Registered physical therapists in educational systems are related service personnel. The physical therapist is responsible for assessing student's motor skills, developing and implementing goals designed to enhance the student's learning potential, to assist the student in acquiring those functional performance skills needed to participate in and benefit from the educational environment, and to help the student function independently.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Make observations during preliminary screening of new students, and/or ongoing evaluations of students enrolled in the school.
Based on clinical observations and formal evaluations, write a full description of the child's performance and behavior during evaluation referencing his/her muscular-skeletal status, postural adjustment reactions and gross motor development, as they impact on the student's ability to participate and benefit from the educational environment.
Make suggestions for approaches and activities that might enhance the student's ability to participate
Professional Training
Take part in developing staff development and parent workshop opportunities around the development of gross motor and related underlying sensory and motor functions, leading to successful participation in the educational environment and more independent functioning.
Demonstrate approaches and activities to be implemented by educational staff that will improve children's abilities to participate in the classroom
Help the staff identify children's specific sensory and motor skill levels including posture, gait, stair climbing and negotiation of the school environment.
Supervise student externs as assigned.
Individual and group related service provision and documentation.
Develop a series of developmentally-graded activities based on evaluation, designed to improve motor planning and gross motor skills, especially those related to behavior, and successful functioning in the classroom and at home.
Carry out medical prescriptions for occupational therapy.
Maintain mandated documentation of treatment and progress (e.g., individual treatment session and quarterly progress notes, Related Service Attendance, etc.).
Submit a written report of the progress of the children at the end of each school year.
Make recommendations for IEP goals and participate as required in IEP conferences.
Explain findings and program aims to parents, and recommend activities, physical positioning and/or adaptations that might facilitate increased independence in the home.
Maintain P.T. equipment and supplies, and recommend ordering them as required by IEP mandates or needed clinically.
Attend departmental meetings, supervision and school meetings, as well as any additional meetings,
Comply with regulatory requirements and school policy and procedures in all areas, and maintain
Maintain appropriate and effective interpersonal relationships with team and department members, parents, other staff, supervisors, administrators, and outside agencies. Demonstrate:
Open communication, flexibility and the ability to learn and utilize team building strategies
The ability to self-evaluate, to utilize supervision and problem solve
Qualifications
Education
MS in Physical Therapy
Experience
One to two years related experience
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Certificates & Licenses
A physical therapist must have completed an accredited education program and all field work education requirements. All P.T. programs are accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. Must have NYS license.
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