What is school-based physical therapy?
What does school-based physical therapy mean? We hope these definitions and explanations help to clarify the services we provide in the school system and how a child qualifies for physical therapy services.
Public Law 94-142, The Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, provides that
All children regardless of handicapping condition shall receive a free, appropriate, public education. This education is to be provided in the least restrictive environment with those related services necessary for the child to function within the educational setting.
In 1986 The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments, Public Law 99-457, Part H extended services to include infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
Federal Law mandates the provision of physical therapy services. If a student’s condition or ability to function interferes in education, the student may be eligible for school physical therapy services as a related service or as a specially designed instruction program.
In education, the primary goal for the physical therapist is to promote functional independence through learning. The scope of physical therapy services within the educational environment is directed toward allowing the student with a disability to participate in and benefit from his/her appropriate educational program. Services are provided in conjunction with a multidisciplinary special education team. School-based physical therapy services are provided in a setting where the educational needs of the child have the highest priority.
In contrast, in the medical model, the specific medical needs of the child have the highest priority. The scope of practice is much broader. The therapist has the ability to look beyond the child’s needs as they relate to the educational program.
Gross Motor Developmental Milestones for Preschoolers
These milestones demonstrate a general level of gross motor ability for preschool age children. Please remember that this is only a guide and that there is a wide range of variation between children. It is not unusual for a child to perform slightly above or below his/her actual age.
3 year old – Child is able to stand on either foot momentarily
4 year old – Child is able to stand & maintain balance on either foot for 5 seconds
5 year old – Child is able to stand & maintain balance on one foot for 10 seconds
3 year old – When running, child is able to change speed (fast/slow) without falling
4 year old – Child is able to run 50 yards in more than 15 seconds
5 year old – Child is able to run 50 yards in less than 15 seconds
Jumping (both feet together)
3 year old – Child can jump in place 4-6 times consecutively
4 year old – Child can jump (w/both feet) forward at least 6”
5 year old – Child can jump w/ both feet 12” and land w/ balance and control
Hopping (on one foot)
3 year-old – Child can hop one time on either foot
4 year-old – Child can hop one yard on preferred foot
5 year-old – Child can hop 2 meters on preferred foot; at least one meter on each
3 year-old – Child can walk up to and kick a stationary ball (walk through)
4 year-old – Child can take 2 coordinated steps and kick a ball (could be hip action)
5 year-old – Child can kick a ball with a flexed knee kick (no hip action)
3 year-old – Child can throw a tennis ball overhand for 6 feet
4 year-old – Child can throw a tennis ball overhand for 9 feet
5 year-old – Child can throw a tennis ball overhand for 15 feet
3 year-old – Child can bounce and catch a 10”-12” playground ball, using arms, chest, and body to trap
4 year-old – Child can catch a 10”-12” playground ball with both hands
5 year-old – Child can bounce a ball with one hand for one yard and catch it
3 year-old – Child can pedal a tricycle
4 year-old – Child can pedal a tricycle around corners
5 year-old – Child can ride a two-wheeled bicycle with training wheels