Adapted Physical Education Specialists

25-2059.01

Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students.
• Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement.
• Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.
• Provide students positive feedback to encourage them and help them develop an appreciation for physical education.
• Establish and maintain standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.
• Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling condition.
• Assess students' physical progress or needs.
• Assist in screening or placement of students in adapted physical education programs.
• Evaluate the motor needs of individual students to determine their need for adapted physical education services.
• Collaborate with other educational personnel to provide inclusive activities or programs for children with disabilities.
• Maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records.
• Advise education professionals of students' physical abilities or disabilities and the accommodations required to enhance their school performance.
• Communicate behavioral observations and student progress reports to students, parents, teachers, or administrators.
• Write or modify individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with intellectual or physical disabilities.
• Write reports to summarize student performance, social growth, or physical development.
• Prepare lesson plans in accordance with individualized education plans (IEPs) and the functional abilities or needs of students.
• Attend in-service training, workshops, or meetings to keep abreast of current practices or trends in adapted physical education.
• Review adapted physical education programs or practices to ensure compliance with government or other regulations.
• Request or order physical education equipment, following standard procedures.
• Maintain inventory of instructional equipment, materials, or aids.

Technology Skills

• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Individualized Educational Program IEP software; Student record software
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Web page creation and editing software - Facebook 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.
• Teach physical education.
• Encourage students.
• Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.
• Assist students with special educational needs.
• Assess educational needs of students.
• Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.
• Collaborate with other professionals to develop education or assistance programs.
• Maintain student records.
• Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies.
• Discuss problems or issues with supervisors.
• Discuss student progress with parents or guardians.
• Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.
• Prepare reports detailing student activities or performance.
• Document lesson plans.
• Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
• Determine operational compliance with regulations or standards.
• Evaluate effectiveness of educational programs.
• Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.