In late February 2020, Cooper was evaluated and referred to Oak-Leyden for Early Intervention to address a gross motor delay. Then the pandemic started and services were put on hold. After a brief closure, Oak-Leyden’s services reopened virtually in April and Haviva, a Physical Therapist, was connected with Cooper and his family. 

Like so many families there was a lot to adjust to in a short period of time. Daycare was closed, work moved into the home, and no one knew how long the pandemic would last. Cooper and his mother Emily, met Haviva virtually a few weeks later and she got started observing the way he moved.

“Our house was in complete disarray from trying to juggle two full-time (newly work from home) jobs and two kids under 5 without childcare.”

Emily, Coopers Mother

Haviva explained how Early Intervention would fit right in with the ways Coopers family was already interacting with him. Instead of recommending 30 minutes a day working on exercises, she coached them through handing him a toy a new way or challenging him to use his weak side to climb the stairs to his room. Haviva worked with Cooper and his parents weekly, working around their chaotic new schedules, and coaching them virtually on ways to strengthen his motor skills using items that they already had; toys, couch cushions, the stairs, etc

“I would recommend Early Intervention services at Oak-Leyden to any parent with even the slightest concern about their child’s development.”

Emily, Cooper’s Mother

After Cooper turned 2, he had his one-year evaluation and he has caught up to his peers! His mom wants everyone to know that “I would recommend Early Intervention services at Oak-Leyden to any parent with even the slightest concern about their child’s development. Through really difficult circumstances we had a great experience and I’m so proud of the way Cooper has worked to catch up.” 

In-person and virtually, Oak-Leyden’s Children’s Services takes a unique, individualized, multi-disciplinary team approach to facilitate the holistic development of the child. With support from trained professionals, telehealth services are as effective as in-person services and allow Oak-Leyden to meet each family’s needs. 

Need an evaluation or screening for Children’s Services? Our licensed, certified therapists conduct evaluations of the children in a comfortable manner, make a recommendation, and develop a unique treatment plan. Email info@oak-leyden.org or call 708-524-1050

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Oak-Leyden Developmental Services Oak-Leyden Developmental Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through programs and services that help them reach their highest potential. Oak-Leyden provides a wide range of vocational and residential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, comprehensive therapeutic services for infants and young children, as well as support for families and guardians.