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Adapted Physical Activity information

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How much do adapted physical activity jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for adapted physical activity in the United States is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is adapted physical activity?

Adapted physical activity (APA) refers to physical education, exercise, and sports programs that are specifically designed or modified to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. The goal is to promote inclusion, improve physical fitness, and enhance quality of life by providing accessible and meaningful physical activities. Professionals in APA assess each person's abilities and tailor activities to ensure safety, enjoyment, and personal growth. This can include modifications to rules, equipment, or the environment to ensure everyone can participate. APA is utilized in schools, community settings, and rehabilitation programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adapted physical activity specialist?

To thrive as an Adapted Physical Activity Specialist, you need a solid background in physical education, exercise science, or a related field, often supported by a degree and relevant certifications such as CAPE (Certified Adapted Physical Educator). Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and specialized instructional strategies is essential for meeting diverse participant needs. Exceptional communication, creativity, and patience are vital soft skills for building rapport and effectively motivating individuals with disabilities. These skills ensure inclusive, safe, and effective physical activity programs that enhance participants' health, confidence, and quality of life.

What is the difference between Adapted Physical Activity vs Physical Therapist?

AspectAdapted Physical ActivityPhysical Therapist
CredentialsCertification in Adapted Physical Activity or related fieldsDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) license
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, recreational facilitiesHospitals, clinics, rehab centers
Industry UsageSpecializes in designing physical activity programs for individuals with disabilitiesFocuses on restoring movement and function after injury or illness

Adapted Physical Activity professionals develop tailored exercise programs for individuals with disabilities, often working in educational or community settings. Physical Therapists primarily treat injury or illness-related mobility issues in clinical environments. While both roles promote physical health, their focus, credentials, and work settings differ significantly.

What are some common challenges professionals face when working in adapted physical activity and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Adapted Physical Activity often encounter the challenge of designing inclusive programs that meet a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. Adapting activities to individual abilities while maintaining engagement and motivation can be complex, especially in group settings. Collaboration with other specialists, ongoing training, and clear communication with participants and their families are essential strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful outcomes.
More about Adapted Physical Activity jobs
What cities are hiring for Adapted Physical Activity jobs? Cities with the most Adapted Physical Activity job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Adapted Physical Activity jobs? The most popular types of Adapted Physical Activity jobs are:
What states have the most Adapted Physical Activity jobs? States with the most job openings for Adapted Physical Activity jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Adapted Physical Activity jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Adapted Physical Activity jobs are:
Infographic showing various Adapted Physical Activity job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,254 per year, or $16 per hour.

Special Education Teacher - Adapted Physical Education (APE) - General Interest

Frisco ISD

Frisco, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Reports ToCoordinator of Special EducationWork Year Days184SalaryTeacher Pay Scale: https://www.friscoisd.org/employment/compensationPrimary Purpose

To provide direct instruction and/or teacher consultation for students who require modification of the general education PE program.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education and/or physical education endorsements

Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE) certification preferred

ย Special Knowledge/Skills:ย ย 

Knowledge and proper utilization of adapted physical education assessments in the recommendation of student eligibility for services

Ability to instruct students and support their unique needs

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Major Responsibilities and DutiesAssessment / Evaluation:

Collect, organize, and interpret student information from guardians and teachers, as well as relevant assessment data from the cumulative folder and outside evaluation reports.

Conduct classroom observations and interviews with guardians, staff, and students.

Review available data to determine appropriate evaluation materials, procedures, and equipment.

Administer and interpret individual assessments to determine if a student meets educational disability criteria and/or exhibits a need for adapted physical education services according to federal and state regulations.

Complete adapted physical education portion of Full and Individual Evaluation reports within the district special education data management system.

Review adapted physical education evaluation results with guardians, including interpretation of evaluation data and educational needs of students.

Participate in the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to make recommendations regarding educational need for services and to assist with the interpretation of evaluation data, appropriate placement, specified timelines and development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for students according to district procedures.

Provision of Services:

Plan and deliver individual and/or group adapted physical education services to students as outlined in the IEP.

Maintain documentation of student progress and adapted physical education service provision within the special education data management system.

Continuously monitor student progress, make changes during service provision and recommend adjustments to IEP, as needed.

Consult and train district staff, outside service providers and guardians regarding disability criteria and the development and implementation of the IEP.

Recommend interventions, instructional strategies, equipment and/or educational aids to promote maximum student independence.

Campus and Program Support:

Facilitate and/or coach staff on the implementation of quality special education programming.

Communicate current legal findings related to federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, local board policies and operating procedures in the area of evaluation, planning, placement, and delivery of special education services.

Develop and provide instruction in physical, recreation and leisure skills for special education students including Special Olympics activities that occur during the school day.

Communication:

Maintain a positive, professional, and effective relationship with supervisors, administrators, educators, staff, students, and parents.

Use effective verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues.

Maintain confidentiality of student, parent and school information and records at all times.

Perform liaison duties between Frisco ISD and community agencies/other outside entities in planning and implementing Special Olympics events.

Administration:

Compile, maintain, file and/or upload all physical and digital reports, records, and other required documents within the district special education data management system.

Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and Frisco ISD.

Comply with all department and campus procedures.

Utilize the district special education data management system with proficiency and accuracy.

Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment, including attendance at department and team meetings.

Participate in campus, district and/or team meetings, as applicable, for student referrals, IEP development, and/or other purposes as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned

Frisco ISD retains the right to adjust the responsibilities and assignments of all positions as needed to meet the needs of the District.

Work Relationships

Frisco ISD is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that honors and supports the social and emotional well-being of all.ย  Employees are expected to interact in a manner that is becoming of educators and promotes high levels of productivity for the benefit of the students we serve.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.ย  Physical demands include:ย  frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and transferring students to and from wheelchairs, and assisting with positioning students with physical disabilities. Exposure to biological hazards.

Special Education General Employee Expectation:

The Special Education Department maintains an expectation that all staff will assume shared responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of all students and adults; which may include implementing, supporting and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services.

Disclosure Statements

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. The Frisco Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. FISD does not discriminate on the basis of membership or application for membership in the uniformed services.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME