About

Jane Stockton, a former Physical Therapist, began her career at a hospital before transitioning to the local school system. Throughout her tenure, Stockton noted that many were surprised to discover the role of physical therapists within schools. In the 1970s, federal law (PL 94-142, 1975) mandated the inclusion of all children in the educational system, requiring special services to facilitate their participation if needed.

Stockton often told friends that her job allowed her to “play with kids all day,” a statement she believed to be somewhat exaggerated yet fundamentally true. Working with children in physical therapy involved a play-based approach to promote balance, mobility, and physical positioning conducive to school activities. Collaboration with occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, psychologists, teachers, and administrators was integral to her work, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of her profession.