All children who qualify for clinical (medically necessary) physical therapy may not qualify for school-based services. The decision of whether a child with a disability qualifies for school physical therapy is made by the multidisciplinary team based on evaluation results, parent and teacher input, direct observations and medical records. If the team decides the child has an eligible disability, needs specially designed instruction and requires related therapy services, goals and objectives are developed for the student’s Individual Educational Plan.

School-based physical therapy interventions may be provided directly to the student individually, in a small group, or in consultation with the teacher and other school staff. Therapy takes place in the school in the classroom, hallways, gym, playground, or therapy room as appropriate.