Infants and Toddlers School Physical Therapist (PT)

Infants and Toddlers School Physical Therapist (PT)

Location: La Plata, MD

Strides Therapy & Educational Services is a reputable local provider of educational and therapeutic services, dedicated to enhancing the lives of students through high-quality support and intervention. We are currently seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Infants and Toddlers School Physical Therapist to join our team. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on students' physical development and overall well-being within the school and natural setting.

An Infants and Toddlers School Physical Therapist plays a crucial role in supporting the physical development and well-being of students within the educational environment. Working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other educational professionals, the Physical Therapist assesses, plans, and implements individualized therapy programs to help students overcome physical challenges, improve motor skills, and achieve their academic and functional goals. This position requires a compassionate and dedicated professional committed to enhancing students' physical capabilities and overall quality of life.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive physical assessments to identify students' motor skill deficits and physical challenges.
• Develop individualized family service plans (IFSP) and individualized education programs (IEPs) based on assessment findings.
• Provide direct and consultative physical therapy services to improve students' strength, mobility, coordination, and overall physical functioning.
• Implement evidence-based therapeutic techniques and exercises tailored to each student's needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to integrate physical therapy goals into students' educational plans.
• Participate in Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to provide expert input and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate records of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and therapy sessions.
• Prepare and submit detailed quarterly student progress reports.
• Educate and train school staff and parents on strategies to support students' physical development and mobility.
• Adapt and modify therapy activities to ensure they are appropriate and effective for the school environment.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of therapy interventions, adjusting plans as necessary.
• Advocate for students' needs and guide accessibility and accommodations within the school setting.
• Stay current with best practices, research, and advancements in pediatric physical therapy.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.
• Support children ages 0-3 in developing physical motor skills and improving independence in their natural environments, including home, community, family-centered, and early childhood settings.
• Provide physical therapy services as part of the Infants and Toddlers Program, with a focus on early intervention and family-centered care.
• Participate in Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings and, when applicable, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to provide expert input, recommendations, and therapy planning.
• Assess, plan, and implement individualized physical therapy programs to help children overcome physical challenges, improve motor skills, and increase independence.
• Collaborate closely with parents, caregivers, teachers, and multidisciplinary team members to integrate physical therapy goals into the child's home, community, and educational plans.
• Recognize that many services are home-based and family-centered, requiring strong communication, flexibility, and collaboration with families.
• Support children's overall quality of life by helping them build physical capabilities, functional skills, and confidence in daily activities.
• Demonstrate compassion, dedication, and professionalism when working with young children, families, and educational/multidisciplinary professionals.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Doctorate in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
• Valid license to practice physical therapy in the state of Maryland. (if applicable)
• Experience working with children, preferably in a school or pediatric setting.
• Strong clinical skills in pediatric physical therapy assessment, intervention, and documentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with school team members and family/caregivers.
• Compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the school-aged students.
• Ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule.

Full-time Benefits Include:

• Health Benefits on Day 1 (Medical, Dental, Vision) with 50% employer contribution
• 401k with match and immediate vesting, 100% match for the first 3% and 50% for 4 %, and 5% (also a part-time benefit)
• Up to 40 hours PTO/sick time (also a part-time benefit)
• State Licensure Reimbursement
• National Certification Stipend
• Group professional liability insurance (also a part-time benefit)
• Dedicated Educational Services Manager (also a part-time benefit)
• Employee Assistance program (also a part-time benefit)
• Cancer insurance (also a part-time benefit)
• Pet insurance (also a part-time benefit)
• Life insurance (also a part-time benefit)
• Catastrophe medical (also a part-time benefit)

Strides Therapy and Educational Services