/or occupational therapy evaluation reports completed within the past three years by either the student’s home school district or an outside agency. 

Additional Support Options

Families seeking further therapeutic services beyond what WWS provides are encouraged to explore outside providers.