A Physical Therapist (PT) in a school setting evaluates and provides individualized physical therapy services to children with disabilities, supporting their ability to benefit from special education. They collaborate with educators, parents, and healthcare professionals to develop and implement intervention plans such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans. The PT also ensures compliance with professional, ethical, and legal standards while documenting progress and coordinating transition to community settings.
Description:Purpose or Summary Statement of Primary Duties and Responsibilities of Position
PT’s role in education is to enable children with disabilities to benefit from special education instruction in the least restrictive environment. The school PT develops implements and coordinates a physical therapy program through evaluation and intervention services, including direct services to the child and consultative services on behalf of the child, such as support of the teacher and/or other staff members.
Example duties: The PT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. PTs interpret assessment findings and appropriately communicate information to parents and school teams through written and oral means. The PT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students’ unique needs.
Principal Accountabilities
1. PT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. PTs interpret assessment findings and appropriately communicate information to parents and school teams through written and oral means.
2. The PT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students’ unique needs.
3. Develops and implements individualized PT intervention strategies.
4. Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding effective coordination of services.
5. Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding transition from school to community, preparing student to function independently when outlined outcomes are achieved.
6. Documents all PT services provided within a timely manner as outlined by the Office of Special Education & Supports
7. Evaluates and documents student progress in accordance with the IL PT Practice Act as well as school district, State and Federal policies.
8. Addresses needs for assistive technology, equipment, transportation, accessibility, environmental accommodations, and emergency evacuation for students with disabilities as required to access their educational environment through collaboration and participation with school staff.
9. Seeks regular opportunities for professional growth.
10. Participates clinical educational opportunities for students of physical therapy.
11. Adheres to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association.
12. Provides direct supervision of physical therapy assistants in accordance with Illinois’ Physical Therapy Practice Act
Qualifications for Job: The PT must pass the national physical therapy licensure examination and hold a current and active Illinois license to practice as issued by the IL Department of Professional Regulations. This license must be renewed every two years upon payment on or before September 30th of each even numbered year. In addition, the IL PT practice act mandates 40 hours of continuing education per license renewal cycle. A Physical Therapist cannot provide PT services without a valid physician’s referral.
Skills and abilities:
All qualified applicants should possess a myriad of skills, which would allow them to collect, analyze, and interpret data as a member of a team of professionals working consultatively and collaboratively. Potential applicants should also possess strong oral and written communication skills, which teams would ultimately use to fuel and maintain the most accurate and timely entries into an electronic database of the district’s choice.
Experience and Education Required:
The PT must have an entry-level bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in physical therapy from an accredited physical therapy program as approved by the APTA.
physical therapy, special education, IEP development, student evaluation, therapeutic intervention, disability support, school health services, collaborative consultation, assistive technology, patient progress documentation
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