What is a Pediatric Physical Therapist?   

Some children need physical therapy to help them move more independently and meet critical developmental milestones. A pediatric physical therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in movement and body development in children.  

Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS) places pediatric physical therapists who work alongside us in partnering school districts to help students access more educational opportunities.    

What Does a Pediatric Physical Therapist Do? 

A pediatric physical therapist works with children and often collaborates with parents and other healthcare providers to craft a treatment plan that helps the child meet specific goals, such as recovering range of motion after surgery or managing a disability.  

Physical therapists can also teach children how to use adaptive equipment, such as braces, walkers, or wheelchairs. Children struggling with mobility, daily tasks, or poor coordination may benefit from time with a pediatric physical therapist.  

A pediatric physical therapist can perform an assessment to determine if a child needs physical therapy and the type of physical therapy that may be the most beneficial.  

Where Can Pediatric Physical Therapists Work?  

Pediatric physical therapists can work in a variety of locations, from healthcare centers like hospitals and outpatient clinics to schools. Hospitals and outpatient healthcare clinics may have more specialized equipment for goals like recovering from an injury or surgery. 

 Some schools also offer pediatric physical therapy during the school day to help students become more independent and make the most of their education. School-based pediatric physical therapy will focus more on skills and activities that correspond with challenges at school. School sessions can be group or individual, depending on the child’s needs.  

Benefits of a School-Based Pediatric Physical Therapist  

School-based pediatric physical therapists have many benefits for students. School sessions are designed to help students perform school activities and more fully access their education. Many pediatric physical therapy sessions look a lot like play, so students can develop important muscles and skills while enjoying their time with the physical therapist.  

Pediatric physical therapists can work in the classroom with a student or outside it, depending on the child’s needs. Sessions in the classroom may revolve around specific activities that all students are working on, while sessions outside the classroom may focus more broadly on balance, range of movement, and improving strength.  

School-based pediatric physical therapists work with many students. PTS’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) approach ensures students receive the support they need when they need it. The three tiers of support offer solutions that can be implemented classroom-wide, in small groups, or individually. This fluid approach helps keep caseloads manageable and adapts to a student’s needs. 

Partner with PTS to Bring Pediatric Physical Therapists to Your School 

If you’re interested in exploring ways to help students at your school with a school-based pediatric physical therapist, reach out to PTS. Pediatric physical therapists who work alongside PTS can help your school become more accessible to students and enable them to make the most of their time in the classroom. Contact PTS to learn more today.