Every day, students with special needs rely on therapeutic services to succeed in school. But there’s a dangerous misconception spreading through education circles – the idea that anyone can provide these specialized services. This misunderstanding puts students at risk and exposes schools to serious legal and financial consequences.
The Law Is Clear
Missouri law leaves no room for interpretation. According to state statute 324.050-324.089 and DESE guidelines, only licensed professionals can provide occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy services specified in IEPs. The reasoning is simple: these interventions require specialized knowledge, clinical judgment, and professional expertise that comes only through rigorous training and licensure.
Think of it this way: would you want someone who watched a few YouTube videos performing physical therapy on your child after a serious injury? Of course not. The same principle applies in our schools.
When Good Intentions go Wrong
Consider what happened in one Missouri district when a well-meaning teacher decided to use therapeutic equipment without consulting the occupational therapist. The teacher repeatedly placed weighted vests on students without proper assessment or monitoring. The result? Students became overstimulated and physically ill. Parents threatened formal complaints, trust was shattered, and relationships between staff members were damaged.
This isn’t just about following rules – it’s about student safety and well-being.
The Hidden Costs of Cutting Corners
Schools trying to save money by using non-licensed staff for therapy services often end up paying much more in the long run:
- Compensatory Services: When services aren’t provided properly, schools must pay for make-up services at a 1:1 ratio minimum
- Legal Expenses: Due process hearings can cost $15,000-$50,000 in legal fees alone
- Extended Service Duration: Improper intervention often leads to longer therapy needs, doubling or tripling the original cost
- Trust Reconstruction: Rebuilding damaged relationships with families requires significant time and resources
The Right Way to Support Students
This doesn’t mean that teachers and paraprofessionals can’t support student progress. In fact, they play a crucial role. But this support must be:
- Properly designed by licensed professionals
- Explicitly trained and monitored
- Documented and supervised
- Limited to appropriate activities selected by the therapist
A Clear Path Forward
For school administrators and educators, the path to compliance and student success is straightforward:
- Ensure all IEP-mandated therapy services are provided only by licensed professionals
- Establish clear protocols for the use of therapeutic equipment and strategies
- Create formal training and supervision structures for support staff
- Maintain proper documentation of all services and supervision
- Foster collaboration between therapists and other staff members
The Stakes Are High
When we fail to follow these guidelines, we don’t just risk legal consequences – we risk student progress. Improper interventions can:
- Reinforce harmful compensatory strategies
- Miss critical warning signs
- Create long-term physical problems
- Delay proper intervention
- Teach incorrect movement patterns
Making the Right Choice
The choice between licensed professionals and non-licensed staff isn’t really a choice at all. It’s a legal requirement, a moral obligation, and ultimately, the most cost-effective approach to serving our students.
When therapy services are provided by licensed professionals:
- Students receive evidence-based interventions
- Progress is properly monitored and documented
- Red flags are caught early
- Legal requirements are met
- Trust is maintained with families
Conclusion
The path to student success in special education therapy services isn’t found in shortcuts. It’s found in respecting professional expertise, following legal requirements, and maintaining high standards of care. Our students deserve nothing less than qualified professionals providing the services they need to succeed.
Remember: While support from teachers and paraprofessionals is valuable, it must never replace the specialized services that only licensed professionals can provide. The cost of getting this wrong – in student outcomes, legal exposure, and financial consequences – is simply too high.
