School-based physical therapy services are designed to ensure that the student is able to participate in his/her educational programming with regard to gross motor functional independence. School-based physical therapy is provided only if a medical diagnosis or gross motor delay is determined by the IEP team to have an adverse effect on the student’s performance at school. Children who qualify for clinical or out-patient physical therapy services may not qualify for school-based PT.

As such, students who are currently receiving physical therapy from a medical outpatient facility should continue with their medical-based physical therapy. School-based physical therapy is not a replacement for medical-based physical therapy. 

School-based physical therapy is a related service provided to any special education student who demonstrates deficits in gross motor functioning that affects their academic performance. Physical therapists focus on the evaluation of PreK-12th grade students’ gross motor skills and needs. Primary attention is given to ensuring that each student has the gross motor ability to effectively access his or her educational environment.

For a student who has qualified for special education services, his or her IEP team meets and determines if gross motor skills are affecting the student’s academic performance. If recommended by the team, a Physical Therapist assessment of gross motor skills that includes identifying deficits in balance, coordination, strength, posture, and mobility within the school setting is utilized to develop a plan for intervention which may include direct physical therapy services, support for staff and/or further assessment by the adaptive physical education team. School-based PTs may also identify possible architectural barriers within the school setting, evaluate the student’s seating and positioning needs, and provide equipment recommendations to reduce these gross motor barriers.

The ultimate goal is for the student to achieve functional mobility independence; physical therapy may be used to aid the child in this goal. Discharge is a collaborative team decision. The team may consider discharge when: the student no longer qualifies for special education, or other staff may be able to provide the necessary interventions, or their needs are being met in the classroom through accommodations or modifications, or when the student has met their school-based physical therapy goals and are able to successfully participate in their current educational curriculum.

Parents are encouraged to first speak to their classroom teacher regarding their concerns. If the teacher also shares these concerns the school team can work together to discuss these concerns