Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB), a prominent workforce solutions provider, has taken a significant step toward expanding its clinical services by acquiring the Children’s Therapy Center (CTC), a childhood therapeutics company specializing in occupational, physical, and speech therapy for children. This acquisition comes at a time when the demand for specialized pediatric therapy services is higher than ever, driven by the increasing prevalence of conditions like autism, speech delays, and developmental motor delays. Kelly’s strategic move into this high-demand, high-margin sector strengthens its position in the educational and clinical services space, especially in pediatric therapy services.
Addressing Growing Demand in Pediatric Therapy Services
Nicola Soares, President of Kelly Education, shared insights with Autism Business News about the importance of this acquisition in addressing the growing needs within the field of childhood therapeutic services. Soares emphasized that the demand for these services had been increasing long before the pandemic. “The demand for services has been going on for years, actually, and certainly well before the pandemic,” Soares said. This is particularly evident when considering the rising number of children diagnosed with autism, speech and language delays, and other special education needs. According to Soares, fulfilling the hours of service required for these children often extends beyond the school day, presenting a challenge in ensuring all children receive the therapy they need. “Being able to acquire a clinic was also very important to us because… sometimes it’s hard to fulfill all hours of service [for special education students], so they trickle over beyond the school day. There’s an opportunity to be able to fulfill those hours for students,” she added.
The Strategic Fit of CTC and Pediatric Therapeutic Services
The acquisition of CTC fits perfectly within Kelly Education’s broader strategy to expand its clinical and therapeutic offerings through its Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS) arm. PTS was acquired by Kelly Education in 2022 and already provides essential therapy services to public schools across various districts. These services include government-mandated in-school therapies such as mental and behavioral health care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. The integration of CTC into PTS enhances Kelly Education’s ability to deliver a seamless continuum of services, extending from school-based interventions to private clinic services, and further bolstering the company’s ability to meet the needs of students and communities through pediatric therapy services.
CTC’s Expertise in Pediatric Therapy Services
CTC’s expertise in serving children from birth to 18 years old with a wide range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), cerebral palsy, developmental motor or speech delays, and other developmental disabilities, will complement Kelly Education’s existing capabilities. Operating two locations in Minnesota, CTC has a strong track record in providing therapy to children with these conditions, helping them achieve developmental milestones and overcome challenges. Integrating CTC’s private clinics into Kelly’s network will allow the company to offer a more holistic solution to the therapeutic needs of children, both within the classroom and outside it.
Filling the Gap in Pediatric Therapy Services
The strategic acquisition also comes as CTC’s founder, Sue Fuller, prepares for retirement and is looking to transition the business. Although the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Soares explained that the acquisition of CTC offers a perfect fit for Kelly Education’s mission to provide comprehensive support to children and families. “Integrating private clinics into PTS was a great synergistic fit,” Soares explained. “It allows us to offer end-to-end services, in and outside of schools.” With many of Kelly Education’s clients frequently asking for more therapists and special education teachers, due to the shortage of skilled professionals in these fields, the acquisition of CTC will help to fill this gap by expanding Kelly’s clinical workforce and improving access to specialized pediatric therapy services.
Looking Toward Expansion in Pediatric Therapy Services
Looking ahead, Kelly Education is focused on expanding its clinical services both organically and through additional acquisitions. The company has ambitious plans to grow its presence across the United States, with a particular emphasis on opening additional clinics. Soares highlighted that Kelly Education’s focus on expanding its capabilities will be pivotal in meeting the increasing demand for qualified therapists and special education professionals, both in school districts and in the broader community. “Our intentions and plans are to open additional clinics,” she said. “We continue to be very focused on providing services that can expand our capabilities, particularly into our school districts, but also our communities at large.” With this expansion, Kelly Education aims to further strengthen its ability to deliver vital pediatric therapy services to children in need.
Strengthening the Future of Pediatric Therapy Services
As Kelly Education embarks on this new chapter, the acquisition of Children’s Therapy Center signals a broader commitment to strengthening its position as a leading provider of pediatric therapy services. The company is not only addressing the urgent needs of school districts but is also working to provide vital support to children with developmental and special education needs, ensuring they have access to the therapies they require to thrive. The integration of CTC into Kelly Education’s network opens up new opportunities for the company to continue to meet the evolving needs of its clients and further enhance the therapeutic services available to children and families across the country.
With a clear focus on growth and service expansion, Kelly Education is poised to play an even larger role in providing quality care to children in need of therapy and support, both inside and outside of the classroom, by expanding its pediatric therapy services across the nation.
