Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is one of the related services under Part B of IDEA and is provided to support a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Physical therapists are members of a multidisciplinary school team that ensures a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities to prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Gathering appropriate information from students, parents and other team members regarding the child’s functional motor performance in school settings.
• Selecting, administering and interpreting a variety of screening instruments and standardized measurement tools;
• Examining and evaluating eligible students’ strengths and needs to establish their ability to participate in meaningful school activities and routines with or without assistance;
• Participating in team meetings, and in the IEP/§504 process, including collaboratively determining the need for physical therapy as a related service (IDEA) or as a reasonable accommodation (§504);
• Forming partnerships and working with other team members in the school setting to promote an effective physical therapy plan of care;
• Coordinating physical therapy interventions within the school program;
• Educating school personnel and families to promote inclusion of students within the educational experience by developing, demonstrating, training, and monitoring the effectiveness of strategies and intervention activities, using data to make decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate from an approved school of Physical Therapy.
• License from the State to practice PT.