FROM MY PT SCHOOL NOTES · PEDIATRICS · CHAPTER 16
IDEA, IFSP and IEP: pediatric PT in school systems
School-based physical therapy supports access to education and participation, not simply improvement on clinic-based impairment tests.
Know the difference between Part C and Part B
IDEA Part C primarily covers eligible infants and toddlers from birth through age two and their families, typically using an IFSP. IDEA Part B supports eligible children from ages three through 21 with a free appropriate public education and an IEP. Certain state-specific extensions and exceptions exist.
Family plan versus education plan
An IFSP emphasizes family-identified routines and supports in natural environments. An IEP identifies educational needs, access and related services within a school program. This changes how PT goals are written, measured and delivered.
Policy is not uniform at every level
The 2019 lectures contain Arkansas-specific program examples and historical funding details. Distinguish those from nationwide IDEA requirements and always verify the relevant state, school, payer and service-delivery policies.
Try a clinical decision
A child moves from home-based early intervention into preschool. Is the existing IFSP automatically the same as an IEP?
No. Transition planning, eligibility, team decisions and the applicable IDEA provisions must be considered; the child's educational participation needs guide related services.
Updated clinical context
Federal statutes and regulations: Read the current source
Original class sources: 14 IDEA.pdf, 15 Child IFSP Handout.pdf, 15 Rights for Children Handout.pdf, 15 Administrative Issues.pdf
This is a focused summary from personal PT-school notes, not a substitute for medical evaluation, an instructor course or a current clinical guideline.
