Therapy
Learn about our therapy services including Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, Mental Health Support Services, and Behavior Support.
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on the therapeutic use of movement and play to enhance one’s development to promote improved sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, and overall self-care. Our occupational therapists help to develop those necessary skills to lead more independent and fulfilling lives through enhancing the skills required for academic and daily living success. Our occupational therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) are highly trained professionals who address the following areas: motor skills, cognitive processing, sensory processing difficulties, visual processing difficulties, sensory seeking or defensive tendencies, challenges with play and social interaction, difficulty taking care of oneself or competing daily living tasks, difficulty with shoe tying, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and handwriting letter and number formations. Occupational therapy services are currently offered in a one-on-one setting for district-placed students and for students whose families elect to privately fund individual therapy sessions. In addition, our OTs and COTAs provide classroom-based small group lessons and consultative support to all enrolled students.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is the use of music experiences as interventions to accomplish non-musical goals in therapy. Music Therapists are credentialed professionals who have completed a 4-year degree, a 6-month internship, and carry a board certification. Music can be prescribed to address many different areas such as: Behavior, Social Skills, Communication, Gross and Fine Motor, Sensory Integration, Cognitive Skills, and Psychological Goals. Because music therapy is a non-threatening medium and can be viewed as “another way in”, unique outcomes are possible. Music therapy is researched based and found to effect change in several populations of people with special needs. A music therapy client can expect to be involved in actively making music on a variety of instruments, dancing, singing, and occasionally listening to music. Any of the above music experiences is tailored to the individual’s needs to elicit positive change. Music therapy services are provided through weekly classroom-based group lessons for all students. Individual one-on-one music therapy sessions are also available for students whose families choose to privately fund the service.
Mental Health Support Services
At TLS, we are committed to supporting the social, emotional, and mental well-being of every student. Our licensed social worker (LSW) provides a comprehensive range of school-based mental health support services designed to help students thrive both academically and personally. The LSW is available to provide crisis intervention and short-term support when students experience emotional or behavioral challenges during the school day. Families can also receive guidance and referrals to appropriate community-based mental health providers and other outside resources when additional support is needed. Students may participate in small group counseling focused on developing important social-emotional skills, including emotional regulation, coping strategies, social skills, friendship building, communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, self-esteem, self-advocacy, executive functioning, anxiety management, resilience, and mindfulness. In addition, the LSW provides weekly classroom-based social-emotional learning lessons for all students. These lessons address a variety of age-appropriate topics, such as recognizing and managing emotions, building healthy relationships, practicing empathy, making responsible decisions, developing coping skills, fostering resilience, and promoting overall wellness. When appropriate, the LSW can also provide individualized one-on-one support to help students navigate immediate concerns, develop coping strategies, and successfully access their learning environment. Individual support is determined based on student need and is intended to complement classroom and small group services.
Behavior Support
At TLS, we believe that positive, proactive behavior support is essential to student success. Our team is committed to understanding the purpose of student behavior and teaching the skills needed for students to succeed across school environments. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and families to assess student needs through ongoing data collection and behavior analysis. They develop individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), provide staff coaching and consultation, monitor student progress, and make data-informed decisions to ensure interventions remain effective and responsive to each student’s growth. Behavior support at TLS focuses on teaching replacement skills and reinforcing positive behaviors. Our staff uses evidence-based strategies, including positive reinforcement, visual supports, structured routines, and individualized motivation systems, to increase engagement, build independence, strengthen communication, and promote self-regulation. By recognizing and reinforcing student successes, we help create a supportive learning environment where students can develop confidence and achieve meaningful progress.
