FAQ

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm

Weekend availability based on therapy team and family needs

The Learning through Play Center for Child Development is located at 633 West Addison in Chicago’s east Lakeview neighborhood.

Pyramid Early Learning Center is located at 3048 N Milwaukee in Chicago’s Avondale/Logan Square neighborhood.

Our HIPAA-compliant mailing address is PO Box 47949 Chicago IL 60647

Our clinic offers an initial consultation at no charge to parents. During this consultation, you will meet with a developmental therapist to discuss your concerns for your child and your goals for his/her academic and developmental progress.

An initial assessment will be conducted based on clinical observation as well as parent interview to determine your child’s strengths and needs.

The clinician will discuss typical developmental milestones in cognition, language, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, typical sensory integration and regulatory status. You will get a clear understanding of how children learn through play, observation, and exploration– and how atypical development can impact a child’s ability to learn and acquire skills.

During this intake process, we will need to ask questions about your child’s medical background. If needed, we may refer you for further medical assessments such as a hearing or vision screening – establishing your child’s vision and hearing status is essential before starting any therapy services.

This clinic is an approved PPO agency with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois and our therapists are accepted BCBS providers. We will bill BCBS directly for services rendered to your child/family but you will be responsible for any co-pays or deductible expenses.

If you are covered by any other insurance provider, fees must be paid at time of service.

We accept Aetna, Humana, and several other insurance companies and we are happy to bill these insurance companies directly, however a pre-payment system must be set up prior to services being rendered. Several insurance companies require pre-approval and we are happy to work with families to get your fees covered and reimbursed by your insurance provider.

Direct therapy service rates vary depending on therapy provider. Please call us directly for more information at 312-458-9865.

We would appreciate 24-hour notice before canceling therapy sessions. If provided, we will work with you to schedule a make-up session for your child.

If you miss a group session, we hold a “make-up” week following the 10-week session during which you can make up for missed classes.

If your child is feeling ill or has a temperature, please do not bring him/her to class or to therapy sessions. Please be considerate of the other children’s health. Also, therapeutic interventions are not effective if your child is not feeling well. We understand that families’ schedules are not always flexible and will work with you to obtain the best results for your child.

Pyramid Early Learning Center offers a unique approach that blends various therapeutic approaches (e.g., ABA, DIR/Floortime, PLAY Therapy, MultiSensory Approach) depending on individual child’s personality, strengths, and needs. The focus is on stability—motor, speech, social, sensory, and regulatory—to help children transition to and succeed in a classroom setting.

We focus on the concept of learning through play while concentrating on the individual interests of the child and extending their natural play to incorporate learning in a manner which is enjoyable for them. 

This provides our little learners with a wider spectrum of education which will prepare them for entering the traditional school environment.

Pyramid’s program is intended for children ages 2-6 years old that need extra support navigating their sensory world, engaging in meaningful peer interactions, and succeeding in a classroom setting. The goal is to transition these children to a typical elementary school classroom.

In addition, an intensive ABA classroom is available for children who would benefit from half-day or full-day of Applied Behavior Analysis with added opportunity to interact with peers in a more typical setting and with the goal of transitioning them to the main classroom.

We provide a range of specialized services to support children’s development, including:

1. Speech Therapists: These professionals focus on improving communication skills, including speech, language, and social communication. They help children enhance their ability to express themselves and understand others.
2. Occupational Therapists (OT): OTs work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living and independence. They address sensory processing, fine motor skills, and self-care tasks, helping children engage more effectively in their environments.
3. Developmental Therapists (DT): Developmental therapists focus on supporting a child’s overall development, including cognitive, social, and emotional growth. They create individualized strategies to help children reach developmental milestones.
4. Applied Behavior Analysts (ABA): ABA professionals use evidence-based techniques to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. They create tailored intervention plans that promote learning and development in a supportive manner.

Together, these professionals work collaboratively to provide comprehensive support tailored to each child’s unique needs, helping them thrive and reach their full potential.

Our clinic offers an initial consultation at no charge to parents to discuss your concerns for your child and your goals for his/her academic and developmental progress. A formal evaluation is required for enrollment and will determine your child’s strengths and needs and provide therapeutic recommendations.
The clinician will discuss typical developmental milestones in cognition, language, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, typical sensory integration and regulatory status. You will get a clear understanding of how children learn through play, observation, and exploration– and how atypical development can impact a child’s ability to learn and acquire skills.

Therapeutic listening is a structured approach that uses specially designed auditory experiences to support children’s sensory processing, emotional regulation, and overall development. Here are the key elements:

1. Sound-Based Intervention: Therapeutic listening involves the use of music and soundtracks specifically created to promote listening skills, focus, and emotional well-being.
2. Sensory Integration: The approach helps children with sensory processing challenges by providing auditory stimuli that can enhance their ability to respond to and engage with their environment.
3. Individualized Programs: Each therapeutic listening plan is tailored to the child’s unique needs, addressing specific goals such as improving attention, communication, or social interaction.
4. Facilitated by Professionals: Typically guided by occupational therapists or trained specialists, therapeutic listening sessions are structured to ensure effective engagement and progress.
5. Playful Engagement: The use of music and sound makes the process enjoyable for children, encouraging participation and helping to create a positive therapeutic experience.

Overall, therapeutic listening is a valuable tool that promotes growth and development by leveraging the power of sound to enhance sensory processing and emotional health.

What is developmental therapy?

Developmental therapy is a therapeutic approach aimed at supporting children’s growth across various domains, including physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Here are some key aspects:

1. Holistic Focus: Developmental therapy considers the whole child, addressing multiple areas of development to foster overall well-being.
2. Individualized Strategies: Each therapy plan is tailored to meet the unique needs and strengths of the child, ensuring a personalized approach that promotes progress.
3. Skill Building: The therapy emphasizes the acquisition of essential skills, such as communication, social interaction, and problem-solving, helping children reach developmental milestones.
4. Family Involvement: Families are often included in the therapeutic process, learning techniques to support their child’s development at home and in daily life.
5. Play-based Methods: Many developmental therapy techniques use play as a key component, making sessions engaging and enjoyable while facilitating learning.

Overall, developmental therapy aims to empower children by nurturing their abilities and helping them thrive in their everyday environments.

What are therapeutic play interactions?

Therapeutic play interactions are structured activities designed to support a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development through play. Here are some key aspects:

1. Purposeful Play: These interactions use play as a medium for children to express themselves, explore feelings, and work through challenges in a safe environment.
2. Facilitated by Professionals: Typically guided by trained therapists, these sessions help children engage in activities that promote learning and emotional expression.
3. Building Skills: Therapeutic play can enhance communication, problem-solving, and social skills, while also addressing behavioral concerns.
4. Emotional Processing: Through play, children can process and articulate feelings they might struggle to express verbally, helping them to cope with experiences and emotions.
5. Fun and Engaging: The playful nature of these interactions makes them enjoyable for children, fostering a positive therapeutic experience.

Overall, therapeutic play interactions are a vital tool in supporting children’s development, allowing them to learn and grow in a nurturing and engaging way.

What is the DIR therapy approach?

DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) therapy is a holistic approach designed to support children’s emotional and developmental growth. Here are some key aspects of DIR therapy:

1. Developmental Focus: DIR emphasizes developmental milestones, encouraging children to progress through stages of emotional and cognitive growth.
2. Individual Differences: Recognizing that each child is unique, DIR tailors interventions to fit the individual child’s needs, strengths, and interests.
3. Relationship-based: The approach fosters strong, meaningful relationships between children and caregivers. It emphasizes the importance of social and emotional connections in learning and development.
4. Whole-Child Approach: DIR considers the child’s emotional, social, cognitive, and sensory needs, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of their behavior and development.

Overall, DIR therapy seeks to create a supportive environment that nurtures children’s natural curiosity and emotional well-being, promoting healthy development and learning.

For more information on DIR please check out this page: https://pediatricresources.org/dir/

The ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) approach is a widely recognized therapeutic method that focuses on understanding and improving specific behaviors in children, particularly those with autism and developmental challenges. Here are the key components:

1. Behavioral Focus: ABA is designed to teach and enhance skills that may be lacking while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning.
2. Individualized Programs: Each child receives a tailored intervention plan that considers their unique strengths, needs, and learning styles, ensuring personalized support.
3. Family Involvement: ABA works closely with families, providing guidance and strategies to help parents and caregivers reinforce learning and manage behaviors effectively.
4. Data-Driven: The approach relies on careful observation and data collection to monitor progress, making adjustments to strategies as needed to maximize effectiveness.
5. Skill Development: ABA targets a range of skills, including communication, social interactions, and daily living skills, aiming to promote independence and success in various settings.

Overall, ABA is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach that empowers children and their families, fostering meaningful growth and learning.

For more information regarding our ABA program please check out this page: https://pediatricresources.org/applied-behavior-analysis-aba/