How to Write Physical Therapy Goals in the School Setting

A child may need physical therapy while attending school. Help meet this need by supporting the child with an individualized education plan (IEP). The physical therapy goals, which must be written by a licensed physical therapist, are included in the IEP. The child works on these goals throughout the school year and focuses on gross motor skills such as walking up and down steps, jumping, catching a ball and kicking a ball.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify one of the supports needed by the child that can be met in the school setting using the current physical therapy report.

• 2

  Write the beginning of the goal statement by naming the desired accomplishment based on the area of need in present tense. Example: "(Child's name) kicks a ball...."

• 3

  Add to the goal statement how mastery of the desired accomplishment will be met in measurable terms. Example: "(Child's name) kicks a ball four out of five times...."

• 4

  Complete the goal statement by providing a date by which the goal should be accomplished. Example: "(Child's name) kicks a ball four out of five times by June 15, 2010."

• 5

  Describe the methods and supports that will be used to assist the child in accomplishing the goal in the section provided on the form, or under the goal statement.

• 6

  State how often and for what length of time the child will practice the skills needed to accomplish the goal in the section provided on the form, or under the goal statement.

• 7

  List who will provide the supports to the child while working to accomplish the goal on the goal form.