Consultation * Adaptation * Rehabilitation * Education
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy centers on a child’s basic movement, balance and coordination.
CARE’s physical therapists provide school based evaluation and treatment for children in preschool to age 21. CARE is also a provider of Early Intervention Services for children birth to three.
Physical Therapy
School based physical therapy is provided to assist a child with a disability or delay better access educational opportunities. School physical therapy focuses on a child's ability to move as independently as possible in school.
Physical therapy interventions are designed to enable the student to travel throughout the school environment; participate in classroom activities; maintain and change positions in the classroom; as well as manage stairs, restrooms; the cafeteria, more fully utilize the playground equipment; and participate in physical education.
Physical therapists (PT’s) also work with adaptive equipment to assist children with day-to-day tasks.
The school team along with the child's family work to determine whether a child has a need for special education, and/or requires related services such as physical therapy. A physician's prescription is needed to start the evaluation process.
School-based therapy is provided to give students improved access to education. It is not a substitute for medically-based therapy.
What is the role of the Physical Therapist in providing evaluation and treatment in the school setting?
The Physical Therapist addresses motor function that prevents a child from accessing his/her education or achieving a goal that has been set by the school team. Special consideration is given to mobility skills that affect the child’s ability to move within or be evacuated from the school building.
Balance and posture are addressed as they relate to the child’s need to interact with teachers, peers and educational materials (e.g. sitting at a desk, standing in a line). PT’s help with adaptive equipment (e.g. wheelchairs, standers, walkers) that the child may need to complete everyday tasks. Physical therapists assist with adapting activities. For example, they may assist in gym class with a child who uses a wheelchair, so the student is able to be included in the activities planned.
Physical Therapists focus on Gross Motor Skills
Gross Motor Skills are large movements of the body, which relate to mobility and active play.
Activities that promote the development of gross motor skills:
Playground equipment
- Endurance activities
- Swimming
- Ball Toss
- Kick Ball
- Jump Rope, Skipping, galloping, hopping
- Playing outside
- Imitating animals
- Wheelbarrow walking
- "Simon Says"
- Log Rolling
- Riding bicycles
- General exercises
- Walking a line, curb, railroad ties
Why are Gross Motor Skills important for students?
Gross Motor skills and mastery of the large muscle groups provide the foundation for movement, coordination and balance. These skills are necessary for children to navigate the classroom, on the playground, and in the gym, competently and safely. Gross motor skills build the foundation for fine motor skills: If a child has difficulty sitting in a chair, writing and coloring will be more of a challenge.
Collaboration between Educators, Therapists, and Families
For the student that experiences challenges in school because of a disability, delay, or injury it is essential for everyone to work together and follow through in the classroom, during the therapy session, and at home to meet the child’s educational goals.
How do I receive services for my child?
Contact your school district’s special education coordinator or school principal for more information. You may also contact your child’s pediatrician.
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CARE for Children · P.O. Box 616, 20 Russell Boulevard, Bradford, PA 16701 · (814) 362-4621