Children
Family Enrichment Program
Upcoming Events
Transitioning to the Public School System Part 1
Wednesday, September 8
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Information on Individualized Education Plans and transitioning from Early Intervention into the school system presented by Jill Dressner, attorney with Special Education Advocacy Center, and Debby Mayo, Aspire Children’s Services manager of family support. RSVP by September 6 to Paige Fumo Fox at 708.236.0979 x130.
Aspire Vision Clinic
Thursday, September 9
9 a.m. to noon
For Aspire participants of any age. Clinic led by Dr. Melissa Sigler, pediatric optometrist. Clinic involves assessment of functional vision; no dilation. Space is limited. By appointment only. RSVP to Sheri Coddington at 708.236.0979 x124.
Aspiring Eaters!
Thursdays, September 9 through October 14
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
A parent-child group for children 24 to 36 months. Led by speech therapists, the group will explore food textures, tastes and smells through play and oral-motor activities to address feeding difficulties due to sensory- or motor-based issues. Space is limited. RSVP by September 2 to Evon Mucek-Kucharczyk at 708.236.0979 x105.
Infant Massage
Mondays, September 13 through October 25
(no class October 11)
9
:30 to 10:30 a.m.
For parents or caregivers and their children ages 3 to 8 months old and expectant parents. Fee is $180 for six weeks. Taught by developmental and occupational therapists, the class will help babies release tension, strengthen primary systems and enhance parent-child bonding. Class will also help parents understand their child’s cues and boost confidence in handling their babies. For more information, contact Evon Mucek-Kucharczyk at 708.236.0979 x105.
Busy Bees
Wednesdays, September 15 through October 20
11 a.m. to noon.
A parent-child group for children ages 24 to 36 months led by a developmental therapist. Class is designed to support children’s development through a variety of movement activities and songs. Space is limited. RSVP by September 13 to Evon Mucek-Kucharczyk at 708.236.0979 x105.
Transitioning to the Public School System Part 2
Wednesday, September 15
6:30 to 8 p.m.
An opportunity for parents to ask questions of a panel of parents who have been through the transition process. RSVP by September 13 to Paige Fumo Fox at 708.236.0979 x130.
“Coffee & Conversations”
Thursday, September 16
6:30 to 8 p.m.
For parents of children with autism or sensory-related disorders, led by Theresa Bakula, OT, and Kathy Ruffulo, counselor. RSVP by September 15 to Paige Fumo Fox, 708.236.0979 x130.
Aspire Hearing Clinic
Friday, September 17
9 a.m. to noon
For Aspire participants only birth to three years old. Hearing Testing clinic led by Dr. Tom Wardzola, audiologist with Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center through Early Intervention. Space is limited. By appointment only. RSVP to Sheri Coddington at 708.236.0979 x124.
Sibshop
Saturday, September 18
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A day of fun activities for brothers and sisters, ages five to nine, of children with disabilities. Fee is $10 per family. RSVP by September 13 to Debby Mayo at 708.236.0979 x103.
Magnificent Mondays
Mondays, September 20 through December 6
4:15 to 5 p.m.
Games and activities for two- to five-year-olds. This is a drop-off program presented by SEASPAR (South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation) for Aspire participants held at Aspire Children’s Services. Activities will aid fine- and gross-motor skills, sensory needs, and socialization. Fee is $50. Register through SEASPAR at 630.960.7600.
“Creating Connections: Family Friends and Beyond”
Ongoing Tuesdays or Wednesdays
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Parent-child social skills groups for children ages three and older who have social challenges, sensory processing, autism or related disorders. Groups form year-round. For more information, contact Evon Mucek-Kucharczyk at 708.236.0979 x105.
Assistive Technology Evaluations
Ongoing
Aspire therapists can assess the right augmentative communication or other assistive devices or toys for children with communication, cognitive, sensory, fine-motor, or gross-motor challenges. By appointment only. For more information, contact Evon Mucek-Kucharczyk at 708.236.0979 x205.
Barb and Doug Prine have been involved with Aspire since their son Ben, who contracted meningitis as a newborn, was just three months old. The hospital’s intensive care unit staff suggested the Elmhurst couple investigate physical therapy when it became apparent Ben had vision impairments and developmental delays.