Children
Parent and Child Groups
We understand that a developmental disability can affect every member of the family, That’s why we’ve developed a warm, family-centered approach that makes the “Aspire experience” complete. We empower parents to carry the teaching process home and into their daily routine, creating nurturing partnerships that help families thrive. We also provide many opportunities for networking so that families can meet, share experiences and grow together.
- Parent-Child Groups offer children and their parents a chance to interact with other kids and parents in a social setting while enhancing their social, emotional, motor and speech development. In these groups, children build development skills and families socialize with other families with similar situations, making new friends and gaining informal support.
- Parent Education and Support Groups offer opportunities throughout the year to provide families with information related to issues that encompass the needs of children and families with special needs. Additional opportunities, such as Coffee and Conversations, and Playdates at Aspire are provided so families can come together to meet and enjoy the company of other families with similar experiences as they support their child with special needs.
- Sibshops are opportunities for siblings of children with special needs to get peer support and education within a recreational context. Our Sibshops reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another — if they are given a chance. Sibshops are a spirited mix of new games (designed to be unique, off-beat, and appealing to a wide ability range), new friends, and discussion activities.
Click here for upcoming family enrichment programs!
To learn more about Aspire’s Parent and Child Groups, email Kathy Ruffulo, Vice President of Children’s Services, or call 708.236.0979.
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.