Business UpdateAug 13, 2026, 04:02 PM
Kelly Report: 71% Therapists See Caseload Growth, Strain on Students
AI Summary
Kelly Pediatric Therapy, a division of Kelly Education, released a white paper titled "The Hidden Workload Behind School-Based Pediatric Therapy." The report, based on a survey of 255 therapists, highlights significant strain in the profession, with 71% reporting increased caseloads and 77% seeing student progress affected by understaffing. It also notes that 68% of therapists spend six or more hours weekly on documentation outside contracted hours, and 64% observe increased complexity in student needs. Despite these challenges, 87% feel supported by their districts, and nearly 90% remain optimistic about their careers.
Key Highlights
- 71% of therapists report caseload growth in the past two years, with 24% describing it as significant.
- 77% of therapists have seen student progress affected by understaffing or unmanageable caseloads.
- 39% of therapists say student progress is frequently or always affected by caseloads.
- 68% of therapists spend six or more hours weekly on documentation outside contracted school hours.
- 64% of therapists report increased complexity of student needs over the past three years.
- 57% of therapists believe school districts are not adequately prepared for a coming therapist shortage.
- 87% of therapists feel at least somewhat supported by their districts.
- Nearly 90% of therapists remain at least somewhat optimistic about school-based practice.
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