Group Therapy Programs
Group therapy programs allow children to address their therapeutic needs amongst peers working on similar goals. These programs are led and billed by Easterseals physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and/or social workers.
Overview
These seasonal programs incorporate hobbies and interests such as sports, arts, games, and nature‑based activities. Each participant is evaluated to ensure appropriate peer groupings based on age and goals, helping to build friendships and support therapeutic progress.
Our Programs
* Disciplines noted below include (OT: Occupational Therapy, PT: Physical Therapy, ST: Speech-Language, SW: Social Work)
Preschool: Ages 3 to 5
- Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (OT)
- First Friendships (SW)
- KinderReady Crew (OT)
- Mini & Mighty Movers (Programs for ages 1.5-3, and 3-6) (PT)
- Nature Group (OT/ST)
Young School-Age Children: Ages 5 to 8
- Crafty Kids (ST/SW)
- Dance Dynamics (PT/OT)
- Fun with Food (OT/ST)
- Mighty Movers (Ages 3-6) (PT)
Children: Ages 8 to 14+
- Brain & Body Builders (OT)
- Camp CommunicATe (ST)
- Cooking Crew (ST/OT)
- Make Your Mind a Garden - Girls Group (SW)
- Sibling Circle (SW)
- Social Synergy (OT/ST)
- Sports Group (OT/ST)
- Sports Strength and Conditioning (PT)
All participants must have:
- Insurance benefits verified
- A current prescription from their medical provider
- A screening and/or evaluation by our team to ensure appropriate program
Programs are billed to insurance for attended sessions only. Some programs may include an additional fee for single‑use materials (e.g., food for feeding or cooking programs). Unless location is noted, the program is at our Villa Park center.
New Program: Music Together® at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley
Music Together® is the premier early childhood program for children, along with the grownups who love them®. Sing, dance, laugh, learn, and play in our classes at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley!
Join instructors Kate DesBiens, CCC-SLP and Daniel Mason, M.S., CCC-SLP in our 8-week Mixed Ages Class for children 0-5 years of age, gather for 45 minutes of fun-filled family music time.
*Please note this is not a therapy program. Teachers and programming are credentialed through Music Together®.
This clinic is not billed to insurance and is private pay.
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AAC Intensive
This program offers individual support and intensity to facilitate faster progress toward AAC-based communication goals. -
Brain & Body Builders
This PT/OT program utilizes treadmill training based on TAAP (Treadmill Training for Autism and Apraxia Protocol), combined with motor skills. -
Camp CommunicATe
Designed for adolescents who use AAC, this small‑group program supports social connection, idea sharing, and peer learning across communication styles. -
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is designed to specifically treat “learned non-use” of the affected side due to stroke, cerebral palsy, or brachial plexus injuries.
For Children Ages 2 - 5
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Cooking Crew
Led by an occupational therapist and speech‑language pathologist, this program supports teamwork, communication, and executive functioning skills through hands‑on cooking activities. -
Crafty Kids
Led by a speech‑language pathologist and social worker, this program builds problem‑solving skills, social interaction, and cooperative play. -
Dance Dynamics
This dance‑themed program helps children develop strength, balance, and coordination while working toward a final performance for family and friends. -
First Friendships
This preschool group supports social‑emotional growth through meaningful, play‑based activities that build kindness, emotional awareness, and peer connections.
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Fun with Food
Led by a speech‑language pathologist, this group supports children who may be hesitant eaters or who benefit from structured, sensory‑based food exploration. -
Intensive Therapy
We offer customized intensive therapy sessions across our services that are multi-disciplined and highly individualized for each child. -
KinderReady Crew
The KinderReady Crew program prepares preschool‑aged children with foundational skills for kindergarten success. -
Make Your Mind a Garden
This summer girls group builds confidence, self‑esteem, and positive friendships through creative crafts, affirmations, and joyful connection. -
Mighty & Mini Movers
The Mini and Mighty Movers programs are led by a physical therapist and designed to enhance gross motor and sensory‑organizational skills. -
Nature Group
Outdoor sensory play encourages creativity, exploration, problem‑solving, and shared joy through child‑directed learning. -
Physical Therapy Intensive
Intensive sessions help children and caregivers focus on a motivating, goal‑specific therapy objective.
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Sibling Circle
Sibling Circle offers siblings of children with developmental delays or neurodivergence a space to share, build skills, and connect. -
Social Synergy
Led by an SLP and OT, this program helps children ages 8–12 build executive functioning and social skills. -
Sports Group
This program supports visual‑motor integration, coordination, and social skills through structured sport activities and peer engagement. -
Sports Strength and Conditioning
This program focuses on enhancing a child’s ability to participate fully in sports programs, gym classes, and other sport-related activities.
Other Areas of Support
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