Below is a document explaining the role of a Physical Therapist in the school setting;

A physical therapist is a trained health care professional that uses purposeful, goal directed activities and task analysis to enable children with a disability to benefit from their individualized education programs (IEP’s). Federal law mandates that physical therapy (PT) in the school system be educationally relevant. In the school setting, Physical therapy is a “related service” to special education under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act. This means that services must enhance or support educational goals as stated on the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Physical Therapists in the school setting look at certain skills which may interfere with a child’s educational performance:

• Neuromuscular- Range of motion, Strength, Postural Control, Shoulder stability, Joint ligamentous stability
• Sensory Processing – Vestibular (movement), Tactile (touch), prioprioception (joint sense), visual-ocular reflex, muscle-force generation
• Motor Behavior- Motor planning (ability to plan and perform movements) and Bilateral Coordination Skills (using two hands and feet together)
• Gross-motor development
• Developmental transitions and negotiate school environment
• Health and Prevention screenings (scoliosis, orthopedic concerns…)
• Adaptive equipment needs (wheelchair, orthotics, helmets….)
• Health and wellness programs

These areas can be addressed through a variety of intervention strategies, which may include direct therapy with the child, consultation with the teacher, modification of the environment, provision of adaptive equipment, and staff training.