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)
Have Questions?
Contact us at focusedtherapy@eastersealsdfvr.org or at 847.742.3264 to ask questions and register for any of our programs.
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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 program provides a supportive, small‑group environment to build social connections, share ideas, and learn from peers using different communication methods. -
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 therapist‑supported program helps children build problem‑solving skills, social interaction, and cooperative play with peers. -
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 therapy program is focused on preparing preschool-aged children with the foundational skills they need to be successful in kindergarten. -
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
An intensive therapy session can help the child and team of caregivers focus on one particular goal that the child is motivated to attain. -
Sibling Circle
Sibling Circle is designed for siblings of children with developmental delays or neurodivergence, offering a supportive space to share experiences, build emotional tools, and connect with peers. -
Social Synergy
This program led by a Speech Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist, is designed to help children aged 8-12 years old build essential executive functioning skills and social skills in a supportive interactive group setting. -
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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