Working within the routines of the typical day, physical therapists provide services to infants (0-3 years old), who have or are at risk for developmental delays, and to school age students (3-21 years old) who have motor challenges that impact access to and/or participation in their educational programming.
Physical Therapists address concerns in the motor and adaptive behavior domains, including gross motor, mobility, positioning, and play/leisure skills in the home and community for those children 0-3 years old (Early ACCESS) and within the educational environment (classroom, lunch, recess, hallways, restroom, worksites, etc) for those students 3-21 years old. Physical Therapists work with children and students and collaborate with and coach parents, school personnel, and team members to provide embedded intervention strategies. Working as a member of an IFSP or IEP team, a physical therapist may suggest equipment to address a child’s or student’s access and/or participation concerns.
Make a Physical Therapy Referral
Resources
The Role of Physical Therapy in the Educational Setting
- Comparison of Early Intervention/Part C and Clinic-Based Physical Therapy Services
- Early Intervention (EI) Physical Therapy: IDEA Part C
- Educational Benefit: Comparison of School-Based and Clinic-Based Physical Therapy Services
- Educationally Related School-Based Physical Therapy Services
- Providing Physical Therapy in Schools Under IDEA 2004
- Universal Tools for Student Success
Interventions and Strategies
- Accessing the School Environment
- Door - Opening
- Mobility Within the Classroom
- Mobility Outside of the Classroom
- Stair Ascent/Descent
- Transfers To and From the Floor
Enrichment Activities
