APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy

02/27/2026

We are excited to announce the opening of our submission portal for Education Sessions for the 2026 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference. The 2026 Annual Conference will take place in St. Louis, MO from November 13-15 and this is your chance to submit a proposal to present at this annual event.

The submission site is open from 2/27/26-4/27/26. Decision letters will be sent in the summer 2026. (The poster and platform abstract submission site will be open in the Spring 2026.)

To start your submission, please visit: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/abstract_submission1.cfm

Looking for Ideas? The submission site contains 30 topics of interest that can help you decide what to focus your submission on.

02/27/2026

The 2026 Rifton Research Grant is open — offering up to $10,000 to support research investigating supportive positioning and mobility equipment in pediatric physical therapy.

Letter of Intent due: March 15
Full proposal (if invited) due: June 1

If you're passionate about advancing evidence that improves outcomes for children, this opportunity is for you.

Learn more and submit your Letter of Intent today: https://pediatricapta.org/members/research/APTA-Pediatrics-Research-Grant-Program.cfm

02/24/2026

Mental and behavioral health needs are rising—and pediatric physical therapists have a critical role to play.

Join us March 10th for the webinar Supporting Mental Health: What Is the Role of the Pediatric Physical Therapist?

Learn how to:
- Recognize signs of mental health distress
- Apply practical screening strategies
- Deliver low-intensity psychological interventions
- Advocate for integrated, whole-child care

Strengthen the physical and mental well-being of the children and families you serve. Register today by visiting: https://learning.pediatricapta.org/products/supporting-mental-health-what-is-the-role-of-the-pediatric-physical-therapist -product_tab_overview

02/20/2026

We’re proud to stand alongside APTA in conversations with the U.S. Secretary of Education to protect and strengthen physical therapy services for students with special needs.

APTA Pediatrics remains committed to advancing policy that safeguards access, reduces barriers and supports the clinicians serving children in school settings.

Thank you to the PTs whose expertise drives this advocacy forward.

Last week APTA was invited to meet with the U.S. Secretary of Education to discuss school-based physical therapy services for students with special needs.

Discussions focused on ensuring continuity of care for students with special needs who rely on pediatric PT services in schools.

Key issues APTA discussed:
• Concerns regarding recent restructuring to the Department of ED and its impact on critical programs impacting the pediatric population.
• The need for clearer guidance and resources for therapy providers.
• Improved information on school-based Medicaid claims processes.
• Reduced administrative burden so PTs can spend less time doing paperwork and more time with students.

APTA’s presence in these high-level policy discussions reinforces our commitment to advocating for PTs and protecting access to essential services for students and families.

Thank you to our members whose voices and expertise make this advocacy possible. 🤝

02/19/2026

The last day to register for Annual Conference 2025 on-demand sessions is February 23rd. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to earn CEUs and advance your career. These sessions are only available to watch until 2/28 so register today: https://aptapediatricsac2025.eventscribe.net/aaStatic.asp?SFP=WVBDVlFBS0NAMjI2MTBAMjAyNSAtIFJlZ2lzdHJhdGlvbiAoMik

To access the sessions:
- Once you register, login to the website using the access key in your email
- Click on the left-hand side, hover over Agenda, and select On-Demand.
- Find the desired presentation and click on the video to watch.

02/14/2026

At in Anaheim, we celebrated leadership, legacy, and what’s ahead for APTA Pediatrics. 💙

We’re grateful for the dedication and vision of Mary Jane Rapport PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA that have guided our Academy—strengthening our mission of advancing excellence in pediatric physical therapy and shaping a future where every child reaches their full potential through exceptional pediatric physical therapy.

As we recognize the incredible contributions of our outgoing president, we’re excited to welcome Tricia Catalino, PT, MPT, DSc, PCS as Incoming President of APTA Pediatrics.

Her leadership will carry forward our strategic focus on:

• Community
• Education
• Resources
• Operations

Our Academy continues to build momentum expanding impact, strengthening engagement, and championing pediatric physical therapy nationwide.

Thank you for an incredible CSM! Together, we’re ready to make this a powerful year for our Academy.

02/13/2026

Day 2 at CSM has been amazing! We have had the chance to speak to so many incredible students and physical therapists. It’s inspiring to see the energy and excitement of all the attendees. If you haven’t stopped by yet, be sure to swing by booth 1444.

02/13/2026

We are excited to be here at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting 2026 in Anaheim! It has been thrilling to connect with our PT community—come see us at Booth #1444 to:

• Chat with our team
• Hear about the latest in pediatric physical therapy
• Explore resources and networking opportunities

Whether you’re here for CEUs, sessions, or just to say hi, we’d love to connect! Stop by and see us today 😊

02/04/2026

PT in the Community is gearing up for efforts during CSM 2026! The organization is on a mission to positively impact local underserved and disadvantaged communities. Join us to make a difference during CSM at local organizations in Anaheim, CA.

Learn more and sign up to make an impact: https://www.orthopt.org/content/membership/pt-in-the-community

02/03/2026

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research awarded $855,000 to fund nine physical therapy research grants. Congratulations to our very own Pediatric Physical Therapists who earned funding for their research projects!

Stacey Dusing, PT, PhD, FAPTA
$200,000 Paris Patla Physical Therapy Research Grant

Jill Heathcock, PT, MPT, PhD
$40,000 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Research Grant

Rebecca Molinini, PT, PhD
$40,000 Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant

Read the full Foundation for Physical Therapy Research announcement and more about each project: https://foundation4pt.org/foundation-for-physical-therapy-research-announces-2025-research-grant-funding/

01/30/2026

There’s still time to access the AC25 sessions and earn up to 27 CEU credits!

Our on-demand offerings have 29 sessions that span across all areas of pediatric physical therapy including:
- Breathe Before You Get Up: Inpatient Therapy Reimagined
- Coaching for Growth: Enhancing Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinical Education and Mentoring
- Conversations That Matter: Navigating Difficult Discussions in Healthcare

And many more!

Register by Feb. 23. and watch anytime until Feb. 28: https://aptapediatricsac2025.eventscribe.net/aaStatic.asp?SFP=WVBDVlFBS0NAMjI2MTBAMjAyNSAtIFJlZ2lzdHJhdGlvbiAoMik

01/28/2026

Join us at CSM for the APTA Pediatrics Member Meeting and Reception! Attend for an evening filled with music, laughter, and the chance to connect with fellow APTA Pediatrics members. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be provided.

When: Friday, February 13th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM (local time)
Where: Marriott Anaheim — Platinum 5 Ballroom

RSVP: https://www.cognitoforms.com/APTAPediatrics/RSVPSurveyForAPTAPediatricsMemberMeetingAndReception