Pediatric Therapeutic Services Relaunches as Kelly Pediatric Therapy with Focus on Access and Workforce Gaps

Kelly Education, a provider of education workforce and talent solutions, has announced that Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS) will now operate under the new name Kelly Pediatric Therapy (KPT). The rebranding marks the final step in a strategic integration that began when Kelly Education acquired PTS in 2022. The transition comes at a time when school districts across the United States are facing a significant shortage of therapy professionals.

Through this integration, the organization has expanded its clinical workforce, strengthened operational capabilities, and enhanced the services it delivers to school districts, families, and healthcare partners. The new Kelly Pediatric Therapy brand reflects a unified organization designed to deliver a broad range of pediatric therapy services. These services span early intervention programs, school-based therapy, and outpatient clinical care, creating a comprehensive support system for children at different developmental stages.

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Kelly Pediatric Therapy also complements Kelly Education’s broader PreK–12 workforce solutions portfolio, which includes substitute teacher staffing, special education support, and paraeducator placement. By bringing these services together under one network, the company aims to create stronger connections between clinicians, educators, students, and families while improving access to specialized support.

Nicola Soares, President of Kelly Education, said that children’s developmental needs cannot be delayed while the industry struggles with therapy staffing shortages. She explained that the new Kelly Pediatric Therapy brand combines more than 25 years of pediatric therapy expertise with the resources and reputation of Kelly, helping address key industry challenges such as staffing gaps, limited access to services, and compliance requirements.

The rebrand arrives during a critical period for pediatric therapy services. Across the country, schools are experiencing a shortage of mental health and therapy professionals. During the 2024–2025 school year, the national ratio stood at approximately 1,071 students for every school psychologist more than double the recommended ratio of 500:1 set by the National Association of School Psychologists. Some states face even greater shortages, with certain regions reporting more than 2,000 students per psychologist. In extreme cases, states such as Alabama and Mississippi report ratios exceeding 15,000 students per psychologist.

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At the same time, demand for therapy services continues to rise. Many children who missed early developmental opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic now require additional support, particularly in speech and language development. Nearly 70% of speech-language pathologists have reported increased referrals since 2020. Budget pressures also remain a challenge for school districts, particularly following the end of pandemic-related federal funding programs.

Kelly Pediatric Therapy aims to address these challenges by providing integrated therapy and behavioral health services for children from birth through age 21. Its services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral health support. The organization also offers program management services to help schools streamline therapy delivery while improving student outcomes.

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