What is the ASHA ACE Award and Why Does It Matter?
The ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE Award) is a national recognition presented by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to professionals who demonstrate a deep commitment to ongoing learning. To earn the award, speech-language pathologists must complete at least 70 hours of advanced continuing education within a 3-year period.
At PedsTeam, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone — not for the sake of the award itself, but because it reflects something more important: a relentless drive to grow, improve, and show up better for the children and families we serve.
What Does It Take to Earn the ACE Award?
This isn’t your typical professional development. Earning the ACE Award requires a serious investment of time, energy, and passion. Over the course of just six months, one of our team members completed more than 140 hours of specialized training, focusing on areas like:
- Pediatric feeding therapy
- Oral motor development
- Myofunctional therapy
- Early intervention strategies
This kind of ongoing learning ensures that we’re not only keeping up with best practices — we’re helping to shape them.
Why Continuing Education Matters in Pediatric Therapy
For a child with a feeding disorder, apraxia of speech, or developmental delay, therapy isn’t just about progress — it’s about trust. Families trust us to be experts in our field, to stay current, and to bring the very best techniques to the table.
Continuing education allows us to:
- Deepen our clinical expertise
- Stay current with the latest research
- Provide evidence-based care tailored to each child
- Support complex cases with greater confidence
- Collaborate more effectively with other professionals
How This Impacts the Families We Serve
When a therapist earns the ACE Award, it’s not just a personal achievement — it directly benefits the children they work with. More training means better outcomes, more creative problem-solving, and more hope for families navigating difficult challenges.
At PedsTeam, professional growth is a core part of our culture. We believe that our dedication to learning is one of the greatest gifts we can offer to the families who walk through our doors.
Committed to Learning. Committed to Kids.
Whether it’s early feeding difficulties, speech delays, or sensory-motor challenges, our team approaches every case with curiosity and compassion. The ACE Award is one way we celebrate that — but the real reward is seeing a child thrive.
Want to learn more about our therapy services or schedule an evaluation? We’d love to connect with you.
FAQs About the ACE Award
Is the ACE Award something every SLP earns?
No — earning the award requires a minimum of 70 hours of ASHA-approved continuing education in a short time frame. Not all SLPs reach that threshold.
Does this mean the therapist is more qualified?
All licensed SLPs meet strict educational and clinical standards. The ACE Award indicates an extra level of dedication to continued learning and advanced training.
How does this benefit my child?
Therapists with extensive ongoing training are often more equipped to handle complex cases, implement emerging treatment strategies, and tailor therapy plans for maximum impact.
