PlayWorks Prep: A Therapeutic Preschool Preparatory Program

PlayWorks Prep is an interdisciplinary therapeutic program for children with developmental differences. Our programs serve children ages 2 ½ to 6 years old with developmental delays that may include:

  • Speech and language delays
  • Cognitive delays
  • Social-emotional delays and/or difficulties with social interaction
  • Sensory processing challenges
  • Behavioral challenges

We believe social-emotional development and sensory integration are fundamental in building the relationships necessary for children to engage in active learning. PlayWorks Prep uses a global developmental model that relies on individualization of intervention through a unique understanding of each child’s full developmental profile. Curriculum is rooted in our extensive knowledge of the natural progression of child development and tailored to provide appropriate scaffolding to support each child’s ability to learn new skills and engage in meaningful interactions with their family, peers, and environment.

PlayWorks Prep is co-led by an interdisciplinary team of therapists comprised of occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, physical thearpists, and/or developmental therapists. This program is play-based and combines aspects of both child-led and adult-led evidenced-based treatment modalities to create an eclectic program with the “just right” challenge for each child. We work to prepare children for a classroom setting by developing play skills, increasing tolerance for group routines, developing social communication skills, practicing transitions, and encouraging attention and task completion.

2024-2025 PlayWorks Prep Academic Year Important Dates

Interested in enrolling? Fill out our interest form and our Intake Coordinator will reach out to you.

PlayWorks Prep is a tuition-based program. The occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and social work portions of tuition are billable to insurance. For more information, please contact our office at (773) 332-9439, fill out our interest form, or email us at info@playworkschicago.com.

Academic Year & Summer Programs

Enrolling now for:

  • The remainder of our 2024-2025 School Year
  • 2025 Summer Session: 06/24/25 - 08/16/25
  • 2025-2026 Academic Year: 08/26/25 - 06/06/26

Complete our PlayWorks Prep Interest Form to learn more!

Days: Monday through Friday

Time: 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Ages: 2½ to 6 years old

Optional Add-Ons

Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch is an opportunity for PlayWorks Prep students to eat lunch in a social setting. This group has a daily fee.

Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Time: 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Ages: 2½ to 6 years old

Families can choose to have their child attend one, two, three, or four days a week.

Food Explorers!

Food Explorers is one-to-one feeding therapy that takes place in a group setting. This service is billable to insurance. There is a monthly food fee that is not billable to insurance. More information on Food Explorers can be found on the program page.

Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Time: 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Ages: 2½ to 6 years old

Families can choose to have their child attend two or more days.