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The Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) and California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) Service Credential Initiative support a process for occupational therapists (OT) and physical therapists (PT) to obtain credential status with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). OTs and PTs are the only Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) professional services not eligible for a credential. This inequity needs to change.
Legislative Hearing Rescheduled
Mid-April: stay tuned for date/time
Call to Action! Attend the Legislative Hearing!
We need a strong show of support. There is strength in numbers.
We will send an announcement as soon as the date is set. Thank you for your support.
AB-381 Teacher credentialing: services credential with a specialization in health: occupational and physical therapists will be presented during a hearing of the California State Assembly Committee on Education.
OTAC and CPTA each will have one designated speaker that will provide a brief testimony. We need people to stand up, state their name, and state that they support the bill - that's it! There is strength in numbers, and a strong show of support can influence the committee's vote.
If you can be in Sacramento in mid-April, please plan to attend this important hearing - we need to make our voices heard and show our support in person! Please let us know here if you plan to attend so we can provide you with additional relevant logistical details.
OTs and PTs, as well as other school professionals or school parents are welcome to attend. Feel free to share this information with colleagues, families, and friends who may be interested.
If you cannot attend, you can still send a letter of support to the Assembly Committee on Education. Please send by 9:00am, April 25.
Additional Information:
AB-381 Summary Fact Sheet
AB-381 Frequently Asked Questions
OTAC School-Based Practice Credential Initiative Advocacy Page
Do you have questions? Send us a message.
OTAC CPTA POSITION - Request to CTC
March 7, 2023 Update on OT PT School Credential Initiative and Call to Action!AB-381 Teacher credentialing: services credential with a specialization in health: occupational and physical therapists has been introduced in the state assembly by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio. Passage of this bill would allow the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to authorize a school-based credential for OTs and PTs. The CTC is in support of this bill and is committed to moving forward with the process.
For more information, please review the full text of the proposed bill, summary fact sheet, and our Frequently Asked Questions.
CALL TO ACTION: A strong show of practitioner support will be vital in helping pass this bill. It only takes a moment to send a letter and the collective impact is significant!
- Send a letter of support to the State Committee on Education by March 14.
OTAC and CPTA support a Services Credential for Occupational Therapists (OT) and Physical Therapists (PT) based upon the current rigor of accredited OT and PT programs and California licensure requirements with consideration of additional educationally related required coursework embedded into existing continuing education licensure requirements to eliminate any barriers to recruitment and retention.
BRIEF HISTORY
OTAC CPTA Services Credential Initiative History - CTC + Stakeholders | download
EDUCATION CODE - EDC
ARTICLE 4. Credential Types [44250 - 44277] ( Article 4 enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010. ) | access
PLAN OF ACTION
How You Can Help
Build awareness of the benefits of an OT PT Services Credential among colleagues, administrators, and agencies.
Share Credential Initiative Information (Meet in person, send letters, email) to LEA Administrators, CTC Members, SELPA Directors, Legislators, Union Representatives
OT/PT Credential Fact Sheet | download
CONTACT INFORMATION
California Legislators | California State Assembly | California Representative
California Legislators by SELPA Name | access
Commission on Teacher Credentialing | https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/commissioners
CSEA Union Representatives | https://csea.com/get-connected/contact-us
RESOURCES
IDEA Related Services Definition of Occupational Therapy | Section 300.34 https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.34
Guidelines for OT and PT in CA Public Schools | https://www.bot.ca.gov/forms_pubs/otpot_guidelines...
AOTA Fact Sheets School-Based Practice
- School Setting Fact Sheet | download
- Parents Brochure | download
- Children and Youth Fact Sheet | download
- School Administrator Brochure | download
STUDENT DATA- Documentation of the Need for OT and PT
Education Data | accessSpecial Education Data | access
State Performance Plan Data | access