Supporting future occupational therapists and community involvement
SPOTS is proud to support occupational therapy students and community members who are interested in learning, contributing, and gaining meaningful experience in a pediatric clinical setting. We offer structured fieldwork placements and selective volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Fieldwork Education
Fieldwork education is an essential component of occupational therapy training. At SPOTS, students gain supervised, hands-on experience in alignment with ACOTE standards. SPOTS is a recognized fieldwork site with established partnerships with universities and colleges across the Metropolitan New York area, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Louisiana, California, Canada, and Australia.
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Level I Fieldwork is designed to introduce students to the clinical environment and support early exposure to pediatric occupational therapy practice within a closely supervised setting.
During the placement, students are provided with foundational experiences in:
Observation
Evaluation
Treatment planning
Treatment implementation
Documentation
Application of occupational therapy theory
Level I Fieldwork emphasizes the integration of occupational therapy theory into practice and provides students with the opportunity to begin developing professional behaviors under close supervision.
External Resource
For more information on occupational therapy fieldwork requirements, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association: Learn more about OT Fieldwork → -
Level II Fieldwork is designed to integrate academic knowledge with applied clinical practice.
Students participate in an in-depth experience delivering occupational therapy services to clients, with a strong focus on the application of purposeful and meaningful occupation, in alignment with ACOTE standards (2011).
During the placement, students have the opportunity to develop increased knowledge, attitudes, and skills in:
Administration
Research
Professional relationships
This includes collaborative experiences with occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, clinic staff, clients, family members, and/or significant others.
By the completion of the placement, students are expected to demonstrate entry-level competencies in:
Fundamentals of Practice
Basic Tenets of Occupational Therapy
Evaluation and Screening
Intervention
Management of Occupational Therapy Services
Communication
Professional behavior
External Resource
For more information on occupational therapy fieldwork requirements, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association: Learn more about OT Fieldwork → -
Requirements
Ongoing collaboration is expected between the academic fieldwork coordinator and the SPOTS fieldwork educator
A contract or letter of agreement must be in place between SPOTS and the academic program
All Level II fieldwork students are required to complete an interview prior to placement
Students are responsible for:
Transportation to all fieldwork sites
Maintaining valid health insurance
Malpractice insurance
CPR certification
Fingerprinting clearance (NYCDOI or NYCDOE, as applicable)
Required immunizations per placement guidelines
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
SPOTS offers selective volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in pediatric occupational therapy or those completing required volunteer hours as part of university or graduate school applications.
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Opportunities for students exploring a career in occupational therapy who require volunteer hours as part of their academic or admissions process.
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Volunteers may assist our office manager with receptionist and office management tasks, supporting the daily operations of the clinic.
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Volunteers may assist during SPOTS summer camps, working alongside trained therapists to support children in developing sensory-regulatory, social, and functional skills. A successful interview is required. Volunteers are selected based on interest, skills, and fit.
Interested in getting involved?
Clinic Volunteer Opportunities
Contact: Michele Amoroso, MS, OTR/L
📧 michele.a@spotsot.com
Summer Camp Volunteering
Contact: Soraya Caesar, OTA/L
📧 soraya.c@spotsot.com
School Affiliations
Our occupational therapists maintain active partnerships with a range of New York City schools, providing services and support within educational settings. These relationships reflect our commitment to collaboration and continuity of care across home, school, and community environments. A school contracts with SPOTS for specific services, renewed on a yearly basis
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