Children
This Month
Parent-Child Groups
Register with Evon Mucek at 708.236.0979 x105 at least five days prior to the beginning of class. Space is limited, so register early.
Speech and Physical Therapy
Music and Movement
Wednesdays, February 8 through March 28 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Led by speech and physical therapists, this group will facilitate expressive language and gross motor skills through songs, actions and gestures. Children will increase their musicality and improve imitation skills. Parents will learn ways to incorporate music and movement into daily life. For children 18 to 36 months and their parents/caregivers. Children must be able to sit with support and demonstrate emerging imitation skills. Register by February 2.
Developmental Therapy
Family Adventures
Wednesdays, January 11 through February 29 from 11 a.m. to noon
Famiy Adventures, for children ages 24-36 months, offers opportunities for parent-child and peer interactions through songs, finger plays, sensory, and playful movement activities. Toddlers and their parents/caregivers will learn songs to enrich emerging language, explore sensory materials to stimulate the children’s natural desire to create, and build motor skills as they discover different ways to move their bodies on motor equipment.
Speech and Language Therapy
Partners in Play
Thursdays, January 12 through March 15 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Partners in Play is a 10-week speech and language group, for children 22 to 36 months. Children will participate in fun language-based play activities for repetition and integration of language concepts. Parents/caregivers are involved in all aspects of the sessions. The group is recommended for children who are able to understand and follow one-step directions, imitate actions or gestures, show interest in interacting with others, and can attend to an activity for 5 to 10 minutes.
Social Skills
Creating Connections
Wednesdays, January 11 or Thursdays, January 12
Ages 7-10 — Wednesdays — 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Ages 4-6 — Thursdays — 4:30-5:30 p.m.
For children ages 4 and over with challenges in social skill development, diagnoses of autism, sensory integration deficits, or other related disorders. Creating Connections is a play-based group designed to help improve a child’s ability to engage and play with peers and parents. Activities will be focused on increasing opportunities for turn taking, improving cooperation and conversational skills, increasing attention, and expanding play interests. Parents will learn how to facilitate social interactions and help promote the development of friendships for their child. Classes are ongoing throughout the year.
Cost: $300 for 10 weeks
Occupational Therapy
“Alert Program”
Tuesdays, January 24 through March 13 from 5 to 6:15 p.m.
The Alert Program is an 8-week group for children ages 5 and 6 years old, designed to help children recognize and regulate their arousal levels. The program compares arousal to the speeds of a car engine: sometimes it runs on low, sometimes it runs on high, and sometimes it is just right. The group will explore various sensory activities for each of their sensory systems. Children and their families will discover which activities help their child to self regulate allowing them to run “just right” so they can attend, follow directions, and engage with others. The group is recommended for children who have adequate language skills, can attend for at least 10 minutes, and are able to engage with peers appropriately.
At the end of each group, parents will be debriefed on the session and learn how their child reacted to the various activities, as well as how to carry over the activities into the home and school environment. At the end of the 8 weeks, each child will be provided a list of activities that make them feel high, low, or just right. Cost: $320 for 8 weeks
Family Enrichment Programs
Transitioning to the Public Schools – Part 1
Wednesday, February 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Jill Dressner, CEO of the Special Ed Advocacy Center, will talk with parents whose children will turn 3 in the next six months about the transition process, services offered by public schools and special education law. The following week, a panel of parents who have already been through the process will answer questions and share their insights. RSVP to Debby Mayo by February 2 at 708.236.0979 x103. Volunteer babysitting may be available on a limited basis. Inquire when registering.
Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, February 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
We know it takes a village to raise a child. Gather with other parents of children with special needs for informal conversation, networking and a chance to expand your “village.” RSVP by February 6 to Paige Fumo Fox at 708.236.0979 x130.
Transitioning to the Public Schools – Part 2
Wednesday, February 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
A panel of parents whose children have already transitioned from Early Intervention into the special education system will answer questions and share their own insights. This is a good opportunity to learn from those who have “been there.” RSVP to Debby Mayo by February 9 at 708.236.0979 x103. Volunteer babysitting may be available on a limited basis. Inquire when registering.
Other Services
Assistive Technology Evaluations
Ongoing
Aspire therapists can assess augmentative communication or other assistive devices or toys for children with communication, cognitive, sensory, fine-motor or gross-motor challenges. By appointment only. Evaluations will be billed to your insurance. For more information, contact Evon Mucek at 708.236.0979 x105.
All programs are held at Aspire Children’s Services, 1815 S. Wolf Road, Hillside (map), unless otherwise noted.