For Parents, From Our Team
Real answers to the questions parents ask us most, written by the people who work with your kids every week.
Gross Motor Milestones by Age: A Parent Guide
Rolling, crawling, walking, jumping, skipping. Here is what to expect at each age, what helps at home, and when a delay is worth asking about. Read More.
Speech Delay in Toddlers: Signs and Next Steps
Every toddler talks on their own timeline, but some patterns are worth a closer look. Here is what to watch for between 12 months and 3 years, and what to do next.
How Reading Aloud to Toddlers Builds Speech
You do not have to finish the book, and you do not have to read every word. Here is what reading aloud actually builds, and how to keep going when your toddler will not sit still.
Toddler Playgroup in Peoria: What to Expect
An hour of developmental play, thirty minutes in the sensory gym, and a coffee bar for the grownups. Here is what happens in a Criss-Cross Applesauce class and who it is built for.
Handwriting Struggles in Kids: When to Get Help
Handwriting struggles are rarely about the hand. Here is what is actually going on, and what helps at home.
Failed a School Hearing Screening? What Comes Next
A letter came home saying your child did not pass. Here is what that actually means, and what to do next.
Picky Eating vs Feeding Problems: How to Tell
Every toddler refuses dinner sometimes. Here is when it stops being a phase.
Sensory Seeking vs Sensory Avoiding: A Parent Guide
One child crashes into the couch. Another hides from the hand dryer. Here is why.
Open Gym in Peoria: A Sensory Play Space for Kids
Five dollars, no registration, and a 2,000-square-foot sensory gym. Here is everything to know before your first visit.
School Therapy vs Outpatient Therapy: The Difference
Your child qualified for therapy at school. Is that enough? Here is what each one actually covers, and why many families do both. Read More
5 Signs Occupational Therapy for Kids Could Help
It usually builds slowly. A hard morning here, a note from a teacher there. Here are five patterns worth paying attention to.
Fine Motor Skills for Kindergarten: Is Your Child Ready?
Handwriting starts long before the pencil does. Here is what kindergarten classrooms expect and how to build those skills through play.
Book a Sensory Friendly Birthday Party in East Peoria
Two hours of exclusive use, a private party room with a full kitchen, and staff who handle the cleanup.
Speech and Language Milestones by Age: A Parent Guide
First words, first sentences, first stories. Here is what to expect and when.
5 Back to School Sensory Tips for a Smoother Start
The first weeks of school ask a lot of a child’s nervous system. Here are five things you can start doing now.
What Is a Sensory Gym? Inside Our East Peoria Space
A sensory gym looks like a playground, but every piece of equipment has a purpose. Here is what happens inside ours.
What Is Early Intervention and Does My Child Qualify?
Early intervention supports kids under three with developmental delays. Here's what the program covers, who qualifies, and how to start the evaluation process.
Back to School Prep for Kids: Why Summer Therapy Helps
A little intention over the summer months can make a big difference in September. Here's how back-to-school prep for kids can start well before the first bell rings.
5 Signs Your Child Needs Occupational Therapy
From fine motor struggles to sensory overload, these five signs your child needs occupational therapy can help you know when it's time for an evaluation.
What to Expect at Pediatric Therapy: Your First Visit
From your first call to your child's first session, here's what happens.