Pediatric Therapies

Through play, children develop motor coordination, social skills, emotional regulation, as well as learn how to process the sensory input in their environment.  The occupational therapists at JCFS Chicago’s Integrated Pediatric Therapies and Therapeutic Day School make sure each child has fun at work!

Changing the clocks back or forward can disrupt a child's sleep cycle, which can affect the entire family. Sleep is especially important for children as it directly impacts mental and physical development. It is important for children of all ages to have consistent bedtimes and relaxing sleep routines.

Looking for ideas to cure cabin fever?  Here are 10 ways to make the most of the long winter days.

The winter months are a great time to master kids’ dressing skills. With the addition of coats, sweaters, and vests to the daily dressing routine there are many opportunities to practice managing fasteners including snaps, zippers, and buttons

Being a parent can be a joyful, rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges, particularly for parents of children with special needs. Resolving to set aside even 15 minutes per day to recharge can help you regain focus and control and be the best version of yourself for your kids.

Did you know that too many toys in a child’s play environment can have a negative effect on their development? Having access to fewer toys enhances children’s cognitive and neurological development according to the findings of a study conducted by the University of Toledo and recently published in The Journal of Infant Behavior and Development.

With winter upon us, it's time for snowy day activities, holiday traditions, breaks from school and family visits. But, when your child has a sensory processing disorder it can be challenging to enjoy family traditions and special occasions together. Here are some suggestions to keep your child comfortable, safe and having fun this winter!

If you ask parents what they wish for their child, the answer is usually “to make friends in school.”  Making friends is an important part of childhood, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy. Children are not born with social skills, so parents need to prepare them to interact successfully with other kids.

The swimming pool is not only a great place to have fun with your kids, but it is also a great environment to increase attention and build cognitive language skills and body strength.

With the help of JCFS’s pediatric therapists, the lazy days of summer can be transformed into a time to stretch the mind, explore new hobbies and build on skills learned during the school year.