APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy

APTA Pediatrics is proud to announce the opening of our 2026 Annual Conference registration. This year, we are hosting our flagship event at the gorgeous St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, MO. Join us, November 13-15, 2026 for our annual conference where you earn CE credits, learn from experts, and connect with peers. Learn more and register today to receive the best rates by visiting our conference website: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/index.cfm

There’s still time to submit your Poster or Platform Abstract for the 2026 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference but the deadline is approaching.

Deadline: June 22, 11:59 p.m. ET
• Share original research or clinical insights
• Present in a poster session or platform presentation
• Contribute to advancing pediatric physical therapy

Don’t wait, submit your poster and platform abstracts today: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/abstract_submission2.cfm

Last week the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced a new $144 million investment to help states expand proven interventions that support students with disabilities. According to K-12 Dive, the funds will be distributed through formula grants to states and territories on July 1 and Oct. 1. About $123.6 million will go toward Part B grants, and $20.5 million to Part C grants.

Two Department of Education Grant Opportunities:

1. Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness of Special Education Teachers and Early Intervention Personnel through Registered Apprenticeships
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/18/2026-09897/notice-announcing-personnel-development-to-improve-services-and-results-for-children-with

2. Personnel Preparation of Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services Personnel Program
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/18/2026-09898/notice-announcing-personnel-development-to-improve-services-and-results-for-children-with

Please join us for a journal club meeting to review the article, Transforming Pediatric Physiotherapy: The Role of ChatGPT in Therapy, Limitations, and Ethical Considerations on May 28, 2026 at 7:30PM ET. One CEU will be awarded for participation. Register here: https://learning.pediatricapta.org/products/journal-club-transforming-pediatric-physiotherapy-the-role-of-chatgpt-in-therapy-limitations-and-ethical-considerations -product_tab_overview

Webinar Alert: Advocate for Students with Disabilities, May 20 | 6:00 PM EDT

Reminder to join APTA and the IDEA Implementation Coalition for an important webinar: “One Department, One System: Creating Consistency for All Learners”

Join us on for ONE DEPARTMENT, ONE SYSTEM: CREATING CONSISTENCY FOR ALL LEARNERS! Sponsored by the IDEA Implementation Coalition and Hosted by the Council of Administrators of Special Education.

Hear from expert panelists with up-to-date information about the U.S. Department of Education.

May 20, 2026
6:00-7:00 PM (ET)
Register: https://bit.ly/3R1XtIS

The submission portal for Poster & Platform Abstracts is open for the 2026 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference!

We’re looking for original research and non-commercial content that advances pediatric clinical practice. Whether you’re presenting a poster or platform session, this is your opportunity to share your work with the profession.

New for 2026: Submissions are being accepted through the eShow platform. Start your submission today: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/abstract_submission2.cfm

Webinar Alert: Advocate for Students with Disabilities, May 20 | 6:00 PM EDT

Join APTA and the IDEA Implementation Coalition for an important webinar:
“One Department, One System: Creating Consistency for All Learners”

As discussions continue around dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and shifting special education services to another agency, this webinar will break down what these changes could mean for students with disabilities, school-based services, and IDEA implementation.

Hear from national policy experts and former Department of Education staff about:
• Interagency agreements and IDEA implementation
• Why keeping general and special education together matters
• The potential impact on students and providers
• Ways you can take action to help preserve critical services and supports

Featuring panelists from CASE, AOTA, NASP, NAESP, NASDSE, and The Learning Agency.
Register today and be part of the conversation protecting access and equity for students with disabilities: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9T6uUf7RTSOVaa4_x4FMSQ?_x_zm_rtaid=Ze1zUeKCRD-LuPzQfUyJvQ.1778506882441.e186d51841b16526cf7f0703c419f6dd&_x_zm_rhtaid=610 #/registration

Join the closing program for the 2025-26 APTA Pediatrics Mentoring program titled: Tiny Clues, Big Diagnosis: Differential Diagnosis in Pediatric Physical Therapy.

Date: May 14, 2026
Time: 7pm (CST)

Register today at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWzjzCdqe2qxJAk9CaEyifb56yq2VDbKECZnvsEsilpbLkmw/viewform

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to join the 2026-27 APTA Pediatrics Mentorship program. Applications are now being accepted. Visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflFQA0xfTuwJhGPZqsOBXhfTtHsLgxeQZ_ZyjV93wyBxl3xw/viewform

APTA Pediatrics is excited to announce the start of our application process for the 2026-27 Mentoring Program! To learn more and to apply to be a mentor or mentee please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflFQA0xfTuwJhGPZqsOBXhfTtHsLgxeQZ_ZyjV93wyBxl3xw/viewform

During , we recognize school-based PTs and PTAs for their impact as key members of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel teams who help students succeed every day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXxiY0QD5-7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

School‑based PTs and PTAs play a vital role in Specialized Instructional Support Personnel teams, supporting students every day. 🤝 #SISPWeek offers an opportunity to highlight their impact and expertise. Physical therapy professionals help students build mobility, independence, and access to learning, working alongside educators and other specialists to support whole‑child success.