Watertown Public Schools
30 Common Street, Watertown MA 02472
School Based Physical Therapy
Watertown Public Schools > Student Services
Physical therapy is a related service provided to students of the Watertown Public Schools to assist a child with a disability identified through the Special Education Program. Students that have been identified between the ages of 3 and 22 years of age and have a physical disability that impacts their ability to access the school-based curriculum are eligible for services in the least restrictive environment.
Physical therapy within the school setting concentrates on:
- Supporting a child’s ability to negotiate the school environment
- Facilitating a child’s ability to perform school based self-care
- Enabling a child to engage in mobility based play with peers
These services may differ from physical therapy delivered through medically based clinics, rehabilitation facilities, or orthopedic settings. The PT staff may provide consultation, direct treatment, or training of parents and school staff. Delivery of these services may be provided in whole class, small group or individual treatment in a variety of settings. Consideration of a child’s performance includes skills in the classroom, gymnasium, stairs, playground, and cafeteria. Motor therapy rooms are designated in each of the elementary schools for therapy requiring specialized equipment.
Professionals that are licensed by the Board of Allied Health Professions in Massachusetts provide physical therapy services. Evaluations and screening of students is conducted by the registered physical therapist. Within the Watertown Public Schools both registered physical therapists and registered physical therapy assistants provide these services.
Current staff includes:
Deborah A. Dayton, RPT (system wide) ddayton@watertown.k12.ma.us
Maria L. Kendricken, RPT (Hosmer School and Cunniff School) mkendricken@watertown.k12.ma.us
Nancy I. Salvucci, RPTA (Early Steps Integrated Preschool and Lowell School) nsalvucci@watertown.k12.ma.us
The physical therapy staff serves as members of the educational team. In addition to evaluationand screening, they provide expertise in the modification of equipment and the physical environment to enhance student performance. Upon request, consultation is provided regarding a student who demonstrates difficulty in the area of gross motor development or self care skills which impact his school performance.
School based physical therapy services include:
- Collaboration with families and community based health care providers
- Professional consultation to community based recreational programs and organizations
- Provision of parent and staff workshops on specific topics relevant to the school based population
- Delivery of direct therapeutic services
- Development and demonstration of programs for families and daycare providers as indicated
- Resource for selection and purchase of adaptive equipment
Elisabeth Schaefer
Director of Student Services
eschaefer @ watertown.k12.ma.us
tel: 617 926-7767
Barbara Stewart
Student Services Assistant
bstewart @ watertown.k12.ma.us
tel: 617-926-7767
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