October Spotlight: The Impact of School-Based Physical Therapists

Every October, we celebrate Physical Therapy Month by recognizing their ability to empower movement, restore function, and promote participation across every age and setting. While PTs are often pictured in clinics or hospitals, there’s a special group of therapists who make a difference in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and cafeterias: school-based physical therapists!

At AOT, we’re proud to highlight how PTs help students move, learn, and thrive. In addition, collaboration between educators and PTs creates more inclusive learning environments for all.

The Role of a PT in Schools

In educational settings, physical therapists serve as related service providers under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Their mission is to support students with physical or motor challenges so they can access and participate to their best ability in their educational programs.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), school-based PTs use movement, positioning, and activity-based interventions to help students achieve functional mobility within the school environment. That means their goals go beyond therapy exercises. Some places you may find PTs focused on helping students include:

• Navigating the classroom and hallways safely
• Participating in playground and physical education activities
• Accessing learning materials and transitions independently
• Using adaptive equipment or mobility devices effectively
• Conserving energy and maintaining endurance throughout the school day

APTA’s Pediatric Section emphasizes that therapy in schools should target “educationally relevant goals that promote access and participation across school routines.”

How PTs Fit Into the Educational Team

Every school-based PT is part of a multidisciplinary team that includes teachers, special educators, occupational and speech therapists, psychologists, and administrators. Together, they design and implement an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that addresses the unique needs of each student.

Within that process, PTs:

• Conduct evaluations to determine how a student’s physical skills affect access to learning environments.
• Contribute measurable goals related to mobility, balance, or endurance that tie directly to classroom or school activities.
• Recommend and implement adaptive equipment or environmental modifications.
• Provide direct therapy or consultative support, depending on what the IEP outlines.
• Collaborate with teachers and paraprofessionals on positioning, safety, and movement strategies that can be built into the school day.

As the APTA (apta.org) notes, “Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are integral members of the school-based team, ensuring that students receive a free and appropriate public education.”

Collaboration: Educators + PTs = Student Success

The most effective school therapy happens when educators and PTs work together. Teachers and classroom aides see students in their natural learning environment including how they move, transition, or manage fatigue. PTs bring expertise in movement analysis and adaptive techniques that can make those routines more accessible.

Here’s how collaboration can take shape:

• Plan together – Include PTs early when designing classroom layouts, field trips, or physical education activities.
• Communicate regularly – Share observations about mobility, attention, or endurance during different times of day.
• Integrate therapy goals into class routines – Movement breaks, flexible seating, or adaptive tools can all become part of the classroom culture.
• Celebrate small wins – A student walking independently between classes or participating in recess for the first time is a collective achievement!

When educators and PTs combine their strengths, they create learning environments where every student can move, learn, and participate fully.

Why Choose a Career in School-Based Physical Therapy?

Working as a school PT offers more than flexibility, it provides a sense of purpose that extends beyond the therapy gym.

Benefits of the Role

• Predictable schedule: Most school-based PTs follow the academic calendar, offering balance and consistency. (School hours, Holidays)
• Collaborative culture: You’ll work closely with other related service providers and educators to create holistic student support.
• Meaningful outcomes: Each goal achieved whether it’s climbing stairs, participating in PE, or joining recess is a direct step toward inclusion and independence. You also have the privilege of following students throughout their school journey, witnessing their growth and progress year after year.
• Advocacy opportunities: PTs play a crucial role in shaping accessibility and equity in education, often serving as advocates for systemic change.

Understanding the Difference: School-Based vs. Clinical PT
While both settings share the same foundation in movement science, school-based physical therapy under IDEA serves a distinctly different purpose than clinical or outpatient care. Check out the diagram below for a side-by-side look at how these two models compare.

APTA Educationally Relevant Physical Therapy: Scope of School-Based Practice Fact Sheet

Honoring PTs This October

During Physical Therapy Month, AOT celebrates all the dedicated PTs who help students move through their day with confidence and independence. Your work builds bridges between classrooms, between abilities, and between education and access.

To educators, administrators, and families: thank you for partnering with PTs to make learning environments more inclusive and empowering for every student!

School-based PT Careers: Build Your Career With Us | AOT Specialized Educational Therapy Services