As virtual therapy services become increasingly prevalent in schools, a common question arises: Is a facilitator required for these services? At Lighthouse Therapy, we believe that while not always mandatory, the use of facilitators or paraprofessionals in virtual therapy sessions is a best practice that can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of the services provided.

Why Facilitators Matter in Virtual Therapy

1. Practical Assistance

Facilitators play a crucial role in:

• Helping students navigate to and from therapy sessions
• Providing technical support with devices or software
• Ensuring students are present and ready for their appointments

2. Enhanced Focus and Behavior Management

Some students may face challenges in:

• Maintaining attention during virtual sessions
• Managing their behavior in a less structured environment
• Facilitators can offer gentle reminders and redirection, keeping the session productive.

3. Student Safety: The Top Priority

The most critical reason for having a facilitator is ensuring student safety during therapy sessions. A responsible adult presence can:

• Respond to any emergencies that may arise
• Provide immediate assistance if needed
• Ensure the student is in a safe, appropriate environment for therapy

Addressing Staffing Challenges

We understand that many schools are facing significant staffing shortages, particularly for roles like paraprofessionals, nurses, bus drivers, and even teachers. If finding staff to facilitate virtual therapy sessions is a challenge, don’t worry – we’re here to help you find creative solutions.

Flexible Solutions We’ve Implemented Successfully

1. Strategic Caseload Distribution
   • Prioritize virtual sessions for older students (middle and high school)
   • Reserve in-person services for elementary students or those with more complex needs
2. Adaptive Scheduling
   • Align virtual therapy sessions with the availability of facilitators
   • Example: Schedule higher-need students on days when facilitators are available
3. Optimized Service Locations
   • Designate a quiet, safe area for virtual therapy sessions
   • Ensure students are always within sight of a capable adult for emergency situations

Our Commitment to Problem-Solving

At Lighthouse Therapy, we recognize that every school’s situation is unique. We’re committed to working alongside you to:

• Identify the specific barriers you’re facing
• Draw from our experience with schools nationwide
• Develop tailored solutions that work for your students and staff

Our goal is to ensure that all students receive the therapy services they need, even in the face of staffing challenges or other obstacles.

Conclusion: Balancing Best Practices with Practical Realities

While having a facilitator for virtual therapy sessions is ideal, we understand it’s not always possible. The key is to find a balance between best practices and the practical realities of your school’s resources. By working together creatively, we can ensure that your students receive high-quality virtual therapy services in a safe, supportive environment.

Whether you’re just starting with virtual therapy or looking to optimize your existing program, Lighthouse Therapy is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s collaborate to find the best solution for your school’s unique needs.