Educational Physical Therapist

Basic Function and Representative Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

• Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team serving the needs of special education children and their families;
• provide assessment and direct services related to gross motor development, functional mobility, and postural control;
• provide direct and consultative physical therapy services based upon needs determined through established processes to ensure educational access;
• develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students.

Representative Duties

• Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team;
• provide assessment and direct services related to functional gross motor development, gait, balance, and other identified developmental needs;
• provide consultation to parents and teachers;
• Conduct developmental and formal assessments to determine program eligibility;
• assess student abilities in functional mobility (navigating stairs, curbs, and hallways), postural stability, strength, range of motion, motor planning, and environmental accessibility;
• score and interpret results and write assessment reports;
• Collaborate with IEP team members to develop goals;
• determine and recommend frequency of services, accommodations/modifications, and least restrictive environment (LRE) needs;
• Provide education and support to families;
• recommend, design, adjust, or order adaptive equipment such as standers, gait trainers, and specialized seating;
• demonstrate safe use of equipment;
• Plan and prepare for therapy sessions;
• provide direct therapy individually and in groups;
• set up and break down large-scale mobility equipment;
• maintain records of therapy sessions to document interventions and monitor progress;
• Manage caseload and new referrals;
• utilize data-driven metrics (such as gait analysis or standardized motor scales) to monitor student changes throughout the school year;
• Conduct formal assistive technology and mobility assessments;
• provide services related to power mobility or specialized positioning for curriculum access;
• Request and purchase adaptive equipment and mobility aids;
• ensure all equipment meets safety standards and is properly fitted to the student’s growing physical needs;
• Attend various meetings;
• coordinate professional and community resources with other staff and agencies, including medical providers and California Children's Services (CCS).

Knowledge and Abilities

• Child development, motor and reflex development, and applicable pediatric treatment techniques;
• Biomechanics, kinesiology, and neuroanatomy related to pediatric disabilities;
• Adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, standers, walkers) and orthotic devices;
• Medical, educational, and community resources, including CCS;
• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504 regulations;
• Record-keeping techniques and data collection for functional outcomes;
• Proper lifting and body mechanics for transferring students safely;
• Correct English usage, grammar, and technical report writing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education, Training, And Experience: Any combination equivalent to: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy and two years of school-based or pediatric physical therapy experience.
• Licenses And Other Requirements: Valid California Physical Therapy License issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California; Successful completion of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE); Valid First Aid and CPR certifications.