I know how it feels when you walk out of an IEP meeting with that heavy feeling in your chest.
You just heard the words:
“We don’t think your child qualifies for school-based PT.”
And yet — you know your child struggles with mobility, coordination, and balance every single day.
They trip on uneven ground, can’t keep up on the playground, or tire quickly from walking down the hallway.
So what now?
Understanding Why the School Said No
School-based PT is different from medical PT.
The school only approves it if they believe it’s needed for your child to access their education — not just to improve general physical skills.
That means:
- If your child can technically get to class, even if it’s hard or awkward, the school may deny PT.
- If the need shows more at home or in the community than in the classroom, they’ll often say it’s “medical” not “educational.”
It’s frustrating — but knowing this helps you plan your next move.
Steps You Can Take
1️⃣ Ask for the Data
Request the evaluation reports the school used to deny PT. Look for:
- Test scores
- Observation notes
- Areas they did not assess (sometimes they skip playground or gym observations).
2️⃣ Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
If you disagree with their results, you can request an IEE at public expense.
This means the district pays for an outside specialist to re-test your child.
3️⃣ Gather Medical Evidence
Get a letter from your child’s pediatrician or neurologist that clearly states:
- The diagnosis (if any)
- How mobility/coordination affects daily function
- Why PT is necessary for safe participation in school activities
4️⃣ Document Safety Concerns
If your child is at risk of falling, being left behind during drills, or can’t keep up in P.E., write it down with dates and examples.
Schools respond better when safety is on the line.
5️⃣ Consider Outside PT
If you have insurance or Medicaid, you can start medical PT while still pushing for school PT.
Sometimes, progress reports from outside therapists help convince the school later.
Why This Matters
PT isn’t just about walking — it’s about confidence, independence, and inclusion.
When a child avoids playground games, stairs, or group sports because it’s hard for them, it’s not just physical — it’s emotional and social too.
You have the right to keep pushing until your child’s needs are met.
Subject: Request for Mobility & Coordination Assessment
Dear [Principal/Special Education Director’s Name],
I am writing to formally request that my child, [Child’s Full Name], receive a comprehensive mobility and coordination assessment as part of their special education evaluation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
I have concerns that my child’s current physical abilities are limiting her ability to fully and safely participate in the school environment. Specifically:
- She avoids playground activities due to difficulty with movement and balance.
- She has only recently learned how to climb stairs, and still requires significant effort and caution.
- She often leans on furniture or walls for support when walking.
These challenges impact her participation in P.E., recess, transitions between classrooms, and emergency drills.
I believe a professional evaluation in the area of gross motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination is necessary to determine whether school-based physical therapy (PT) or other supports are needed.
Please consider this my written consent and formal request for the assessment. I understand that under IDEA, the school has timelines to respond and provide evaluation results.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to working together to support my child’s safety, independence, and inclusion at school.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Parent/Guardian of [Child’s Name]
📌 Tip for you: Send this by email (so you have a date stamp) or by certified mail. This forces them to start the evaluation timeline and gives you proof you asked.
💌 I share more advocacy tools, letter templates, and real stories at HirahCares.org. Subscribe if you need that extra push to keep going — you’re not alone.
Hirahcares 