STEPS for Kids Pediatric Therapy

10/31/2025

📢REMINDER❗
Route 47 will be closed to ALL traffic on Monday and Tuesday 11/3 and 11/4. Please plan ahead for getting to your appointment if this will impact your drive time! Please note that the recommended detour on Route 71 is under construction! We encourage alternative routes that work for you. 😉

T-minus 6 days!
Please see the official detour map provided by IDOT for the upcoming Route 47 closure from Sunday, November 2nd through Tuesday, November 4th.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Commercial vehicle traffic will not be permitted through the closure area. The roadway and surrounding intersections do not have adequate space to accommodate large vehicle rerouting. All commercial and truck traffic must follow the posted detour route to ensure safety, reduce congestion, and prevent potential property damage.

10/24/2025

Get ready for Halloween Spirit Week!
Check for your day of attendance and join the fun! Trick or Treat with STEPS for Kids all week!

🎃 🎃

09/08/2025

Check out the latest podcast from STEPS for Development for tips on choosing strategies and supports that really work!

✨ New Podcast Episode Alert! ✨

Have you ever tried ALL the strategies—visual charts, reward systems, calming tools—only to find that your child still melts down, resists, or shuts down? 😩

You’re not alone. In this week’s episode of STEPS Together, “When Good Tools Fail,” we’ll dive into why the tools and strategies that work for other kids sometimes don’t work for yours… and what to do instead. 💡

This conversation will help you:
✔️ Understand why those tools aren’t “wrong” but may not match your child’s needs.
✔️ Learn how to "think like a therapist" and find what actually works for your unique child.
✔️ Take the pressure off yourself—you’re not failing, you’re just missing the right fit.

🎧 Listen now and start shifting from frustration to confidence: link is in comments!

💬 Have you ever tried a tool that “should” work but didn’t? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve experienced!

(photo credit: freepik.com)

08/18/2025

Our philosophy at STEPS for Kids is rooted in relationships, play and empowerment for children and their caregivers. Did you know that our founder, Debra Johnson, is now hosting a podcast that highlights our approach and shares all kinds of tips, strategies and encouragement for caregivers? You can find the latest episode here (also on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music) - take a listen and share!

STEPS for Kids provides Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapy for children from birth through adolescence. We are also now offering parent coaching services. Your child does NOT need to be attending therapy at STEPS for Kids to access parent coaching. Questions about our services? You can message us here or contact us through our website (link in comments and bio). Phone: 630-552-9890

Supporting a child with unique needs comes with layers most people never see — balancing school meetings, therapy sessions, sensory needs, and emotional ups and downs, all while trying to connect and guide. It’s a constant juggle of time, energy, ...

07/31/2025

Our approach to helping parents help their children: Strength-based and relationship focused, rooted in the neuroscience of development and emotional regulation. Learn about co-regulation through the latest podcast from STEPS for Development Education & Consulting. (link in comments!)

OT supports parents in learning how to co-regulate with their child so that children can learn the skills they need for self-regulation. From infancy through adulthood, we all seek co-regulation from others. Learning how to remain calm in the face of meltdowns takes practice. Is your child struggling with self-regulation? Are you unsure where to start? Call today for a free consult to see if OT is right for your child! 630-552-9890

07/30/2025

Deb Johnson (OT and STEPS for Kids founder/CEO) is hosting another FREE webinar! If you are struggling with understanding your child's baffling behaviors, dealing with power struggles and meltdowns, or losing sleep over how you can support your child more effectively, this is for you!

Free webinar; learn about challenging behaviors in children, mistakes we make in responding and effective strategies to change child behaviors

07/29/2025

We're hiring! Check out our open positions and give us a call if you are interested in joining our amazing team!

STEPS for Kids provides developmental support services with a relationship and play based approach that addresses the whole child within the context of family-centered care

07/28/2025

❓Do you know that OT helps toddlers and preschoolers?
In these early years, kids are learning how to be in the world — how to play, move, explore, and connect. Pediatric occupational therapy supports this growth by helping children:

🧠 Build attention and regulation skills
👐 Develop fine motor and self-help skills
🎨 Engage in meaningful play
💬 Strengthen social and communication abilities
🏃‍♂️ Move with confidence and coordination

Whether a child is experiencing delays, sensory sensitivities, or just needs a little extra support to develop skills, our skilled OTs meet them where they are — through play, relationships, and skill-building that fits their unique needs. 💛

✨STEPS for Kids has daytime openings available NOW to support your child's growth and guide you in understanding development and your child's needs. Come see what makes the STEPS for Kids approach unique, and let us help you help your child grow and thrive!

❓Not sure if OT is the right place to start?
📞Give us a call for a FREE consultation! 630-552-9890

07/18/2025

Deb Johnson here! I'm excited to share this news about the STEPS Together podcast. I'll be sharing new episodes regularly, addressing development, neurodiversity, challenging behavior strategies and general parenting support. Whether your child attends STEPS for Kids or not, if you are invested in helping children grow and thrive, there will be something for you in STEPS Together. Subscribe and follow to get updates as the new episodes come out!