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Physical Therapy Services (PT)
What is Physical Therapy?
Definition: Physical therapists work collaboratively with a student’s IEP team to improve student access and participation in school and community settings. Physical therapists provide professional expertise in the areas of self-help skills, foundational gross motor skills, mobility skills (transfers, walking, and equipment use), posture and positioning, and recreational skills for age-appropriate play. Physical therapy interventions promote skill acquisition and environmental adaptation and are commonly embedded within the context of student activities and routines.
Responsibilities
Physical Therapy may be provided as a related service to support a student’s individualized educational program if:
The Student . . .
- requires regular monitoring and modification of physical strategies or equipment to maintain school accessibility and participation.
- has neuromuscular, orthopedic, or medical issues limiting their access and/or participation in school routines and environments.
- has poor functional motor skills limiting their ability to navigate the educational setting and/or participate in developmentally appropriate interactions with peers during recreational activities.
- has impaired mobility skills limiting their ability to navigate stairs, ramps, uneven terrain, or change positions effectively.
- has decreased independent living skills limiting their ability to manage personal needs in the cafeteria, bathroom, and locker room.
- due to a chronic condition, is at risk for developing complications that may limit school access and/or participation.
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Session 1: September 8, 2025 - Registration CLOSED
- Session 2: The Collaborative IEP Process: From Assessment to Service Delivery: Best Practices in School-based Services
- Date: January 21, 2026
- Registration closed
- Session 3: The Collaborative IEP Process: From Assessment to Service Delivery: Designing Supports for Student Access, Engagement, and Progress
- Date: March 19, 2026
- Time: 1:00-3:30 PM MT
- Location: Live Webinar via Zoom
- Audience: OTs, PTs, OTAs, and PTAs
Registration for Professional Development
Please be aware that:
It is a policy in the Exceptional Student Services Unit (ESSU) that all training registrations must be closed two weeks prior to the event to address all the conference/meeting logistics needs
2025-2026: OT/PT Professional Development On-Demand Webinar Series
About this Series:
Advancing Best Practices in School-Based Services: Strategic Supports for Student Success through Self-Regulation, Sensory-Based Interventions, and the Collaborative IEP Process from Assessment to Service Delivery is a three-part on-demand series.
Module 1: Self-Regulation Intervention & Sensory-Based Intervention Best Practices
Module 1: This self-paced webinar provides current research insights into neurodevelopment and sensory processing as they relate to self-regulation. Participants will explore the effectiveness of traditional sensory integration techniques alongside cognitive-behavioral intervention strategies. This professional development also includes considerations for the design and use of “Sensory Rooms” and offers practical strategies and interventions to support student self-regulation in educational settings.
Module 2: The Collaborative IEP Process: From Assessment to Service Delivery: Best Practices in School-based Services
This session explores best practices in the collaborative development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with a focus on the roles of occupational and physical therapists within school-based services. Participants will examine key regulatory issues that impact practice, learn how OT and PT may contribute within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and learn strategies for conducting comprehensive assessments and delivering effective interventions. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative approaches that promote meaningful student outcomes and align with educational goals.
This on-demand webinar will be available for one year from the date it is posted:
- Posted on: February 18, 2026
- On-Demand End Date: February 18, , 2027
Module 3
Coming Soon!
Listserv
The Colorado Department of Education Physical Therapy listserv supports school-based PTs: 1) by providing information and news regarding the profession; 2) by announcing professional development and training opportunities; and, 3) by posting school-based job openings. There are no advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. This service is also chat-free.
To subscribe to the PT/PTA listserv:
- Please complete the online listserv subscription request, via email
Once you have been added, you will receive a confirmation email.
Tools and Resources
- Pediatric Fact Sheets (Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy website)
- Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist (American Physical Therapy Association website)
- Memo - ESSA Joint Statement (PDF)
- Section 504
- What is the Role of the school-based PT? - Successful Participation for All Students: The Role of School-Based Physical Therapists Beyond a Related Service (PDF Fact Sheet from APTA)
- Educationally Relevant Physical Therapy: Scope of School-Based Practice (PDF Fact Sheet from APTA)
- Guidelines for Supervision - Direction and Supervision of The Physical Therapist Assistant (American Physical Therapy Association website)
- Joint Statement for Collaborative Goals (PDF from AOTA, APTA & ASHA)
Employment and Recruitment
Post Available Positions - OT/OTA & PT/PTA Form
*The Post Available Positions - OT/OTA & PT/PTA Form should be completed by district leaders, HR representatives, SLP Team Leads, or Directors.
View Available OT/OTA & PT/PTA Positions
(updated regularly; check back often)
Please note that this form is optional and does not include all of the jobs open in Colorado. Visit individual district websites for a complete list of job opportunities. All applications should be submitted directly to the district in which you are applying.
Professional Organizations
American Physical Therapy Association
Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy / Physical Therapy Advisory Council
The Exceptional Student Services consultant for PT along with regional PT representatives who comprise the Physical Therapy Advisory Council, meet throughout the year to inform the Colorado Department of Education on statewide PT professional learning and technical assistance needs and assist in the development of guidance materials to support the profession.
Visit CDE's Occupational Therapy Page
For more information, please contact:
Hannah Mackie
Email Hannah Mackie
Phone: (720) 697- 4545
Having trouble with this webpage?
If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.