Just Kids Physical Therapy department is composed of therapists licensed by the New York State Office of the Professions. The physical therapists are part of an interdisciplinary team working together with the classroom staff to meet the educational and therapeutic needs of the student. Children may be referred to Physical Therapy and receive individual evaluations to assess muscle strength, joint motion, motor developmental skills, balance and coordination skills, and quality or ease of movement in various positions and postures. Recommendations for treatment services are based upon the findings of this evaluation and may be initiated upon a written referral from a physician or nurse practitioner and approval of Early Intervention or CPSE (Committee for Preschool Special Education). Treatment goals and strategies are developed and individualized to meet each child’s needs.

The Physical Therapy department is an integral part of the interdisciplinary team. Physical Therapy provides services to children who present with physical needs or disabilities that impact on a child’s whole child development. The benefits of Physical Therapy may include increasing and maintaining muscle strength and endurance, restoring and increasing joint range of motion and helping with coordination. Physical Therapy helps to improve general motor development and enhance a child’s ability to learn, play and achieve personal independence critical to a child’s self-esteem.

The Physical Therapy department staff has trained and certified staff in NDT (neurodevelopmental treatment). Staff also have specialized training in infant massage, kinesio taping, orthopedics, central nervous system dysfunction, advanced therapy ball techniques, pediatric yoga, and adaptation and seating systems. All staff participate in continuing education sponsored and approved by New York State Department of Education and the American Physical Therapy Association.

The department works closely with an on-site orthotist available to cast children for orthotics, and make necessary repairs while the children are at school.