The recent transition to online delivery of school OT services put a hold on comprehensive assessments. But as we all know, these assessments are essential support services that cannot wait.

<p>
  Completing<strong>comprehensive assessments</strong>is a significant part of
  your role as a<strong>school-based occupational therapist</strong>. As we
  learned over the last year and a half, assessments are part of the essential
  support services students are entitled to receive and they cannot wait, even
  during a pandemic.
</p>

<p>
  We also learned that high-quality school-based OT assessments can take place,
  even during unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, we&rsquo;d like to spotlight
  an assessment tool called Schoodles that can be used during a virtual
  school-based OT assessment.
</p>

<h2>A Fine Motor Skills Assessment Tool for School OTs</h2>

<p>
  <a href="https://schoodles.com/">Schoodles</a> is a criterion-referenced,
  performance-based assessment tool that evaluates students&rsquo;
  <strong>fine motor skills</strong>. This assessment was developed by
  occupational therapists Monica Fortunato and Marie Frank. Monica has been a
  valued member of the OT team at Cross Country Education for 7 years! Schoodles
  has been used by occupational therapists around the world for 15 years in
  school and clinic-based settings, including by our Cross Country Education OT
  team. Schoodles can be used for children 3 years and older and takes about
  30-45 minutes to complete.
</p>

<h2>Schoodles for Virtual OT Assessments</h2>

<p>
  Schoodles has recently added <strong>new tools</strong> to the website to
  assist you with completing <strong>virtual assessments</strong>. These updates
  include instructional videos on how to demonstrate assessment tasks, such as
  in-hand manipulation, for students. Schoodles also added online fillable forms
  including a teacher interview, clinical observations and an age chart.
  Additionally, you&rsquo;ll find an online puzzle, tips for working with
  E-helpers, and downloadable forms that can be easily emailed or printed.
</p>

<h2>Schoodles for Face-to-Face OT Assessments</h2>

<p>
  Schoodles is great for completing in-person assessments as well. The workbook
  pages are ideal for assessing cutting and coloring and for collecting
  handwriting samples. The assessments can be completed with minimal materials
  such as pencil, scissors, crayons, pennies, and a deck of cards.
</p>

<p>
  Be sure to visit and bookmark Schoodles.com. And don&rsquo;t forget to include
  this incredibly useful tool as you and your OT teammates develop a plan to
  complete thorough school-based OT assessments virtually.
</p>

<h2>Evolving School OT Services</h2>

<p>
  Because of recent developments, the way we deliver school occupational therapy
  services is changing, and it&rsquo;s critical that we all rethink our
  approach. Use the summertime to develop a virtual OT plan, strengthen your
  online skills, engage in
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/no-cost-continuing-education-courses-for-school-based-ots"
    >occupational therapy continuing education</a
  >
  opportunities, and while you&rsquo;re at it, consider
  <a
    href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/top-reasons-to-travel-as-sbt"
    >traveling as a school-based OT</a
  >
  to bring your specialized services to kids who need you most!
</p>


Occupational Therapy Assessment Tools for Face-to-Face and Virtual OT