Handle with Care:
Infant Development/Handling Techniques & Hospital to Home for NICU Grads
A Continuing Education Course for PTs, SLPs and OTs
Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services in Umatilla, FL
March 3, 2026
Course Duration: 8:30AM - 5:00 PM
Price: Registration through Florida Elks Therapy
Course Description
This course is being provided to Florida Elks Therapy Service Providers.
Program Objectives
Program Objectives: Part 1
- Demonstrate knowledge of key elements and timing of typical infant/toddler development related to the musculoskeletal, sensory, and neurological systems.
- Understand whole child development for typical infants and toddlers
- Identify signs of atypical development in infants and toddlers
- Identify how underlying sensory-motor control and routine habits of positioning/handling contribute to development
- Learn importance of continuous assessment of alignment, postural control, and tolerance of sensory input for effective treatment
- Define handling, postural control, hand placement, and basics for movement facilitation for infants and toddlers
Program Objectives: Part 2
- Identify common challenges faced by NICU graduates and their families when transitioning home.
- Recognize developmental considerations and risk factors for infants with severe prematurity and NICU-related diagnoses.
- Differentiate handling approaches for tone differences (high tone vs. low tone) and across various patient examples.
- Develop interdisciplinary strategies for effective patient care, using observation checklists for assessment.
- Apply evidence-based strategies to support feeding, breathing, sensory needs and bowel regulation in medically complex infants.
- Collaborate with caregivers to promote safe, functional routines at home that enhance quality of life.
Participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of key elements and timing of typical infant/toddler development related to the musculoskeletal, sensory and neurological systems.
- Identify signs of atypical development and correlate impact of alignment, social engagement and self initiated movement on development and progression in milestones.
- Understand and implement handling/positioning techniques to facilitate and promote optimal development in infants/toddlers with high tone, low tone, prematurity and/or developmental delay.
Mary Pengelley, PT, DPT
Mary Pengelley has been a pediatric physical therapist since 1983. She has worked with children of all ages including young adults who have grown up with a variety of developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, genetic disorders, muscular dystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, brachial plexus injury, and torticollis. Mary is the Rehab Director at Progressive Pediatric Therapy in West Palm Beach FL, is certified as an Assistive Technology Practitioner, teaches pediatric classes for DPT students, and also teaches continuing education webinars and live classes for licensed therapists.