As district leaders look for ways to support diverse student needs with limited resources, one crucial decision stands out: Should you hire contract therapists or bring on full-time staff?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between contract and full-time school therapy professionals. Each option presents unique advantages that can align with a district’s specific needs and goals.
In this guide from ProCare Therapy, we highlight the benefits of contract and full-time school therapy professionals, as well as helpful ways leaders can determine which option is best for your students’ needs.
The Difference Between Contract & Full-Time School Therapists
Full-time school therapists are permanent employees of a school district. They work exclusively within the schools, building relationships and providing consistent services throughout the academic year. Beyond providing therapy services, they immerse themselves in the school culture—attending staff meetings, contributing to professional development, and becoming familiar faces in your hallways.
Contract school therapists, on the other hand, bring specialized expertise to schools as needed. Hired through reputable agencies like ProCare Therapy or as independent contractors, these professionals provide targeted services for specific timeframes. While they may not attend every staff meeting, they deliver essential therapy services exactly when and where you need them.
Benefits of Hiring Contract School Therapy Professionals
- Flexibility and Adaptability
When student populations fluctuate or unexpected needs arise, contract therapists allow you to pivot quickly. Need a specialist for six weeks to support a student with unique challenges? Contract staffing lets you respond to emerging needs without long-term commitments—perfect for districts navigating changing demographics or budget uncertainties.
2. Cost Management
Let’s face it: school budgets rarely grow as quickly as student needs. Contract therapists may offer significant financial advantages, for example, by eliminating costs for health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid leave typically associated with full-time positions. For districts watching every dollar, this approach can free up resources for other critical programs.
3. Access to Specialized Expertise
Contracting allows districts to bring in therapists with specialized skills or certifications for particular student populations or programs. Whether you need an expert in trauma-informed practices or specific cultural competencies, this ensures that all students receive tailored support without the district needing to invest in training for existing staff.
Benefits of Hiring Full-Time School Therapy Professionals
- Consistency
Full-time therapists provide ongoing support, building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. This continuity fosters a deeper understanding of student needs and allows them to track subtle changes in student well-being and intervene earlier.
2. Integration into School Culture
As permanent members of the school community, full-time therapists naturally collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families. This creates a more cohesive support network, for example, where therapeutic strategies are utilized in classroom approaches.
3. Long-Term Investment
Investing in full-time school therapy professionals demonstrates a commitment to student well-being. It tells students, families, and the community that emotional or mental support isn’t an afterthought—it’s seen as an essential, permanent resource.
Determining the Right Fit for Your District
When deciding between contract and full-time therapists, consider the following factors:
- What are your students’ specific needs? Are you addressing a consistent, ongoing demand for services or responding to temporary situations?
- Are you experiencing budgetary constraints? Evaluate your financial resources and determine if cost savings or long-term commitments are more important.
- What are your district’s goals? Align your staffing decisions with the district’s strategic objectives. For future programs requiring sustained, multi-year efforts, full-time therapists may align better with your goals. For short-term initiatives, contract professionals might be ideal.
Find Tailored School Therapy Staffing Solutions
At ProCare Therapy, we specialize in understanding your unique challenges and connecting you with exceptional educators and school therapy talent—whether you need the flexibility of contract professionals or the consistency of full-time staff. Our expertise in educational staffing ensures that you find the right professionals to support your students’ success.
Ready to explore your options? Learn about ProCare’s staffing solutions for your school community here, or request school professionals today.