At Lumiere Children's Therapy, our mission is simple: empower children to thrive through intentional, compassionate care. Nestled in Chicago, our Therapeutic Preschool integrates science‑based therapies and nurturing early education in a warm, neurodiversity‑affirming environment.
The concept of a Chicago Therapeutic Preschool isn't just a buzzword—it's a carefully designed early learning experience in which therapists and teachers closely collaborate to support children's developmental, social, and emotional growth.
Why Choose a Chicago Therapeutic Preschool Like Lumiere?
Parents often ask: what makes a Chicago Therapeutic Preschool unique? At Lumiere Children's Therapy, we view each child as a whole person—strengths and challenges included. Our Therapeutic Preschool blends:
- Occupational Therapy (OT) to support fine motor skills, sensory regulation, and independence
- Speech Therapy (ST) to help with expressive and receptive language
- ABA and Behavioral Supports to nurture social engagement, self‑regulation, and positive behaviors
- Social Work & Playgroups to support families and peer relationships
This holistic approach is what defines our version of a Chicago Therapeutic Preschool, providing consistency and individualized support in a preschool setting (MapQuest).
What Happens During a Typical Day?
A day in our Therapeutic Preschool at Lumiere Children's Therapy might look like this:
- Morning greeting & circle time, led by both a teacher and a therapist, fostering connection and predictability.
- Hybrid therapy‑education activities: one child may engage in a speech‑based game to practice vocabulary, while another completes a sensory motor obstacle course guided by an occupational therapist.
- Lunch and social breaks, with staff coaching turn‑taking, peer interaction, or self‑help skills.
- Mixed‑ability group play, where therapists model and scaffold social games, transitions, and language.
- Wrap‑up time, sharing stories and celebrating progress.
This integrated, warm‑and‑structured environment is exactly what sets apart a standout Chicago Therapeutic Preschool.
Who Benefits Most?
Our Chicago Therapeutic Preschool at Lumiere Children's Therapy is designed for:
- Children on the autism spectrum or with neurodivergent profiles
- Kids experiencing developmental delays, speech/language challenges, motor or sensory processing needs
- Those who need social‑emotional growth support before entering a mainstream classroom
- Families seeking inclusive, evidence‑based early childhood education paired with therapy
We tailor our daily activities and therapy supports to each child's goals and developmental profile (Lumiere Child, MapQuest).
Our Philosophy: Therapists + Teachers Working Together
At Lumiere Children's Therapy, we're proud to offer one of Chicago's premier Therapeutic Preschool programs. Here's what sets our program apart:
- Collaborative curriculum design – speech, occupational, behavioral therapists and educators co-plan learning units, ensuring therapy goals are embedded in daily routines.
- Emphasis on sensory‑based regulation tools, including therapy swings and sensory play to make self‑regulation accessible and fun. This aligns with our brand's belief that therapeutic strategies should feel like play, not drills (Lumiere Child).
- Family‑centered communication, so parents stay informed, receive coaching, and are active partners in goal‑setting and progress reviews.
Measuring Success: Real Progress in Real Settings
What does progress look like in a Chicago Therapeutic Preschool? At Lumiere Children's Therapy, children demonstrate:
- Improvements in language: expanded vocabulary, clearer pronunciation, or longer receptive attention.
- Enhanced daily living skills: better hand‑washing, feeding, or toileting routines—often practiced naturally during preschool days.
- Increased social confidence: turning toward peers, sharing materials, expressing feelings, asking for help.
- Better self‑regulation: using sensory tools like swings or fidget strategies, transitions handled without meltdowns.
Every milestone is celebrated, and our data‑informed goals support steady advancement across therapy and classroom environments.
The Role of Neurodiversity in Our Chicago Therapeutic Preschool
At the heart of Lumiere Children's Therapy is respect for neurodiversity: we recognize children think and learn in different ways—and that's a strength. Our Therapeutic Preschool is built on inclusive, strengths‑based philosophy:
- We don't pathologize differences; we partner with them.
- Therapeutic strategies are playful and child‑centered, respecting each learner's style.
- Peer interactions are carefully supported, so children experience belonging and connection on their terms.
This makes our version of a Chicago Therapeutic Preschool not just unique—but necessary for many families seeking a collaborative path forward (MapQuest, Lumiere Child).
How to Get Started
Starting your child at Lumiere Children's Therapy Therapeutic Preschool is straightforward:
- Initial consultation, usually with a therapist and clinical director, to understand your child's needs and family goals.
- Developmental screening and observation in our preschool space to assess strengths and needs.
- Customized goal plan co‑written with parents, therapists, and the preschool teacher.
- Schedule planning—daily or partial enrollment, depending on individual needs (we offer in‑clinic, home, school, and virtual services beyond the preschool) (Instagram).
- Ongoing progress reviews, and flexible modifications as your child grows and thrives.
Why Parents Love Our Therapeutic Preschool
Feedback from families highlights:
- Seamless integration of therapy and preschool—a truly unified experience.
- Whiteboard updates and check‑ins that feel personal and actionable.
- Child‑led learning that still advances core skills.
- A warm, welcoming environment where every child belongs.
It's exactly why parents search for Chicago Therapeutic Preschool and find hope at Lumiere Children's Therapy.
Meet Our Team
At the core of our approach are our experienced, credentialed professionals including:
- Occupational therapists who guide fine motor and sensory needs
- Speech therapists who support language and communication goals
- ABA-trained providers who design behavioral supports thoughtfully
- Social workers and counselors who partner with families and champion social‑emotional growth
Together, they deliver a daily experience—from circle time to nap time—that's intentional, nurturing, and fun.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right early learning environment is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. A Chicago Therapeutic Preschool like the one offered at Lumiere Children's Therapy offers more than daycare—it offers a foundation for lifelong success.
We invite you to experience:
- A nurturing environment blending therapy and early education
- Personalized goals rooted in each child's unique strengths
- Respect, joy, and growth guided by a skilled, compassionate team
