PHYSICAL THERAPIST | SCHOOL-BASED | UP TO $90/HR | DELAWARE COUNTY, PA

About This Opportunity

What if your next PT role came with a predictable schedule, competitive pay, plenty of time off in the summer, and a mentor with 26 years of school-based experience guiding you every step of the way?

We're hiring a contract School-Based Physical Therapist to serve students in a Delaware County school district. This part-time role runs on the academic calendar with consistent school day hours, built in breaks, and no evenings or weekends, with compensation ranging from $80 to $90 per hour.

At 15-20 hours per week, you're looking at an annualized earning potential of approximately $60,000-$65,000, while working part-time hours and a school year schedule.

Whether you're an experienced school-based PT, a pediatric clinician ready to trade clinic burnout for something more sustainable, or a therapist looking to re-enter the workforce on your own terms this role was built for you.

Position Details

• Location: Delaware County
• Schedule: Approximately 20 hours per week | Monday–Friday | School-day hours
• Contract Period: Late September 2026 – June 2027
• Optional Extension: Extended School Year (ESY) | July 2027
• Compensation: $80–$90 per hour
• Employment Type: 1099 Independent Contractor

Why Therapists Love This Role

• Up to $90/hour. Your rate reflects your experience and expertise.
• Approximately 20 hours per week. Protect your time and energy!
• Paid paperwork and travel time.
• Annualized earning potential of ~$60,000–$65,000 on a part-time school year schedule.
• Academic calendar schedule. This means built-in holidays, winter break, spring break, and summers completely off.
• Mentorship from a Physical Therapist with 26 years of school-based experience. Real support, not just onboarding paperwork.
• One district, one familiar community. Build real, lasting relationships with students, families, and school teams.
• Manageable caseload. Quality care over high volume, by design.
• Schools are within 3–4 miles of each other, a quick drive, not a commute, and travel time is paid.
• Optional ESY work in July 2027 which means additional income if you want it, zero obligation if you don't.
• No evenings. No weekends. No on-call. Ever.
• 1099 structure allows you to maximize your earning power and professional flexibility

What Your Day Looks Like

You'll work directly with students across schools in Delaware County, providing:

• Individualized physical therapy services and hands-on treatment
• Student evaluations and comprehensive treatment planning
• IEP/504 goal development, implementation, and progress monitoring
• Attendance at IEP meetings to report on student progress
• Consultative services aligned with each student's individualized plan
• Ongoing communication with families, teachers, and school teams
• Accurate documentation and compliance recordkeeping
• Coordination of required physician prescriptions as needed
• Flexible scheduling and make-up sessions as appropriate

You'll manage your caseload with clinical autonomy supported, not micromanaged, by a mentor who genuinely understands school-based practice from the ground up.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Active Pennsylvania Physical Therapist license in good standing
• Minimum 3 years of Physical Therapy experience
• Ability to work independently in a school-based setting
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Preferred:

• Pediatric or school-based PT experience
• Familiarity with IEP/504 processes and IDEA regulations

Required Clearances (must be obtained prior to start):

• PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• PA State Criminal Background Check
• Mandated Reporter Training Certification
• Professional Liability Insurance

Not yet school-based but experienced in pediatrics? We welcome your application. Our mentorship program exists precisely to support that transition.

About the Contract Structure

This role is structured as a 1099 independent contractor position, which means stronger hourly compensation, professional flexibility, and a schedule that follows the academic calendar. The hourly rate is set to reflect your full value as a clinician. At up to $90/hour over a 20-hour school-year schedule, the earning potential is genuinely competitive with, and often exceed, traditional salaried PT roles.

About Best Beginnings LLC

Best Beginnings LLC is a therapy contracting organization committed to connecting skilled clinicians with meaningful school-based opportunities. We believe great therapy happens when therapists are supported, fairly compensated, and given the space to do their best work.