The APTA Pediatrics Residency and Fellowship Special Interest Group (RF SIG) is hosting Virtual Residency Fairs, October 7–9 from 8:00–9:30 pm ET. These sessions are designed for students in their final year of coursework as well as practicing clinicians interested in advanced training opportunities.

This year’s fair will feature 39 residency programs from across the country, each offering a short presentation followed by time for Q&A. The event is divided into three sessions, allowing you to register for the programs and time blocks that best fit your interests and schedule.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect directly with program faculty and residents, learn about curriculum and application processes, and explore the next step in your professional journey.

Participating Programs on October 9:

• American Family Children's Hospital & University of Wisconsin Waisman Center
• Baylor University & Hope and Believe
• Cincinnati Children's 
• Creighton University
• Gillette Children's 
• Incarnate Word - Methodist & TEAMability
• Kennedy Krieger Institute
• Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation
• Michigan Medicine
• Munroe Meyer Institute & University of Nebraska
• Nationwide Children's
• University of Chicago Medicine

View participating programs on October 7

View participating programs on October 8

The APTA Pediatrics Residency and Fellowship Special Interest Group (RF SIG) is hosting Virtual Residency Fairs, October 7–9 from 8:00–9:30 pm ET. These sessions are designed for students in their final year of coursework as well as practicing clinicians interested in advanced training opportunities.

This year’s fair will feature 39 residency programs from across the country, each offering a short presentation followed by time for Q&A. The event is divided into three sessions, allowing you to register for the programs and time blocks that best fit your interests and schedule.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect directly with program faculty and residents, learn about curriculum and application processes, and explore the next step in your professional journey.

Participating Programs on October 8:

• Atrium Health Wake Forest 
• Brooks Rehabilitation
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
• Duke University Health System
• Georgia State University
• Medical University of South Carolina 
• Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital & Belmont University
• University of Central Arkansas
• University of Miami & Nicklaus Children's Hospital
• University of Mississippi Medical Center 
• University of North Carolina
• Virginia Commonwealth University

View participating programs on October 7

View participating programs on October 9

The APTA Pediatrics Residency and Fellowship Special Interest Group (RF SIG) is hosting Virtual Residency Fairs, October 7–9 from 8:00–9:30 pm ET. These sessions are designed for students in their final year of coursework as well as practicing clinicians interested in advanced training opportunities.

This year’s fair will feature 39 residency programs from across the country, each offering a short presentation followed by time for Q&A. The event is divided into three sessions, allowing you to register for the programs and time blocks that best fit your interests and schedule.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect directly with program faculty and residents, learn about curriculum and application processes, and explore the next step in your professional journey.

Participating Programs on October 7:

• Boston Children's
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia 
• Good Shepherd Rehabilitation & Drexel University 
• Johns Hopkins Hospital & George Washington University 
• Oregon Health Sciences University 
• Sacred Heart University & Connecticut Children's 
• St. Luke's University Health Network
• University of Colorado 
• University of Rochester 
• University of Southern California & Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
• University of Utah
• University of Washington & Seattle Children's Hospital

View participating programs on October 8

View participating programs on October 9

Please join us for a journal club meeting on 9/25/25 at 7:30pm EST to discuss two journal articles: '“Learn the Signs. Act Early.”: Updates and Implications for Physical Therapists.' and "Early Mobility and Crawling: Beliefs and Practices of Pediatric Physical Therapists in the United States".

Both the IDEA and current evidence emphasize the need for a team approach when educating students with disabilities; this is especially important when supporting students with complex learning needs (often identified under the eligibility of Multiple Disabilities).  These children require higher levels of support and team collaboration outside of traditionally held norms to create the optimal learning environment. When these pieces come together it provides opportunities for learning, interaction, and belonging.

We will discuss the rationale for a collaborative approach during the creation and implementation of an IEP, suggest concrete steps for moving toward a more collaborative practice, and discuss the benefits and challenges of working closely within a school-based team.

Registration is capped at 50. Additionally, this webinar will not be recorded. Make sure to register early!

ACE SIG Town Hall: Lessons learned, teaching resources, and discussion on rolling out PDMS-3 in physical therapy education

The ACE SIG Town Hall was held on July 7th. Watch the recording to hear from ACE SIG members who have integrated PDMS-3, the newest edition, into their pediatric physical therapy courses. The session will be brief presentations from Marisa Birkmeier, ACE SIG chair, and Jim Moore, ACE SIG vice chair, where they will share how they implemented PDMS-3 into their pediatric courses. Most of the session will be dedicated to member discussion on how others have implemented it (or other online subscription-based assessments) and ideas for future implementation. Ideas for future town halls will also be solicited and discussed.

Participated Committee Members: Cornelia Lieb-Lundell PT, DPT, Certif Pediatric Specialist Emeritus, Jay Grissom, PT, DPT, Jen Brilmyer, PT, DPT, DHSc, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, Martha Bloyer PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, Tanya Liu, PT, DPT, PhD

Article: Predictors of Length of Physical Therapy Care for Infants With Congenital Torticollis

Authors: Heather R. Aker, PT, DHSc; Samuel R. Pierce, PT, PhD; Elizabeth S. Moore, PhD; Kathy Martin, PT, DHSc

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Conclude how the results could be used in the clinical decision-making process in pediatric physical therapy treatment of children with torticollis.
2. Consider potential limitations to the type of research conducted in the article
3. Describe the patient population included in this study.
4. Explain factors found to be correlated or predicted with length of care (LOC) in the study.
5. Use new evidence to predict expected therapy durations and key predictors of LOC.

Participated Committee Members: Jay Grissom, PT, DPT, Jen Brilmyer, PT, DPT, DHSc, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, Tanya Liu, PT, DPT, PhD, Kelli Reyes, PT, DPT, Martha Henao Bloyer, PT, DPT

Article: Implementing Clinical Practice Guidelines for Improving Function in Cerebral Palsy: Development of a Fidelity Tool

Authors: Michelle Jackman, PhD; Megan Thorley, BSc(OT); Rachel Toovey, BSc(PT), PhD; Andrea Burgess, BSc(OT), PhD; Remy Blatch-Williams, BSc(Psych); Leanne Sakzewski, BSc(OT), PhD; Roslyn N. Boyd, BSc(PT), PhD; Iona Novak, BSc(OT), PhD

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Explain the methodology used to pilot a clinical practice guideline fidelity tool
2. Understand the purpose of the fidelity tool used to support clinical practice guidelines for enhancing function in children with cerebral palsy.
3. Identify key challenges and recommendations for implementing the fidelity tool in clinical settings, including factors influencing clinician acceptance and family involvement.
4. Analyze the preferred uses of the fidelity tool among clinicians
5. Evaluate the role of clinician experience and workplace setting in the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the fidelity tool for interventions for children with cerebral palsy.

Connect with the APTA School Based SIG and your regional representatives as well as other school-based physical therapists during our Town Hall/Q&A session.  This session is designed for both Pediatric Academy members and non APTA members. This session will be an interactive discussion led by the co-directors of the Innovations in School-Based Practice coordinators, and other experts in the field.  During this interactive webinar you will have the opportunity to:

• Engage with the Innovations Conference Co-Directors and the School Based SIG representatives.  You may Participate in a lively Q&A session with experts who will address your specific “hot topic” questions, provide localized advice, and share real-world experiences in school-based practice.
• Collaborate and Network: Connect with fellow therapists, educators, and professionals to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and build a supportive community focused on improving your school-based practice
• Future Opportunities: Learn more about Annual Innovations in School-based Physical Therapy Conference and what the Academy offers members and non-members.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner, a school administrator, or simply interested in the evolving field of school-based physical therapy, this session offers valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance your practice and support the success for one another.

Dr. Heather Brossman, PT, DPT, DHSc, MS, PCS, CCS is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Brossman is currently the Region IV representative for the school based physical therapy special interest group of the APTA, and a clinical director for Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. She is the Academic Director for the Good Shepard/Drexel University pediatric residency. Her research agenda includes participation for children with physical and intellectual disabilities in preschool, at home, and the community.  She teaches cardiopulmonary/vascular physical therapy and is a cardiovascular and pulmonary specialist (CCS)as well as teaches pediatrics and is a pediatric clinical specialist (PCS).  She is interested in promotion of health and wellness across the lifespan and the participation of children with disabilities in school based practice.

Dr. Codi Andersen, PT, DPT, MA is the OT/PT Supervisor for a consortium of school districts in Southern California. Dr. Andersen supervises a department of 60 OT/PT/COTA/PTAs who provide school-based services across 18 school districts. Dr. Andersen practiced as a school-based physical therapist for many years prior to taking a role as an administrator. Dr. Andersen has a Masters in school counseling as well as a PPS credential in the state of California. She is currently pursuing a master's degree and credential in educational administration. Her research agenda includes demonstrating the benefits and improved student outcomes critical in the administrator decision-making process of school-based OTs and PTs working in their full scope of practice to support all students, not just as related service providers under IDEA, but also as Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) under ESSA. 

Beyond the Read Continuing Education Series

Course Authors: Monica Krogmann, PT, DPT, MA; Jay Grissom, PT, DPT; Tanya Liu, PT, DPT, PhD; Jen Brilmyer, PT, DPT, DHSc, Cornelia Lieb-Lundell PT, DPT

Article Title:

Clinical Factors Related to Abnormal General Movements Trajectories: Development of a Multicriteria Index

Article Authors:

Karoline Tury de Mendonça, PT, Msc; Ana Flávia de Souza Pascoal, PT; Fernanda de Cordoba Lanza, PT, PhD; Bernat Viñolas Prat, PhD, Rosane Luzia de Souza Morais, PT, PhD; Ana Cristina Resende Camargos, PT, PhD

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Understand the clinical application of the multicriteria index
2. Identify clinical factors used in the multicriteria index
3. Recognize the relationship between the multicriteria index and General Movements (GM) trajectories
4. Analyze the effectiveness of the multicriteria index in clinical settings