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Education & Support Services

Education and support services are provided by Special Educators, Child Development Specialists, and credentialed Early Intervention Specialists.


We offer:


  • Continuing Education/ Calendar of Events
  • Infant/toddler developmental groups
  • Individual developmental therapy
  • Educational consults and interventions
  • Playgroups for 3-5 year olds
  • Social Skills groups (elementary through high school age)
  • Skills Support
    • Individual or small group instruction in functional life skills, school work, leisure/recreational skills, job skills, and other areas as needed
  • Leisure/Recreational Programs
    • Bowling club, creative movement dance classes, acting classes, art classes, community outings and more
  • Parent Education
    • Infant massage instruction
    • Toilet training and guidance
    • Special seminars, workshops, and educational programs
    • Resource and referral assistance
  • Family Support
    • Individual parent support
    • Evening Parent Support Group
    • Special sibling groups
    • Support group for children with physical disabilities

Continuing Education Classes

             Updated September 15th, 2011


Flourish in the Footlights


Flourish in the Footlights is a year-long program that provides experience in the performing arts as well as the opportunity to participate in a production on the Metropolis Stage. The program is presented as a partnership between Arlington Pediatric Therapy, Friends of Children in Therapy and the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts. The program is entering its 9th amazing year. Flourish in the Footlights is for young adults with special needs ages 13 and up.


Step 1: Acting Techniques

The program begins with an 8 week Acting Techniques course. This class focuses on developing the actors' tools – body, imagination, and voice.


When: Mondays, October 3 – November 28, 2011
             NO CLASS ON MONDAY OCTOBER 31ST!

             6:15pm – 7:30pm


Step 2: Production

The second half on the program focuses on story analysis, story building, collaborative script writing, character development, character intentions and relationships, memorization, rehearsal process, and, finally, a production on the Metropolis stage.


When: Mondays, December 5, December 12, 2011        5:30 – 7:00pm

             Mondays, January 2 – April 9, 2012                    5:30 – 7:00pm

             **Wednesday, April 11, 2012** 5:30 – 7:00pm
             **PLEASE MAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF THIS DATE/TIME**

             Monday April 16, 2012                                          5:30 – 8:00pm


Dress Rehearsal

             Friday April 20, 2012      5:30 – 8:00pm

Performance

             Monday, April 23, 2012

Rehearsal

5:00-6:30pm

Show

7pm


Staff: The staff for Flourish in the Footlights is comprised of both

special needs professionals and performing arts professionals. Metropolis provides 1 lead director/instructor with comprehensive experience in working with actors with special needs, as well as 1 qualified assistant and 1 qualified volunteer for all classes and rehearsals. Arlington Pediatric Therapy provides 1 special educator and 1 licensed Occupational Therapist for every class/rehearsal. A team of 5 adults will be helping to facilitate and produce Flourish in the Footlights for a 9th incredible year!


For more questions about the Flourish in the Footlights Program, please contact the Metropolis School of Performing Arts Outreach Program at 847-577-5982 ext. 239 or Arlington Pediatric Therapy at 847-255-8690 ext. 127


Flourish in the Footlights 2011-2012 Information Packet (PDF, 215KB)

Let's Play


Social playgroup for children ages 3-5
    Typically for children that have not entered 1st grade yet

Let's play together and make some friends. There will be a lot of hands on play and learning experiences. A variety of materials and play will be introduced that your child can explore. A multi-sensory approach consists of movement, body awareness, role playing, music, art and sensory exploration.


When: Wednesdays Jan 25 Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Mar 7, 14, 21

             3:30-4:30 pm (3 and 4 year olds)
             4:30-5:30 pm (Kindergarten Class)


Taught By: Megan Daly, Developmental Therapist


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Krista Stewart at (847) 255-8690 ext. 120


Baby Boosters


Baby Boosters is a small developmental playgroup for all children, typically developing and children with special needs. The children will participate in structured play times to facilitate communication and interactions with their peers. The activities promote all areas of development which include cognitive skills, language, gross motor, fine motor, social, and adaptive skills. This is a fun therapeutic class in which the goal is to promote appropriate overall skills.


When: Mondays Jan. 23, 30 Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 Mar. 5, 12, 19
             Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 7, 14
             NO CLASS ON MARCH 26TH

             9:00-9:50am     Young Two Year olds
             10:00-10:50am Two Year olds
             11:00-11:50am Two Year olds
             12:00-12:50pm Two Year olds


Taught By: Krista Stewart, Developmental Therapist


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Krista Stewart at (847) 255-8690 ext. 120


Social Skills Class


Topics:

  • Initiating and maintaining friendships
  • Communication and socializing with others
  • Listening/Eye Contact
  • Following rules and directions
  • Getting along with others
  • Feeling good about oneself
  • Respect for others/Manners
  • Problem Solving
  • Having FUN!!


When: Tuesdays Jan 24, 31 Feb. 7 (off Feb. 14 & 21), 28, Mar 6, 13, 20
             4:00-5:00 pm (Ages 8-10)
             Wednesdays Jan 25 Feb 1, 8 (off Feb 15 & 22) 29, Mar 7, 14, 21
             4:00-5:00 pm (Ages 5-7)
             Thursdays Jan 26 Feb 2, 9 (off Feb 16 & 23) Mar 1, 8, 15, 22
             4:00-5:00 pm (Ages 5-7)


Taught By: Krista Stewart, Developmental Therapist


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Krista Stewart at (847) 255-8690 ext. 120


Let’s Play


Social playgroup for children ages 3-5

Let’s play together and make some friends. There will be a lot of hands on play and learning experiences. A variety of materials and play will be introduced that your child can explore. A multi-sensory approach consists of movement, body awareness, role playing, music, art and sensory exploration.


Taught By: Megan Daly, Developmental Therapist


When: Wednesdays April 20,27 May 4,11,18,25
             1:00 - 2:00 pm


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Krista Stewart at (847) 255-8690 ext. 120


Teen Dreams Bowling Club


This is a great group for students age 13 and up. Not only is it an opportunity for them to work on their bowling game, but they'll meet new people or spend time with old friends. It's also a great way to escape the summer heat for a bit.


Taught By: Mary Beth Mayer - Special Educator, MS

When: Mondays June 13th through August 1st
             3:00 – 5:00 pm


Where: AMF Rolling Meadows Lanes


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Mary Beth Mayer 847-255-8690 ext 127


Social Skills Group


This class is for high school age students and young adults who are struggling in the area of social skills development. It will provide an opportunity to learn about, talk about and PRACTICE various social skills. Discussion and role playing will be the emphasis of this class.


When: Tuesdays January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, February 7 & 14   
             7:30 – 8:30 pm


Taught By: Mary Beth Mayer - Special Educator, M.S.


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Mary Beth Mayer 847-255-8690 ext 127


This class is sponsored by FOCIT and Arlington Pediatric Therapy.


Support Group For Students


This group will provide students with physical disabilities with the opportunity to meet other students who might be facing similar challenges. Students will have the opportunity to share with one another some of the feelings they might be experiencing regarding their disability, and will hopefully make new friends in the process.


Taught By: Mary Beth Mayer - Special Educator, MS


Older Students (High School & Beyond)

When: Tuesdays January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, February 7, 14 & 21
             5:00 – 6:00 pm


Younger Students (Elementary & Middle School)

When: Mondays October 3, 10, 17, 24, (No meeting 10/31)
             November 7, 14, 21 & 28Currently Not Meeting
             5:00 – 6:00 pm


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Mary Beth Mayer 847-255-8690 ext 127


This class is sponsored by FOCIT and Arlington Pediatric Therapy.


Support Group For Students

(High School and Beyond)

This particular group has been in existence for 10 years now and consists of students who are all in high school and beyond.


This group will provide students with physical disabilities with the opportunity to meet other students who might be facing similar challenges. Students will have the opportunity to share with one another some of the feelings they might be experiencing regarding the disability, and wonderful friendships develop in the process.


Taught By: Mary Beth Mayer - Special Educator, MS

When: Tuesdays June 14th through August 2nd
             5:00 – 6:00 pm


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Mary Beth Mayer 847-255-8690 ext 127


Support Group For Students

(Elementary and Middle School)

***This is a NEW GROUP and we are looking for students in elementary and middle schools who might be interested***


APT would very much like to start up another support group for elementary and middle school students with physical disabilities. If you feel your son/daughter might benefit from such a group, please contact Mary Beth Mayer at 847-255-8690, ext. 127.


Taught By: Mary Beth Mayer - Special Educator, MS

When: - Proposed Time - Tuesdays June 14th through July 26th
             6:15 – 7:15 pm


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Mary Beth Mayer 847-255-8690 ext 127


Parent Support Group


Sponsored by Friends of Children in Therapy, FOCIT

APT also offers an evening parent support group. This group is a wonderful way for parents and caregivers, who have children with special needs, to connect with one another to talk, network, and offer support. It is a great group open to anyone and is offered right here at APT. If you ever feel that you are alone on this "journey" of having a child with special needs……please come to this group and realize that you are not alone.


Facilitator: Mary Beth Mayer - Special Educator, MS

When: 2nd Wednesday of each month
             7:00 pm


For more information available at the clinic or
by calling Mary Beth Mayer 847-255-8690 ext 127