Writing present levels of performance (PLPs) is a large part of your role as a school-based occupational therapist. Use these tips to set up a template to streamline your PLP-writing processes.

<div>
  <div>
    Writing present levels of performance (PLPs) is a large part of your role as
    a school-based occupational therapist. However, finding the time to write
    PLPs can be challenging, especially amid all of your other responsibilities
    as a school OT. Here is some guidance from our team of school OTs to help
    you write effective PLPs. Use these tips to set up a template to streamline
    your PLP-writing processes.
  </div>

  <h2>Present Levels of Performance for Occupational Therapy</h2>

  <div>
    Present levels of performance provide a narrative that establishes a
    baseline for a student&rsquo;s abilities. The present level of performance
    for OT should provide a clear and concise picture of the student&rsquo;s
    ability to access and benefit from their educational program as related
    specifically to occupational therapy performance areas. This objective and
    measurable data regarding the students&rsquo; current level of functioning
    will assist with measuring progress and establishing where to initiate or
    continue with therapy.&nbsp;
  </div>

  <div>
    Each PLP is aligned with a specific performance area based on identified
    needs from the OT assessment. This will most likely be the most significant
    area of need, but there can also be multiple PLPs related to OT needs if
    necessary.&nbsp;
  </div>

  <h2>Performance Areas for Occupational Therapy PLPs</h2>

  <div>The most common performance areas for OT related PLPs are:</div>

  <ul>
    <li>Sensory motor</li>
    <li>Fine motor</li>
    <li>Visual motor</li>
    <li>Visual perceptual</li>
  </ul>

  <h2>Elements of Effective Occupational Therapy PLPs</h2>

  <div>An OT PLP should:</div>

  <ul>
    <li>Be based on our expertise as OTs</li>
    <li>List the student&rsquo;s strengths and needs</li>
    <li>Be related to observable functional tasks</li>
    <li>Contain the results of standardized tests (if applicable)&nbsp;</li>
    <li>
      Include equipment necessary for the student to function at school&nbsp;
    </li>
  </ul>

  <div>An OT PLP should include comments regarding:</div>

  <ul>
    <li>Posture and balance &nbsp;</li>
    <li>Range of motion and muscle strength</li>
    <li>Visual perceptual skills&nbsp;</li>
    <li>Fine motor skills</li>
    <li>Visual motor skills</li>
    <li>Sensory modulation&nbsp;</li>
    <li>Social skills as impacted by sensory or physical disabilities</li>
    <li>Self-help skills related to sensory or physical disabilities&nbsp;</li>
  </ul>

  <h2>Helping Our Kids Succeed Through School-based Occupational Therapy</h2>

  <div>
    Writing clear and concise PLPs will help ensure our students&rsquo;
    OT-related needs are addressed to allow them to access their curriculum to
    the best of their ability. PLPs are just one more tool we can use as OTs to
    help our kids thrive in school and beyond.&nbsp;<br />
    Want more tips from the knowledgeable and experienced OTs on our Cross
    Country Education team? Check out these helpful resources:
  </div>

  <div>
    <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/goal-writing"
      >OT IEP Goals &ndash; How School OTs Can Write SMART Goals</a
    ><br />
    <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/virtual-ot"
      >Virtual Occupational Therapy &ndash; Tips for Successful Online OT
      Sessions</a
    ><br />
    <a
      href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/8-skills-you-will-need-to-be-a-ot"
      >8 Skills You&rsquo;ll Need to Be a Successful Occupational Therapist</a
    ><br />
    <a
      href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/ot-assessment-tools-for-face-to-face-and-virtual-ot"
      >Occupational Therapy Assessment Tools for Face-to-Face and Virtual OT</a
    ><br />
    <a href="http://Occupational Therapy Continuing Education"
      >Occupational Therapy Continuing Education</a
    ><br />
    <a
      href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/no-cost-continuing-education-courses-for-school-based-ots"
      >And more!</a
    ><br />
  </div>
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Writing Present Levels of Performance: Tips for School OTs