School-based physical therapy (PT) is provided by physical therapists or physical therapist assistants who are part of a team of related service providers supporting a student’s ability to access their educational environment. As movement specialists, physical therapists assist a student’s physical participation in a variety of settings during the school day. The primary role school based physical therapy is to help students benefit from their educational program within the educational environment.

Physical therapy is provided at schools only when it is related to educational needs. Intervention and goals in the school setting address the child’s functional needs in accessing all areas of the school curriculum. Physical therapy interventions are designed to enable the student to travel throughout the school environment; participate in classroom activities; maintain and change positions in the classroom; as well as manage stairs, restrooms, and the cafeteria. School-based therapy is not intended to meet all of the therapeutic needs of a student; rather it is intended to ensure that a child can have physical access to his or her education.

School-based physical therapy is different from medical based physical therapy and determining the need for each of these services is different. Medical based physical therapy is typically provided in an outpatient therapy clinic or hospital. These services address quality of movement as well as function. Its primary objective is to maximize the child’s skill level and quality of movement. Medically-based services are typically focused on a student’s physical impairments and clinical deficits.

School-based physical therapy is based on the recommendations of a team case conference where it is determined that the specialized skills of a physical therapist are necessary in order for the student to achieve their educational goals. For example, PT may be necessary to help the student access their curriculum or navigate throughout the school safely to allow them to participate in all aspects of their education.

School based physical therapy must be educationally relevant. The student's needs must be able to be addressed only by the skilled service of a physical therapist. Some common physical or motor concerns can also be addressed by the classroom staff, with the support and consultation of a physical therapist.

• Student has accomplished IEP goals and new goals have not been identified by the educational team.

• Deficits do not interfere with student's ability to function within the school environment.

• After a variety of interventions and service delivery models are provide, the student's level of function is not changing.

• Equipment, instructional, and environmental modifications are in place and are effective.

• Strategies can be effectively implemented by current education team and do not required the training and expertise of a licensed therapist.

1. Lapeer County Intermediated School District, "Discharge from Therapy Service - Proulx Paper", 2013