Certified Physical Therapist Assistant

Key Responsibilities

• Provide physical therapy intervention within the classroom through individual and small-group activities under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
• Support children’s gross motor development, mobility, balance, coordination, strength, postural control, and functional movement.
• Provide push-in physical therapy support within the natural classroom environment.
• Support children’s participation in classroom routines, playground activities, transitions, movement-based play, and social experiences with peers.
• Collaborate closely with teachers and other therapists to integrate physical therapy strategies into everyday classroom activities and routines.
• Consult with classroom teams regarding individual student needs, gross motor development, mobility, positioning, balance, coordination, and environmental access.
• Provide practical strategies, modeling, and training to teachers and classroom staff to support children’s movement and participation throughout the school day.
• Help implement classroom-based adaptations and environmental supports that promote safe access, mobility, and participation.
• Observe classroom routines and collaborate with the team to identify opportunities to increase independence, engagement, and participation through movement.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and student planning as needed.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising Physical Therapist regarding student progress, needs, and intervention strategies.
• Maintain brief and accurate documentation related to services and student progress.
• Support a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach that prioritizes autonomy, connection, participation, and inclusion.
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture where therapists and teachers learn from one another and work together to support the whole classroom.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Current California licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Experience working with young children, preferably in a preschool, childcare, or pediatric setting.
• Experience providing physical therapy services in a classroom or other school-based environment preferred.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate pediatric physical therapy practices and gross motor development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, teachers, and families.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Comfortable providing practical strategies and training to teachers and classroom staff.
• Strong understanding of play-based, relationship-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
• Passion for working with young children and supporting their movement, participation, independence, and quality of life.
• Ability to work independently while seeking and incorporating feedback from the supervising
• Physical Therapist and classroom team.

• Standing and walking throughout the school day.
• Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, and moving between floor- and table-level activities.
• Ability to actively participate in play and movement activities with young children.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds.

Benefits

• Job Type: Hourly, 30–40 hours per week.
• Pay: 30–38/hour, based on experience and education.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees working 30+ hours per week.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.
• Opportunity to work directly within an inclusive childcare setting alongside teachers, therapists, and families.
• Clinical supervision and ongoing collaboration with licensed Physical Therapists.