Child and Family Development

Child and Family Development Pediatric Therapy Services (formerly WildWorks Therapy)

01/23/2026

This popsicle-stick catapult is more than a craft.
It’s an opportunity to build fine motor strength, problem-solving, and emotional resilience—within the safety of a trusting relationship.

Playful challenges, supported by connection, help children build the resilience they need to stay engaged and regulated.

In DIR/Floortime, play becomes the bridge between regulation, connection, and learning. 💛

👉 Comment “RESILIENCE” for a parent-friendly guide to supporting emotional regulation through play.

01/17/2026

They start with safety.
With shared joy.
With being understood.

That’s how friendships grow here 💛

We currently have two openings in our DIR/Floortime Day Program!

Call us to learn more 📲 973-830-9248

01/16/2026

Play with purpose 🧠✨Activities like making slime support sensory processing, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and motor planning—all while keeping children engaged and motivated. At Child & Family Development, we use meaningful activities to help kids feel more confident and capable in everyday routines.
📩 Message us to learn more!

Occupational Therapy at Child & Family DevelopmentOur occupational therapy services go beyond skill practice to address ...
01/04/2026

Occupational Therapy at Child & Family Development

Our occupational therapy services go beyond skill practice to address the underlying foundations of development. We focus on sensory processing, executive functioning, and the development of a strong sense of self—helping children understand their bodies, regulate emotions, plan and organize actions, and engage confidently in daily life. Through individualized, relationship-based intervention, we support meaningful participation at home, school, and in the community, creating lasting developmental progress rather than short-term behavioral change 💛

Resilience isn’t about being “tough”—it’s about knowing you’re not alone. 💛This month’s Growing Together newsletter expl...
11/21/2025

Resilience isn’t about being “tough”—it’s about knowing you’re not alone. 💛

This month’s Growing Together newsletter explores how DIR/Floortime builds resilience by helping children feel safe, supported, and ready to bounce back when life gets hard. 🌱

Inside Issue #12:
💬 Why resilience grows through relationships
🎲 How playful challenges build confidence & flexible thinking
🧠 Simple strategies for supporting kids when setbacks happen

Because every moment of connection isn’t just comfort—it’s preparation for life’s challenges.

📬 Not subscribed yet? Tap the link in bio to get Issue #13 in your inbox!

✨ Watching new therapists discover the magic of play never gets old. Mentoring in DIR/Floortime isn’t just about teachin...
09/30/2025

✨ Watching new therapists discover the magic of play never gets old. Mentoring in DIR/Floortime isn’t just about teaching techniques—it’s about passing along the joy of connection, the power of curiosity, and the belief that every child can thrive when we follow their lead. 💡💞
Through play, we see growth unfold: laughter becomes learning, challenges turn into opportunities, and relationships light the path forward. 🌱
💬 To all the therapists out there: keep leaning into wonder, keep trusting the process, and keep remembering that the smallest play moments can spark the biggest transformations. 🌟

Planning, problem-solving, impulse control… these “thinking skills” don’t grow from worksheets—they grow from PLAY. 🎲💡Th...
09/27/2025

Planning, problem-solving, impulse control… these “thinking skills” don’t grow from worksheets—they grow from PLAY. 🎲💡

This week’s Growing Together newsletter is all about how DIR/Floortime helps children strengthen executive functioning skills in natural, joyful ways.

Inside Issue #11:
🧠 What executive functioning really means for kids
🎯 How play builds working memory, flexibility, and self-control
🌟 Simple ideas you can try at home to stretch thinking skills through connection

Because every tower built, role-play imagined, or game played together isn’t “just fun”—it’s the foundation for lifelong learning. 🌱

📬 Not subscribed yet? Tap the link in bio to get Issue #12 delivered to your inbox!

MEET OUR TEAM MEMBERRitaj Shoman, BSWTitleDIR/Floortime AssistantBioRitaj is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor’s ...
09/21/2025

MEET OUR TEAM MEMBER
Ritaj Shoman, BSW

Title
DIR/Floortime Assistant

Bio
Ritaj is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University. With an early foundation in child development, cultivated over a year, Ritaj transitioned into the role of a Floortime Assistant. Recently certified in DIR/Floortime, Ritaj brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to creating meaningful interactions with children, supporting their developmental journey.

Approach to Therapy
My approach to therapy is rooted in creating a nurturing, empathetic, and collaborative environment. I focus on understanding each individual’s unique experiences and tailor my method to suit their needs and goals.

What I Love About Working with Kids
What I love about working with children and families is how fulfilling it is to get to witness incredible growth. It’s rewarding to create a supportive space and see families thrive together.

Fun Fact ✨
Favorite childhood TV show: Dora the explorer 💜
Hobby: Exploring different coffee shops and traveling

🌟 Free Resource for Parents & Caregivers! 🌟Did you know that your child’s sense of self—how they see and understand them...
09/20/2025

🌟 Free Resource for Parents & Caregivers! 🌟
Did you know that your child’s sense of self—how they see and understand themselves—is the foundation for confidence, relationships, and lifelong learning? 💛

We’ve created a FREE resource to help you understand:
🧠 What “sense of self” really means in child development
💬 Why it’s so important for social and emotional growth
🌱 Practical ways you can nurture your child’s sense of self every day

👉 Download your copy today and start building stronger connections while supporting your child’s development—through simple, relationship-based strategies.

✨ It’s free, and it’s yours here: [https://learninghub.childfam-dev.com/offers/hoZLyC22]

Because when children feel secure in who they are, they can thrive in every area of life. 🌈

MEET OUR TEAM LEADERCourtney St.Germain, MS, OTR/L, DIR-ExpertTitleDirector of DIR/FloortimeBioCourtney earned her Maste...
09/20/2025

MEET OUR TEAM LEADER
Courtney St.Germain, MS, OTR/L, DIR-Expert

Title
Director of DIR/Floortime

Bio
Courtney earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Brenau University and has been working with children and families for almost 15 years. She has specialized training in DIR/Floortime, sensory integration, and feeding therapy. Courtney’s passion is helping children build confidence in their everyday routines by combining play with evidence-based strategies.

Approach
“I believe therapy should feel like play. My goal is to empower both children and their families through joyful, supportive experiences that build lifelong skills.”

What I Love About Working with Kids
“I love watching kids light up when they accomplish something new. Their creativity and resilience inspire me every day.”

Fun Fact ✨
Favorite childhood TV show: Sesame Street 💛
“If I weren’t a therapist, I’d be a…” An Interior Designer 🏡

Before children can learn, they need to feel safe, calm, and connected. 💛This week’s Growing Together newsletter is all ...
09/19/2025

Before children can learn, they need to feel safe, calm, and connected. 💛

This week’s Growing Together newsletter is all about co-regulation—the process of calming together. When we share our steady presence and empathy, children learn to regulate their own emotions over time. 🌱

Inside Issue #10:
🧠 Why co-regulation is the foundation of growth
💬 Simple strategies to try at home when big feelings arise
🌟 How DIR/Floortime uses connection as the first step toward learning

Because a calm connection isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

📬 Not subscribed yet? Tap the link in bio to join the Growing Together community and get Issue #10 in your inbox!

Play isn’t a pause in development—it is development. 🌱✨In last week’s Growing Together newsletter, we’re looking at why ...
09/18/2025

Play isn’t a pause in development—it is development. 🌱✨

In last week’s Growing Together newsletter, we’re looking at why play is the heart of growth for every child. Through play, kids practice problem-solving, explore emotions, build relationships, and discover who they are.

Inside Issue #9:
🎲 Why play supports cognitive, emotional, social, and motor growth
💛 How DIR/Floortime transforms play into connection and learning
🌟 Simple reflection prompts to deepen playtime at home

When we join children in their play, we’re not just passing time—we’re building their future. 💫

📬 Not subscribed yet? Tap the link in bio to join the Growing Together community and get Issue #10 delivered to your inbox!

Address

350 Ramapo Valley Road, Suite 100
Oakland, NJ
07436

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Website

https://www.childfam-dev.com/, https://learninghub.childfam-dev.com/offers/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Child and Family Development posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Child and Family Development:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram