הערכת צרכים לפיתוח פרויקט בריפוי בעיסוק: פיתוח תוכנית התערבות בקבוצה לילדים עם עיכוב התפתחותי בגני משרד החינוך

Background: The purpose of Occupational Therapy (OT) in preschool special education is to help children engage in play, learning, leisure, self-care and social participation activities. The transition from a medical model to an eco-educational model moved the therapist’s place of work from the clinic to the child's natural environment. This intervention is reported in numerous studies as effective when the therapy is related to the kindergarten curriculum and done in collaboration with the therapeutic team. However, there is lack of accessible information and documentation regarding this area, and no structured program that can be applied in the existing education framework. The goal of the Needs Assessment for Group Intervention In Preschool Special Education was to characterize the work of the OTs in group therapy activities in preschool special education operating under the Ministry of Education and address the needs that emerged. Method: The Needs Assessment process included a professional literature review, interviews with colleagues, consultation with the National OT coordinator at the Ministry of Education, an internet survey among OT working in a kindergartens (N = 50) and a focus group (N=4 OTs). Results: 100% of OTs who filled the survey reported that they are practicing group intervention and expressed the need for a structured program for this purpose. Approximately 85% believe it is important those activities are coordinated with other kindergarten activities. Conclusions: Findings led to the development of an interactive protocol for eco-educational group intervention. Clinical Implications: Tools to improve the efficiency of OTs work and contribute to promote children's participation in learning and social interactions.