We know how important it is for you and your child to be connected with other families who are working towards the same goals. We understand how challenging it is to find quality groups and classes.
You are not alone, we are here to help.
At CDI, we offer Therapeutic Groups and Classes, which provide a unique opportunity for families, infants and children to learn and grow in a social setting while having the support of trained professionals.
CDI offers several different types of therapeutic groups. Groups focus on a the individual needs for each child and family.
What makes Therapeutic Groups at CDI different?
Family Focused: CDI therapists know how vital parental participation and education is regarding early child development. We partner with YOU as the expert on your child.
“Whole Child” Integrated Approach: We approach children holistically considering their individual developmental needs. Our therapists have training in multiple areas of child development and they work together with parents to determine how best to support their child and family.
Research-driven, Innovative: Our relationship-based model is based on years of early child development research and brain science. CDI therapists use evidenced based practices such as DIR/Floortime and Strengthening Families.
Social, Play-Based: Children and families are given opportunities to play within a social setting which allows them to practice the skills they are learning.
Therapeutic Groups and Classes
Social Skills Groups
For ages 2 – 8 years*. CDI offers several different groups for children working on their social skills with peers. Using a play-based approach, therapists focus on helping children build self-regulation, attention, peer engagement, communication, and problem-solving skills. Groups meet weekly for 1.5 hours. *Separate groups are offered for different age ranges of infants and children. Location of the groups may vary.
Parent and Me Group
For ages 0-36 months and their caregivers. Learn how to support your baby’s brain development, support attachment between you and your baby, as well as learn simple strategies to help calm you and your baby. Group meets weekly in-person at for 1 hour for 8 weeks. Summer Series: Mondays at Reseda ELC. Fall 2023 Series moving to Thursdays at CDI’s Canoga Park ELC. Toddlers (12-36 mos) 9:30-10:30 and Infants (0-12 mos) 10:30-11:30. (*Is your child a NICU graduate, contact CDI to see if they qualify for a free series)
Preschool Readiness Group
CDI’s Preschool Readiness Group (ages 2.5-4 years). Preschool Readiness Group supports age-appropriate skills in motor skills, practice following simple routines, peer engagement, and social-emotional development. Children and families will be provided tools and strategies from a Licensed Occupational Therapist to make a successful transition into preschool, while making new friends along the way!
Ready, Set Write (Handwriting Group)
Handwriting development class for ages 4- 5 year olds. Support your child’s pre-handwriting/handwriting skills by signing them up for this fun and educational class with CDI’s Occupational Therapy team! Each class offers a holistic approach to developing fine motor and letter formation skills by integrating multi-sensory modalities with components from Handwriting Without Tears®.
Infant Massage
In this in-person introductory 3-class-series for caregivers and baby, taught by a Licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Infant Massage instructor. Caregivers will learn infant massage techniques and strategies to promote relaxation, improve sleep and digestion, enhance attachment and help you and your baby connect through the power of calming touch.
*If you are interested in a private infant massage class, please contact CDI. Classes can be virtual or in-person.
Sensory Learners Play Group
For ages 0-36 mos. A licensed Occupational Therapist will lead you and your child in activities that engages your child’s sound, touch, smell and movement senses to help them develop curiosity, explore new sensory experiences and create friendships. Classes will meet in-person at CDI’s Reseda Campus. Classes will be held either in a shaded outdoor group space or inside the Reseda Early Learning Center (dependent on weather). Toddlers 9:30am-10:30am and Infants 10:30-11:30am. (*Is your child a NICU graduate, contact CDI to see if they qualify for a free series) Individual class pricing available or a discounted series price!
Baby Talk Group
For ages 1-18 months* and their caregivers. Learn how to support your baby’s early language development. Weekly sessions include communication milestones and practical activities to help support the development of these milestones. Facilitated by a Speech Therapist. Currently offering individual speech assessments and therapy, click here for more information.
Parent Testimonial
“The developmental therapist at CDI recommended a few therapies and the social skills group. This group was great for my son and our family. The first time we went, I noticed that he didn’t like playing with other kids. Little by little I saw him learning to sit, to transition. He started helping bring out mats. He learned to trust that more fun was coming when one activity was finished. He even started mentioning ‘his friends’ from group.”
– Carol
CDI Client Family
The Social Skills Group supports a child’s transition into preschool. We practice skills such as separation and engaging with peers in a social setting. When families join, parents are nervous about their child playing in socially appropriate ways. We never force a child to participate. Instead, we spend time getting to know the child, help them adjust to regulating within the group and learning the routine. Over time, we see them joining the group by their own will and desire, these are the skills that will be more meaningful and become integrated into who they are as they develop. After several sessions, parents are often shocked when their child joins group with excitement and enthusiasm. We have seen so many positive outcomes with this group.