The Colorado Department of Education

Offices | Staff Contacts | Colorado.gov

Physical Therapy Services (PT)

Definition: Physical therapists work collaboratively with a student’s IEP team to improve student access and participation in school and community settings. Physical therapists provide professional expertise in the areas of self-help skills, foundational gross motor skills, mobility skills (transfers, walking, equipment use), posture and positioning, and recreational skills for age-appropriate play. Physical therapy interventions promote skill acquisition and environmental adaptation and are commonly embedded within the context of student activities and routines.

Qualifications: Physical therapists must successfully complete a physical therapy program that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency and be licensed by the Colorado State Department of Regulatory Agencies.

Criteria: A student qualifies for physical therapy services through the IEP development process. A student that meets one or more of the following criteria may benefit from school based physical therapy intervention:

  • The student requires regular monitoring and modification of physical strategies or equipment to maintain school accessibility and participation.
  • The student has neuromuscular, orthopedic, or medical issues limiting their access and/or participation in school routines and environment.
  • The student has poor functional motor skills limiting their ability to navigate the educational setting and/or participate in developmentally appropriate interactions with peers during recreational activities.
  • The student has impaired mobility skills limiting their ability to navigate stairs, ramps, uneven terrain, or change positions effectively.
  • The student has decreased independent living skills limiting their ability to manage personal needs in the cafeteria, bathroom, and locker room.
  • Due to a chronic condition the student is at risk for developing complications that may limit school access and/or participation.

 

Listserv

The Colorado PT listserv supports hundreds of school-based physical therapists by providing information and news regarding the profession, announcing professional development and training opportunities and, posting school-based job openings. There are no advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. This service is also chat-free. Join today by contacting: Cindy Millikin or Melissa Chaffin.

 

PT/OT Advisory Council

Schedule for 2011-2012 Meetings:

  • December 16, 2011
  • January 12, 2012
  • March 9, 2012
  • April 12, 2012
  • Retreat: TBA
     

Regions:


Physical Therapy School-Based Conferences

 

Career Tracks

  • Fast Fact: Physical Therapists (PDF) (BEING REVISED)

 

Tools and Resources

 

Websites


For more information, contact:

Cynthia Millikin (Interim)
Colorado Department of Education
Exceptional Student Leadership Unit