A teacher or other service provider, or a parent may request a referral for a student for a physical therapy (PT) observation or screening through the school-based Student Intervention Team. Physical therapists use a variety of tools to identify deficits that can impact a student’s learning in the school environment. These can include interviews with teachers; observation of the student in the classroom, PE, and playground; and administering standardized testing.

Before referring a student to the physical therapist, please consider how your concerns affect the child’s access to the curriculum. If the student is currently benefitting from the education program without the service, consider what added benefit the referral will bring. For example, if a student appears “clumsy”, but remains safe on the playground and participates in PE class, consider what portion of the education program needs to be addressed to improve access. Remember that school-based PT must be related to educational needs.

The physical therapist's medical licensure mandates that only a physical therapist can assess a student to determine the need for PT services on an IEP, 504 plan, or temporary medical plan.

Only a physical therapist may add PT services, PT treatment minutes, or PT goals to the above-mentioned service plans.