Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist (PT) – School-Based

Cromwell, Connecticut | Part-Time | 2026–2027 School Year | On-Site

TheraPeds Partners is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist (PT) to join our team for a part-time, school-based opportunity for the 2026–2027 school year.

If you enjoy working with children, collaborating with educators and therapists, and helping students develop the strength, mobility, balance, coordination, and functional movement skills they need to participate successfully in their school environment, this could be a great fit. You'll work with students in a school setting, with support from both the district and the TheraPeds team.

About Us

TheraPeds Partners is a therapist-owned and operated organization that partners with schools to provide special education and related services to PreK–12 students nationwide. As a team of special education providers, we understand the educational process, IDEA requirements, and the importance of collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

Our mission is to provide high-quality, student-centered services while creating meaningful connections within collaborative learning environments.

Position Details

• Part-time school schedule
• 10–12 hours per week
• School year: November 2026–May/June 2027
• Grades: Preschool through Elementary
• Setting: In-person, on campus
• Pay: $56.50–$66.75+/hour
• Guaranteed hours, including designated documentation, planning, consultation, and administrative time
• Manageable caseload
• Support from both the school district and TheraPeds Partners

Potential Supervision of a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) as assigned and in accordance with applicable state requirements

What You'll Do

As a school-based Physical Therapist, you'll evaluate and support students whose gross-motor, mobility, strength, balance, coordination, positioning, or other physical needs affect their ability to access and participate successfully in their educational environment.

Your Responsibilities May Include

Providing direct physical therapy services to students individually, in small groups, and within classroom or school environments

• Conducting comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and assessments
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring measurable, educationally relevant IEP goals
• Developing individualized intervention plans based on student needs and educational priorities

Providing therapeutic activities and exercises to address strength, balance, coordination, mobility, motor planning, endurance, positioning, and functional movement

Supporting students with transfers, gait, mobility, positioning, accessibility, and safe participation within the educational environment

Evaluating student needs for adaptive equipment, mobility devices, positioning systems, and other supports within the PT scope of practice

Providing consultation and recommendations regarding classroom and school accessibility, positioning, mobility, and student safety

Monitoring student performance, collecting data, and adjusting intervention strategies based on progress and functional needs

• Completing timely and accurate evaluations, progress reports, IEP documentation, and other required records
• Participating in IEP, eligibility, reevaluation, and interdisciplinary team meetings
• Providing case management services, as assigned
• Providing appropriate supervision and direction to a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in accordance with state practice requirements, district policies, and professional standards
• Reviewing PTA documentation and student progress and modifying plans of care as appropriate

Collaborating with teachers, special education staff, families, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, nurses, administrators, and other school professionals

Providing education and consultation to school staff and families regarding positioning, mobility, equipment, and strategies that support student access and independence

Maintaining confidentiality and following applicable professional standards, district policies, and state and federal requirements

What We're Looking For

Master's or Doctorate in Physical Therapy from an accredited Physical Therapy program, or other professional PT degree meeting applicable licensure requirements

• Active or eligible for state licensure as a Physical Therapist
• Appropriate Department of Education credential or authorization, where required for school-based practice
• APTA membership preferred
• Experience working with children or school-aged students
• School-based or pediatric Physical Therapy experience preferred
• Experience supervising or collaborating with a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) preferred

Strong foundation in planning and implementing therapeutic interventions and exercises within developmental and functional models appropriate to the educational setting

Knowledge of pediatric gross-motor development, mobility, balance, coordination, strength, positioning, gait, and functional participation

Ability to identify and analyze physical and environmental barriers that may affect a student's access to and participation in their educational program

• Understanding of IEPs, IDEA, special education processes, and educationally relevant Physical Therapy services
• Knowledge of adaptive equipment, mobility devices, positioning systems, and accessibility supports preferred
• Strong clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention-planning skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational, documentation, case-management, and time-management skills
• Proficient in the use of technology for documentation, communication, assessment, and educational purposes
• Ability to successfully complete required fingerprinting and background clearances

Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, educators, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams

Demonstrated professionalism and ability to exercise a high level of tact, discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment in internal and external communications

Physical Requirements

School-based Physical Therapy is active and hands-on. The Physical Therapist must be able to safely participate with students in a variety of school environments and activities.

Physical responsibilities may include sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, transitioning to and from the floor, assisting with positioning and transfers, and lifting or assisting with students, mobility devices, adaptive equipment, or therapeutic materials as appropriate to the position.

All responsibilities will be performed in accordance with assigned duties, district safety requirements, and applicable accommodations.

Compensation & Benefits

Benefits and compensation are based on employment classification and eligibility.

W-2 Employees May Be Eligible For

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k)
• Guaranteed hours
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Ongoing clinical and administrative support
• Access to the TheraPeds professional community
• 1099 independent contractor opportunities may include:
• Competitive contract rates
• Benefit Resources
• Flexibility associated with independent contractor status
• Access to professional and administrative resources through TheraPeds Partners

Specific compensation, benefits, and terms will be outlined in the applicable employment or independent contractor agreement.

Why TheraPeds Partners?

At TheraPeds Partners, we believe school-based professionals do their best work when they feel supported, valued, and connected to the teams they serve.

As a therapist-owned organization, we understand the realities of working in school-based practice. Our goal is to create strong partnerships between professionals and schools while providing the clinical and administrative support needed for both students and providers to succeed.

If you're a Physical Therapist looking for a school-based PT opportunity, we'd love to connect with you.