Who needs school-based physical therapy?
Students that have physical limitations preventing them from accessing school resources may be entitled to receive school therapy. The need for therapy is determined by the IEP team. School case managers, teachers, and parents are a part of this team. When a member of the team recommends an evaluation and the parent or legal guardian gives consent, a therapist performs an initial evaluation. The evaluation report and recommendations are presented to the team prior to the IEP meeting. The team, in conjunction with the physical therapist, determines the amount, frequency and duration of therapy. In the educational setting a physicians referral is often not needed in New Jersey. Every year the IEP is updated. Changes to therapy are determined at the IEP meeting. This may occur when the student is no longer eligible for special education, when other members of the IEP Team can provide necessary interventions, or when the child can perform school tasks without therapeutic intervention. Ther
