Key Takeaways
- Push-in therapy brings support directly into the classroom, allowing children to stay involved in daily routines while receiving help from therapists.
- It can include services such as occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and social-emotional support, depending on the child’s needs.
- This model encourages inclusivity in the classroom, helping children practise real-world skills in context and feel more confident alongside their peers.
- Collaboration between therapists and teachers creates consistency and promotes a supportive learning environment throughout the school day.
A Parent’s Guide to Push-In Therapy
As a parent, you want your child to feel confident and supported in the classroom. But when a child has learning, developmental, or behavioural challenges, traditional school settings may not always meet their needs. That’s where push-in therapy comes in—a model that brings school-based therapy services into the classroom to foster a more inclusive and empowering learning environment.
If your child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or is receiving additional support at school, here’s what you need to know about push-in services.
What Is Push-In Therapy?
Both push-in and pull-out therapy models offer valuable support for children’s learning. The push-in model differs in that therapists work directly with children within the classroom setting, allowing them to stay involved in daily routines and activities. Meanwhile, the pull-out model provides focused one-on-one sessions outside the classroom. Depending on your child’s needs, either approach, or a combination of both, can be effective in supporting their development.
Depending on your child’s individual needs, the push-in model may include:
- Occupational Therapy: To help children develop fine motor skills, engage in sensory-based classroom activities, and gain independence with tasks like writing or using classroom tools
- Speech and Language Therapy: To support communication, vocabulary, and social pragmatics during group discussions and peer interactions.
- Behavioural and Social-Emotional Support: To help children build confidence, manage emotions, and interact positively with peers.
Why Inclusive Classroom Support Matters for Your Child
1. The Importance of Real-World Skill Application
One of the key benefits of push-in therapy is that it allows children to practise essential skills in the very environment where they’re needed most. Whether it’s learning to follow multi-step instructions during a lesson, engaging in group work, or transitioning between activities, applying strategies in context improves understanding and retention. These meaningful experiences will go a long way in laying the foundation for long-term learning.
2. Increases Participation and Confidence
Push-in services allow children to remain in familiar surroundings. This inclusive support encourages greater participation and risk-taking, as they feel more secure and confident engaging in lessons alongside their peers.
3. Foster Stronger Social Connections
Learning alongside classmates isn’t just good for academics—it’s also essential for social development. With push-in therapy, children can interact with peers during everyday activities, learning how to take turns, share, and communicate effectively. Therapists are there to gently guide these moments, helping children form friendships and feel included, while also encouraging kindness and teamwork across the class.
4. Consistent Reinforcement Across the Day
In a push-in model, therapists and teachers work closely together, using collaborative teaching strategies to support your child’s development. By aligning their language, goals, and teaching approaches, they create a consistent, structured learning environment that helps your child feel more secure and supported throughout the school day. Moreover, it empowers teachers with practical tools and techniques they can use even when the therapist isn’t present—ensuring continuity of support both in school and at home.
Conclusion: Creating Inclusive Classrooms That Work
For children moving from an early childhood intervention programme into formal education, push-in therapy can help ease the transition and provide the guidance they need to thrive. By staying inclusive and supportive throughout their everyday interactions, this approach helps children build confidence, participate fully, and stay connected with their peers.
At Fun Feats, our team works closely with parents, teachers, and educators to ensure each child receives meaningful, coordinated support—in and beyond the classroom. We also provide engaging afterschool enrichment programmes offering structured activities, personalised academic support, and guided social interaction led by trained therapists and educators.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Contact us today.