ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Public Schools District 205 is facing a shortage of occupational therapists, leaving students at four schools without specialized support services.
The staffing gap impacts children with Individualized Education Programs, who rely on therapists for essential classroom assistance.
RPS 205 contracts with the Northwestern Illinois Association to fill 20 occupational therapy positions, which provide support for up to 4,200 students with individualized education plans across the district. Occupational therapists assist students with daily classroom tasks, such as holding a pencil, cutting with scissors and staying focused during lessons…