Program evaluation of physical therapy as an early intervention and related service in special education.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to develop a database method for documenting achievement of Individualized Education Plan/Individualized Family Service Plan objectives in a practical and cost-effective manner that could be easily replicated in other school systems.

Method: This study was conducted in a public school district in a Midwest metropolitan area in which 18 pediatric physical therapists provided services. A database method for documenting achievement of Individualized Education Plan/Individualized Family Service Plan objectives was used. The objectives of 566 children receiving physical therapy services were extracted from the records. A total of 2228 objectives were obtained for analysis.

Results: Ninety-one percent of the objectives were scored as met or progress made. Factors associated with achievement of objectives included the amount and type of service provided, program features, and attributes of the objective.

Conclusion: A program evaluation methodology for physical therapy services in the educational setting is documented for others to replicate.