Occupational Therapy for Toddlers in Chicago

We Understand Your Child’s Unique Journey

Watching your toddler navigate the world should be a joy, but we understand how overwhelming it can feel when you notice they are struggling with daily activities. Whether it is difficulty holding a spoon, sensitivity to loud noises, or trouble transitioning between activities, these challenges can create stress for the whole family.

At Eyas Landing, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. We are committed to partnering with you, offering specialized Occupational Therapy for toddlers right here in Chicago. Flexibility and empathy are at the center of our care—we meet families where they are, emotionally, developmentally, and physically, to create opportunities for your child to learn and grow.

What is Occupational Therapy for Toddlers?

You might wonder what “occupation” a toddler has. For a young child, their “jobs” are playing, learning, and interacting with family. Occupational Therapy (OT) is like gym class for everyday life—helping little ones build the skills they need to participate fully and confidently.

Our therapists help toddlers overcome barriers so they can thrive in these core activities. We use a range of proven, play-based approaches—including Sensory Integration, DIR/Floortime, and other therapeutic models—each carefully chosen to fit your child’s needs and interests.

Our Key Approaches:

Sensory Integration: We help children make sense of the sights, sounds, and sensations around them, so they feel calm and in control. This method is especially beneficial for kids who react strongly to light, noise, clothing textures, or movement.
DIR/Floortime: This relationship-based approach meets your child at their current developmental level, building social, emotional, and communication skills through shared play and connection. It’s all about following your child’s lead and building engagement in ways that matter most to them.
Play-Based Therapy: Play is a child’s natural way of learning. Our therapists use play—like building with blocks, pretending, climbing, or drawing—to help your child develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and cooperation.
Task Analysis and Step-by-Step Teaching: We break daily tasks (like putting on shoes or feeding themselves) into small, achievable steps, using repetition and encouragement so that every success builds new confidence.

We focus on the skills that matter most to your daily life:

Fine Motor Skills: Helping small hands grasp toys, use utensils, or zip a coat.
Sensory Processing: Supporting children overwhelmed by textures, sounds, or movement so they feel calm and regulated.
Self-Care: Building independence in feeding, dressing, and potty training.
Social and Play Skills: Showing your child how to play with others and enjoy new experiences.

Key Benefits of Occupational Therapy at Eyas Landing

Our goal is to turn “can’t” into “can” using patient, individualized support. When we address developmental needs early and with the right approach, your child’s frustration can turn into pride—and the whole family benefits.

Families who partner with us often see:

1. Improved Sensory Regulation

If your child has big reactions to small changes or seems sensitive to their environment, our sensory integration activities and sensory-friendly environments can help. We create playful experiences that teach your child’s brain and body to manage sensory input, leading to fewer meltdowns and more comfortable outings.

2. Greater Independence

Everyday tasks become easier when broken into small, learnable steps through our play-based and DIR/Floortime approaches. As your child masters each milestone, they gain confidence, and routines like getting dressed or mealtime become smoother.

3. Better Play and Social Skills

Using play as our foundation, we help toddlers who struggle to engage with toys or peers. Through DIR/Floortime and group play activities, your child learns vital interaction and sharing skills, paving the way for new friendships and joyful exploration.

4. Family-Centered Support

We know the journey affects the whole family. That’s why we provide ongoing coaching, practical strategies, and at-home tools—so you can feel empowered, supported, and see progress every day, not just during sessions.

Flexible Care: Therapy That Fits Your Life

We recognize how hard travel and scheduling can be with toddlers. That’s why flexibility is the cornerstone of our approach. Choose the environment where your child feels safest and learns best—and we’ll bring therapy to you.

In-Clinic: Experience our sensory gym and therapeutic play spaces at our West Loop location, designed to inspire movement, creativity, and comfort.
In-Home: We come to your home, using your child’s natural surroundings to practice life skills in real time.
At School/Daycare: We team up with teachers to support your child in the classroom, ensuring skills transfer into their daily routines.
Telehealth: Access experienced OTs virtually, with guidance you can implement right away—perfect for busy families or those seeking continuity during travel or illness.

Meet Our Expert Team

Your child’s care is our passion and priority. Our Eyas Landing Occupational Therapy team is made up of board-certified, highly trained professionals with deep knowledge of toddler development.

Highly Credentialed: Our registered and licensed therapists (OTR/L) hold advanced training in early childhood, sensory processing, play-based and relationship-driven methods.
Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: We believe progress is fastest when everyone works together. Our OTs collaborate with speech, physical, and behavioral therapists, creating one united plan for your child—supporting success across the board.
Relationship-Based Practice: We don’t just work with diagnoses—we connect with the whole child, building trust and safety so that real growth can happen.

Success Stories: From Overwhelmed to Empowered

“Finally, someone who listened.”

“We were so worried about our son’s feeding issues. Every meal was a struggle. The team at Eyas Landing used play and sensory techniques that made sessions fun and productive. After three months, he’s trying new foods—dinnertimes are peaceful, and we feel empowered as parents.”
— Sarah M., West Loop

“Progress we can see.”

“Our daughter used to shut down in busy environments. Her therapist used DIR/Floortime and play-based activities tailored for her. Now, she laughs with friends at the playground and participates in class. Having her therapy at preschool was life-changing for our family.”
— James & Elena R., Lincoln Park

Our Occupational Therapy Team:

Together, the Occupational Therapy team seamlessly collaborates with each child’s entire therapeutic team to address best practices and individualized treatment plans. This collaboration between our highly-educated, compassionate staff maximize therapeutic outcomes and help support our clients to reach their fullest potential. At Eyas Landing, we value evidence-based practice, client-centeredness, community, diversity, collaboration, and flexibility.

Learn More About a Career with Eyas Landing

Why Choose Eyas Landing?

We don’t just treat “speech issues.” We treat the whole child, and we support the whole family. We believe therapy should reduce family stress, not add to it. That’s why flexibility is the foundation of our approach. We meet families where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and physically.

Flexible Therapy Settings

We offer evidence-based interventions in the environment that works best for your child:

Clinic-Based: Our state-of-the-art facility in Chicago’s West Loop is designed for sensory play and skill-building.
Home-Based: We work on skills in your natural environment, making daily routines easier.
School-Based: We collaborate with teachers to support academic success and social inclusion.
TeleHealth: Accessible support for adolescents or families needing remote flexibility.

A Multi-Disciplinary Team

Your child isn’t one-dimensional, and their care shouldn’t be either. Our occupational therapists collaborate closely with speech therapists, physical therapists, behavioral therapists (ABA), and social workers. This ensures that every part of your child’s development is supported under one roof.

Family-Centered Care

We partner with your family every step of the way. We don’t just work with your child for an hour and leave; we provide coaching and strategies you can use at home. Your goals become our goals.

Diagnosis and Conditions Our Occupational Therapists Treat:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD
Sensory Processing Disorder

Developmental Delay

Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Neurological or Brain Injury

Picky Eaters

Generalized Anxiety

Handwriting or Fine Motor Delay

Premature Babies
Sports Injury
Torticollis

School and Test Anxiety
Adoption

Client-Focused Occupational Therapy Approach:

Neuro-Affirming Care
Intentional Relationship Model

Play-Based Therapy
DIR/Floortime

Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding
Food Chaining

Sensory Integration
Therapeutic Listening
Auditory Integration

Social Skills Programs
Emotional Regulation Programs
Handwriting Without Tears

Schedule an Occupational Therapy Evaluation

Next Steps to Starting Occupational Therapy

Evaluation And Outcome Measures

Initial Evaluations are completed with standardized measures, clinical observation and parent report components. Re-evaluations are completed every six months to determine progress. Eyas Landing therapists proactively collaborate with families and other professionals to increase positive outcomes

Plan Of Care

Eyas Landing treatment plans are individualized to meet each child’s unique strengths, interests and goals. Goals are reviewed weekly and daily treatment notes are emailed directly to parents. Eyas Landing therapists are skilled in utilizing the client’s interests and motivations to increase participation in challenging therapeutic activities.

Billing Options

Eyas Landing offers a variety of billing and payment options to support your child’s treatment. There is a dedicated and knowledgeable on-site staff that are here to answer any of your questions. Eyas Landing is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO plans. Eyas Landing also accepts most out-of-network PPO plans, including United Healthcare and Cigna. Claims are submitted directly to your insurance company and staff can assist in disputing any denied claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapy for Kids:

Do I need a doctor’s referral?
In many cases, yes, for insurance purposes. However, you can contact us directly to start the conversation. We can help guide you through the process of getting the necessary paperwork from your pediatrician.

My child has an IEP at school. Can we still do private therapy?
Absolutely. Many families find that school services are helpful but may not offer the 1:1 attention or frequency a child needs to make rapid progress. We often collaborate with school teams to ensure our goals align with their IEP, maximizing your child’s success.

Do you take insurance?
We accept a wide range of insurance plans and also work with families on Early Intervention funding. During your initial consultation, our intake team will verify your benefits so you know exactly what to expect.

What does an initial assessment look like?
A: It is a low-stress, play-based evaluation. We observe how your child moves, plays, and reacts to sensory input. We also spend time talking with you to understand your primary concerns and goals.