The increasing number of inclusive schools, as well as teachers who do not have experience and knowledge in handling children with special needs in inclusive schools, require occupational therapists who can handle children with special needs in schools. This study aims to examine the role of occupational therapy in schools from the perspective of occupational therapy students. It is hoped that there will be suggestions for developing a curriculum that will be taught to occupational therapy students regarding the role of occupational therapy in schools.
This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews to explore participants' insights, experiences, and perceptions. The study recruited participants from occupational therapy students at the University of Indonesia who have experience in clinical practice at a special elementary school. Through in-depth interviews, researchers could explore the participants' understanding of the core competencies and specialized skills required for effective school-based practice and their perceptions of the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in this field.
The findings of this study are that the occupational therapy study program is necessary to improve the material for occupational therapy students on school-based occupational therapy; therefore, occupational therapy students can better understand and implement the role of occupational therapy in schools. Participants share their views on their preparedness to assume the role of school-based occupational therapists, including their understanding of the specific responsibilities and scope of practice within the educational setting, as well as their aspirations for contributing to and advancing this critical area of the occupational therapy profession.