Behavioral, social-emotional, learning, and developmental issues in young children are complex, multifaceted, and often interrelated. We apply deep, developmentally-focused expertise from many fields to help families find answers fast.

Comprehensive, interdisciplinary child assessments
We offer evaluations by practitioners in psychology, clinical social work, child development, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and early childhood mental health. All these experts are on hand in one place to examine your child as needed; together they develop a complete and accurate picture of his or her needs.

Therapeutic interventions
After assessing a child and developing a thorough understanding of the concerns, the center can provide individually tailored therapy. Child, parent-child, and family interventions are available. And we'll work with you to determine appropriate ways to respond to, support, teach, and advocate for your child.

Medical diagnostic assessments
We offer interdisciplinary medical diagnostic evaluations under the leadership of  developmental and behavioral pediatricians from the University of Chicago Medical Center. These family-centered evaluations are conducted to determine a child’s developmental status and service needs as part of the statewide Early Intervention system. Our team includes experts from the fields of developmental pediatrics, occupational, speech-language, mental health, and developmental therapy.

Early Intervention
We offer individualized developmental therapy for infants and toddlers birth to age three referred through the Illinois Early Intervention System. Therapy may include facilitating the child’s cognitive, social-emotional, physical, self-help, and communicative skills. We strongly believe in including families in the child’s support service plan, to teach parents how they can help improve their child’s daily functioning. 

Support for parents adopting abroad
Often, parents experience a brief honeymoon period after they bring their baby or child home and find themselves at a loss when sleeping, eating, or behavior challenges emerge.Through a partnership with the University of Chicago Hospitals International Adoption Clinic, we provide post-adoption developmental evaluations and support for new parents with questions about potential medical, developmental, emotional, or behavioral concerns. We can help you understand these behaviors and form a bond with your child across initial language barriers.

Fussy Baby Network
Through home visits and telephone support, the Fussy Baby Network assists families with an infant who cries excessively or has difficulties with sleeping or feeding. For assistance, call 1.888.431.BABY.

Fees
There is a sliding fee scale based on family income; please inquire about insurance reimbursement.

Early Childhood Disability Transition Project
The Early Childhood Disability Transition Project (ECDT) supports the transition of children receiving Early Intervention services (EI) to enrollment in Head Start programs. During summer and fall 2011, ECDT staff members will be collaborating with Early Head Start programs to identify additional opportunities to provide support for families of children with disabilities. The project will then develop and provide support services for early intervention providers, Head Start, and Chicago Public Schools. ECDT is a collaboration between the Chicago Department of Family Support Services and the Center for Children and Families at Erikson Institute.

For more information about any of these services or to schedule an appointment, please call 312.893.7119 or e-mail us at centerforchildrenandfamilies@erikson.edu.