What Paperwork Is Required of School-Based PTs?
Helping students improve mobility and strength is incredibly rewarding for school-based physical therapists. It is crucial for PTs to stay on top of documentation so they can continue to make an impact. From IEPs to daily progress logs, this paperwork is vital in ensuring services are appropriate, legally compliant, and tailored to each student’s needs.
Whether you’re a physical therapist working in a school or hoping to land a role in one soon, this Soliant guide will help cover what exactly school PTs need to keep track of.
Physical Therapy Paperwork & Documentation for School PTs
1. IEP (Individualized Education Program) Documentation
One of the most important responsibilities for school-based PTs is developing and maintaining the student’s IEP. This includes:
- Initial evaluations to determine eligibility for PT services
- Written input for the IEP team, including insights on physical performance and recommendations
- Measurable goals aligned with the student’s academic success
- Service logs that record how much therapy a student receives, in what setting, and for what purpose
2. Progress Notes & Treatment Logs
Like in a clinical setting, school PTs must document ongoing treatment and student responses. This typically includes:
- Daily or weekly treatment notes that describe the therapy session, student participation, interventions used, and outcomes
- Progress summaries to show if the student is making gains toward IEP goals
- Attendance records and explanations for missed sessions
3. Evaluation Reports
Evaluation reports are shared with IEP teams, parents, and administrators and are often the foundation for determining if a student qualifies for school-based PT. Whenever a student is referred for a physical therapy evaluation, PTs document:
- Observations in various school settings (e.g., classroom, playground)
- Standardized assessments and scores (if used)
- Clinical reasoning for recommendations
- Eligibility decisions based on federal and state guidelines
4. Parent & Teacher Communication Logs
Because physical therapists frequently consult with teachers and families, many districts require them to keep documentation of communication. These records might include parent contact (calls, emails, or meetings), teacher consultations, and recommendations shared for classroom strategies or home practice.
5. Annual Reviews
For students who continue receiving services year after year, school-based PTs participate in annual IEP reviews, providing updated goals and performance data. Similarly, they may contribute to reevaluations, which may require updated assessments and written justifications for continued service.
Learn More About School Physical Therapy Careers
Documentation is key to advocating for students, collaborating with teams, and tracking the impact of school-based physical therapy. While it can feel like a lot at times, strong paperwork helps protect students, support families, and uphold the value of school-based physical therapy.
Looking for your next school PT role? At Soliant, we work with passionate school physical therapists nationwide, connecting them to opportunities in education where they can thrive, including travel PT roles. Explore school-based PT openings with Soliant here today! Looking for more insights on school physical therapy careers? Explore Soliant’s education career resources here, including guides on the skills employers seek in school PTs, different therapy tools, like yoga and games, and more!
