A sustainable, rewarding career as a school-based therapist is within reach! Many clinicians (OT, PT, SLP, and BCBAs) are drawn to freelance work for its flexibility—but flexibility doesn’t always mean sustainability, connection, or support. You might also consider the benefits of contract work.
At Kelly Pediatric Therapy, we want you to understand the real trade-offs before making a decision. After all, the path you choose shapes your daily experience and long-term growth.
Freelancing puts you in the driver’s seat, managing all aspects of your caseloads, opportunities, professional resources, continuing education, and career development. While autonomy can be appealing, it often comes with significant drawbacks:
Isolation: You handle complex cases and challenging school dynamics solo, with no built-in clinical leadership or team to turn to. You may not form relationships with colleagues or have a seat at the table for a patient’s care plan.
Administrative Burden: From contracts to compliance and billing, all non-clinical work falls on your shoulders.
Limited Professional Growth: Expanding your skill set and network is harder without structured opportunities or mentorship.
Job Instability: You must continually search for new placements, negotiate terms, and advocate for yourself—often without support. You may be picking up shifts in clinics or hospitals with various and less consistent patient populations.
Aside from the perk of working a school-year schedule, Kelly Pediatric Therapy offers the structure, advocacy, professional development, and partnership that freelancers often lack. Here’s what sets our team apart:
1. Sustainable Caseloads & Workflows
Our leadership and clinical directors work to ensure manageable caseloads and schedules that support your well-being and growth. You’ll never be left to navigate overwhelming workloads on your own.
2. Real Mentorship & Professional Support
You’re paired with experienced mentors and have regular access to leadership who understand your day-to-day challenges. Whether you’re taking on your first school assignment or transitioning from a demanding role, you have guidance and advocacy every step of the way.
3. Faster, More Confident Transitions
We take pride in welcoming new team members with structured onboarding, regular check-ins, and a clear path to answers when facing difficult cases or unfamiliar environments. This support eliminates the “trial and error” most freelancers face on their own.
4. Built-In Community & Collaboration
Freelance work can feel isolating; with us, you join a community of school-based therapy professionals. Share experiences, learn from peers, and never feel like you’re facing unique problems alone. You’ll attend monthly meetings with your district team, have monthly training & collaboration opportunities with our national team, and have access to free continuing education courses.
5. Less Admin. More Therapy.
With Kelly Pediatric Therapy, you can focus on what matters most: serving students and making a meaningful impact. We pay for your time in documentation and support you to make it streamlined, letting you put your energy where it counts.
6. Opportunities for Long-Term Growth
Take advantage of our continuing education resources/credits, professional development, clinical supervision, and advancement pathways. We invest in your future, so you can build a sustainable and satisfying career.
7. Leadership Advocacy
Our clinical directors advocate on your behalf within schools, addressing caseload, scheduling, and culture challenges so you’re always well-supported. They have also walked in your shoes as school-based therapists.
8. True Work-Life Balance
Enjoy a schedule that fits your life and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your work environment is designed for your success.
Freelancers face burnout, isolation, and administrative overload. With Kelly Pediatric Therapy, you gain:
At Kelly Pediatric Therapy, our mission is to support dedicated therapists like you, so you can make a difference for children and families in our schools, clinics, and communities. We offer resources, mentorship, and real opportunities for career growth—plus a true work-life balance. Learn more about all the ways we support our therapists.
Connect with our recruiters today to learn how you can advance your career—and make every hour you spend at work more meaningful.
Explore our PT, OT, SLP, and behavioral health opportunities in schools across the country.