Author Archives: admin

Today is the last day to shop the CP+ Winter Collection!

New logo tee colors, joggers and an exclusive new design that you don’t want to miss!

SHOPCPPLUS.COM

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

We hope your holiday is merry + bright. ❤️

Spirit Week

It’s Spirit Week at CP+! Today is Twin Day!

Coming up:
Wednesday: Elf Day

Spirit Week

It’s Spirit Week, albeit a short one, at CP+! Today is Christmas sweaters!

Coming up:
Tuesday: Twin Day
Wednesday: Elf Day

We’re Hiring

Check out our career opportunities on our website: https://childsplayplus.com/careers/

Multiple locations to serve our families!

elf games

Our OT team is getting festive with their activities while delivering meaningful therapy to patients. 💚

Here’s what we’re working on:

Fine motor skills: Picking up and turning over a mini cup, utilizing a pincer grasp to pick up the mini marshmallows.

School readiness skills: Reading, letter, and color identification, recognizing their own name that was printed on the envelope which can also assist with safety awareness.

Visual Perception: Visually identifying where the marshmallows were hidden under the mini red cups.

Attention skills: Attending and participating in a multi-step activity.

Some of our kiddos are working on their very own countdown to Christmas!

Read all about what’s new at CP+ for December!

https://mailchi.mp/f70a7a5c0868/december2021_newsletter

Need inspiration for the perfect gift?

Check out the CP+ Holiday Gift Guide! We asked our providers from the ABA, OT and the Speech teams for their top picks in toys this year! CP+ tested. Kid approved.

Last call for Toys for Tots donations!

Help us make this Christmas extra special for the children in our community. If you would like to donate a toy, please come see us at ANY of our three locations now through December 6 with a new, unwrapped toy for kids of any age.

Child’s Play Plus locations:
7230 Engle Road, Suite 102, Fort Wayne, IN
4118 N. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN
80 Commercial Road, Huntington, IN

“Making our family yours through a smooth and positive introduction into Child’s Play Plus.”

As Administrative Manager for our Glenbrook location, Alysha ensures the daily operations of her location are running smoothly through the finest customer service and staff HR support. She strives to support families and staff alike through a friendly environment that cultivates our mission to play, learn and grow.

Alysha began her career with us as a Registered Behavior Technician. With a bachelors degree in Children’s Ministry from Cincinnati Christian University and 15 years of working with children, Alysha is an excellent addition to our Welcome Team! Whether you are coming to Child’s Play Plus for the first time or are a well-versed parent; she is your point of contact and can answer your questions, guide you along on a personal tour, facilitate appointments and much more! Our Welcome Team is here for you.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

We’re so thankful to be in your child’s life. ❤ We strive each day to accomplish great things!

One of our Huntington kids made an apple pie!

There were many different aspects of therapy and experiences for this one! Naturalistic environmental teaching (like going to the store), following a shopping list, checking out all of the supplies and following the directions to make the pie. This activity works on fine motor (opening cans), imitation and listener responding skills!

In honor of their friend, the rest of the kiddos at Huntington made ‘apple pies’ during circle time! We’re so proud of the kids here at CP+!

We’re hiring Behavior Technicians!

Make a difference in the life of a child and grow with a team that supports you! https://childsplayplus.com/about/staff/

Multiple locations to serve our families!

Come and tour one of our facilities to see how we play, learn and grow… at Child’s Play Plus! https://childsplayplus.com/contact/schedule-a-visit/

You can expect consistency and quality care across all locations. Our facilities provide patients with a variety of private therapy rooms (regardless of services being received), common areas for group interaction, fully equipped kitchen, OT gym and so much more!

Cookies with Santa

Look who is in town! Santa Claus has made a very special stop right here at CP+! 🎅🍪

Thank you for joining us for Cookies with Santa as we enjoy the magic of the season.

Thank you to our Veterans

We’re honoring our nations Veterans today. 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service.

Donut Day!

Celebrating our November birthdays and workiversaries today with @Jacksdonuts!

We are proud to be an official donation site for Toys for Tots!

Child’s Play Plus locations:
7230 Engle Road, Suite 102, Fort Wayne, IN
4118 N. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN
80 Commercial Road, Huntington, IN

We have some really fun things happening here at CP+!

Read the newsletter to learn more: https://mailchi.mp/42482191a42a/november2021_newsletter

Trick-or-Treat

CP+ Halloween tags for the kiddos this year includes a removable “trick-or-treat” section of the pumpkin to help those working on their communication skills! Our Speech team has been using these during therapy to get some good practice in before Halloween 🎃

We’re hiring Behavior Technicians!

Make a difference in the life of a child and grow with a team that supports you! https://childsplayplus.com/about/staff/

Congratulations to our very own Joe Miller for passing his BCBA exam!

“I always knew I wanted to work with kids. I’m so happy that I was able to find a place where I’m able to make a real difference in their lives.”
– Joe Miller, Clinical Apprentice

Donut Day!

Celebrating our October birthdays and workiversaries today with @jacksdonuts.fw

October Newsletter

Activities, announcements and more! Check out the October newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/063eada1345b/october2021_newsletter

Multiple locations to serve our families!

Come and tour one of our facilities to see how we play, learn and grow… at Child’s Play Plus! https://childsplayplus.com/contact/schedule-a-visit/

Our Occupational Therapy team is here to help your child thrive in everyday life! 💚

“My goal is always to address needs identified by a patient or their family. Create “just right” challenges with interventions that are evidence-based, use fun activities that are motivating for your child, and increase quality of life and independence in your child’s daily life overall.”

– Monica Phillips, OTR/L

Social Communication

Children learning how to use their language effectively to communicate takes practice! Learning ‘how’ they say or ask for things makes a difference.

To help your child at home, try these 3 strategies:

1. Provide your child with frequent opportunities for imagination play to encourage different types of language.

2. Discuss why people might be more willing to help you if they are asked in a different way.

3. Demonstrate (or model) using various forms of language at home.

Interested in Speech Therapy for your child? Connect with us today by calling 260-373-1050 or visiting our website: https://childsplayplus.com/

Happy first day of Fall!

‘Tis the season of change and sometimes our friends with autism need a little extra help transitioning through these new things – and that’s okay! We’re here to help. Connect with us if you have questions or are considering beginning services.

We’re proud to be our community’s choice!

Thank you for voting us Best Pediatric Therapy Center and #1 in Speech Therapy!

Join our team!

Join our team and experience a workplace like no other. If you’re passionate about helping kids, have a strong work ethic and like to have fun, then we want to talk to you! We are always on the look out for qualified candidates.

View our openings and to apply at: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Child%27s-Play-Plus/jobs. Come and join us as we play, learn and grow… at Child’s Play Plus!

Taking the steps to begin services

Taking the steps to begin services for your child starts with a quick phone call or visit to our website! Call us at 260-373-1050 or go to https://childsplayplus.com/contact/schedule-a-visit/. Whether you see us for ABA, OT, Speech or all three, we’re here for you!

Proudly supporting the Fort Wayne TinCaps

We’re proud to partner with our friends in the community and support local! Be sure to catch the Fort Wayne TinCaps in their last weekend of the season!

It’s Donut Day

We’re celebrating the birthdays and work-iversaries for September!

Trampoline

Of course trampolines are a ton of jumpy, bouncy fun, but they also have a purpose here at Child’s Play Plus! During an OT session, the trampoline can be used for a multitude of reasons ranging from building motivation to encouraging sensory regulation and body awareness. This highly requested piece of equipment is just one of many in our gym!

Donut Day!

It’s Donut Day and we’re celebrating the birthdays and work-iversaries for August!

We’re here for you every step of the way

Finding the right care for your child is a big decision! We’re here to help guide you every step of the way and encourage families to reach out with questions. Come and take a personal tour at any of our facilities to see for yourself how we play, learn and grow… at Child’s Play Plus!

Back to school

There are many skills that are important as your child begins school and some can be more challenging than expected. That’s okay! Our Speech and Occupational Therapists can address these skill areas to help build a solid foundation. Call us today at 260-373-1050 or visit childsplayplus.com to learn more!

Read all about what’s new at CP+ in this month’s newsletter!

https://mailchi.mp/2585b33f61ed/august2021_newsletter

Proudly supporting the Fort Wayne TinCaps!

It’s Christmas in July

We’re working in some holiday spirit into our kiddos therapy time with ‘ugly sweater’ crafts, cookie making and a dance party!

Summer Collection

Sale ends tonight on the CP+ Summer Collection! shopcpplus.com for tie-dye, fresh colors and fun new designs!

July is our anniversary month!

We’re celebrating 7 years of hard work, dedication, success stories and memories. All of which we are beyond grateful for. Thank you to our CP+ family for making us who we are today… and we’re just getting started!

Summer Collection

The CP+ Summer Collection offers bright colors, fun designs and soft fabrics. Plus… TIE-DYE for the whole family! Shop now through July 23: https://childs-play-plus.myshopify.com/

Donut Day!

We’re celebrating the birthdays and work-iversaries for July with all the sweets from our favorite local donut shop! Here’s a big sugary cheers to all of you today!

We’ve been nominated for the Fort Wayne Newspapers Reader’s Choice 2021!

Voting is each day: now through August 3! https://fortwayne.secondstreetapp.com/Fort-Wayne…/

We’re helping kids of all ages and abilities through ABA Therapy, Speech + Occupational Therapy

Connect with us today to see for yourself how we play, learn and grow… at Child’s Play Plus! Schedule your personal tour today: https://childsplayplus.com/contact/schedule-a-visit/

Your July news is here!

Read all about it! https://mailchi.mp/4f596dad543b/july2021_newsletter

Proudly supporting our friends

at Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation as their Little League t-shirt sponsor!

Happy 4th of July from all of us at CP+!

Proudly sponsoring Storytime at the Zoo!

Enter our Coloring Contest to win tokens to the Zoo!

How to enter: Post a picture of your bookmark in the comments of this post! Easy 😀

Storytime at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is free with regular admission and held every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am and 6 pm in the Australian Adventure plaza! 🐾 Enjoy a story and animal encounter presented by zoo staff!

We love our community

and are proud to support our friends at Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation as their Little League t-shirt sponsor!

We’ve been nominated for Reader’s Choice!

A big THANK YOU for all the love. Get ready to vote for us starting Sunday, July 11! https://fortwayne.secondstreetapp.com/Fort-Wayne…/

Proudly sponsoring little league

Proudly supporting our friends at Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation as their Little League t-shirt sponsor!

Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome Dads out there!

ABA kiddos made cookies!

Fresh cookies today at Jefferson Park! Some of our ABA kiddos made cookies for all of us – which helps build skills like turn-taking, following directions, sharing, kitchen safety and more. Delicious!

Take the next step in your career

Take the next step in your career at Child’s Play Plus! We’re helping kids of all ages and abilities through ABA Therapy, Speech + Occupational Therapy. Send your resume to: jobs@childsplayplus.com

Speech Therapy audio + visual

Did you know that visual cues in speech are just as important as hearing sounds. Watching someone speaking helps the learner just as much as hearing them!

Donut Day!

It’s Donut Day and we’re celebrating the birthdays and work-iversaries for June! Peep those Advocate tees We’re all about supporting our staff, patients and our community!

Schedule your tour!

At CP+, our families have full support and access to all services, all under one roof. That’s the perk of the ‘plus’! Schedule your tour today and see for yourself how we play, learn and grow… at Child’s Play Plus!

June News

Your June news is here! Read all about it! https://mailchi.mp/9f3aa26e828c/june2021_newsletter

Our Speech team is growing!

Please help us welcome Delaney Keiser to CP+. As a Speech-Language Pathologist in her Clinical Fellowship year, Delaney earned her masters in Speech-Language Pathology from Bowling Green State University. Her clinical experiences include wellness centers for outpatient pediatrics, outpatient clinics, the university clinic and community hospitals in Ohio. Delaney provides patients with personalized care to assist in achieving their goals while providing parents with the support and information needed to help their child grow at home as well.

Happy Memorial Day

Let us remember and honor all who have served.

Coloring Contest

We have partnered with the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo for an interactive storytime in June! Enjoy an animal-themed story paired with an animal demonstration with one of our ambassador animals. Meet on the Australian Adventure Plaza at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. for this fun program, designed for children ages 5 and under with an adult. Every Tuesday and Wednesday this summer – free with Zoo admission! Be sure to get a CP+ bookmark to color as we are having a coloring contest! Submit a picture of your bookmark in the comments of this Facebook post to enter our drawing to win zoo tokens! Multiple winners!

OT is helping kids work on various ADLs like: feeding

One of the many topics that Occupational Therapists cover with their patients are Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Some examples of ADLs for kids would be personal hygiene, dressing, eating/feeding and functional mobility. A lot of people don’t realize how many “occupations” we all have and use each and every day!

Tips for water safety

Water safety starts with preventative steps! Please review these 5 steps to ensure your child has a safe summer:

1. Review – Communicate clear rules about going near a pool or any body of water with an adult. Let them know what the risks are. For families with a pool at home, the pool should be fenced with an alarm on the gate to alert you if your child attempts to enter.

2. Educate – Learning the rules of a swimming pool and becoming familiar with the surroundings is a great way to introduce your child to this setting. If they are anxious about the water, start small with pool side visits. Next, dip your toes in the water and work your way up!

3. Lessons – Every child should take swim lessons! There are specific classes available to kids with ASD or that have sensory challenges that make it possible for every child to learn to swim. These skills could save their life. If they are excited by the water they will love this experience!

4. Gear – Your child may still require a life jacket or flotation device around the water, even if they don’t plan on swimming. It’s a smart precaution and may offer reassurance when attempting a new skill.

5. Support – Your child looks to you for support and encouragement. Parent’s should be hands-on whenever children are in the water. Even with a confident swimmer, you should remain close.

Your career at Child’s Play Plus!

We are looking for qualified candidates to join our growing team at ALL locations! Email your resume to jobs@childsplayplus.com!

Spirit Week

We like to celebrate our patients in a big way including an honorary Spirit Week!

Come and see for yourself how we play, learn and grow…

at Child’s Play Plus! Schedule your tour today!

Just hangin’ out with our friends at the zoo!

Stop by the CP+ sponsored Smile Station and pose with the penguins!

Today is Apraxia Awareness Day!

Did you know that an experienced speech-language pathologist is the most qualified to diagnose and treat Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)? Here at Child’s Play Plus, we offer Fort Wayne’s only preferred provider as recommended by Apraxia-kids.org (an excellent resource to learn more)! Please connect with us if you have questions, concerns or suspect your child may need treatment for apraxia. We’re here for you!

Our Occupational Therapy team is growing!

Please help us welcome Alexandrea Springer to CP+. Many of you have met Alex during her time here as a doctoral student intern from Huntington University. In a few short weeks she will be joining our OT team full time!

“Hello CP+ families. My name is Alex and I am a recent graduate from Huntington University’s Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program. I am extremely excited to serve as a future occupational therapist at Child’s Play Plus. I look forward to working with you and your children to increase their independence in activities that are meaningful to them!” – Alexandrea Springer, OTDS, CEIM

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day! We hope you have a day that is as amazing as you are ❤

Child’s Play Newsletter

Your May news is here! Read about what’s happening at CP+: https://mailchi.mp/4eebcb8555ad/may2021_newsletter

Root, root, root for the Tin Caps

We proudly support the Tin Caps! Tonight marks the start of the 2021 season and we can’t wait to root, root, root for the home team

Proudly supporting the kids in our community

Proudly supporting the kids in our community We partnered with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation to support the Youth Leagues for 2021! Check out their Fun Times summer edition for details! http://www.fortwayneparks.org/

Kids with autism have a special place in our heart

Kids with autism have a special place in our heart and a special place in NE Indiana! We are the community’s choice for families seeking care. With multiple locations to better serve our kids, we encourage you to come and see for yourself how we play, learn and grow… at Child’s Play Plus! https://childsplayplus.com/contact/

You have questions, we have answers

Starting the process of therapy can bring a lot of new questions. We’re here to support you! Delve into our ever-growing entries into parent resources. Articles related to the nature of ABA, help in advocacy, insurance changes and issues, and many other items. Read all you want, then pop over to the contact us link and ask a question. We love to educate our families! https://childsplayplus.com/resources/

Share your smile with us!

We proudly support the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo! Today is opening day! Be sure to stop by the penguins for your photo op with the CP+ sponsored Penguin Smile Station!

Supporting your child as they prepare for school

Kindergarten is a big milestone in a child’s life and as a parent you’re eager to make sure they’re ready. There are many skills that are important as they begin school and some can be more challenging than expected. That’s okay! Speech and Occupational Therapy can help address these skill areas to help build a solid foundation.

Speech Therapy addresses oral language skills and phonological awareness while OT addresses name writing and alphabet knowledge (and so much more!). Together, our therapists will ensure your child’s early academic skills are supported!

Call us today at 260-373-1050 or visit childsplayplus.com to get started!

Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Understanding Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): Speech occurs when the brain sends a message to the mouth, which tells the muscles how and when to move to make the sounds. Apraxia of speech is when those messages do not get through correctly. Even though the muscles are strong, the child may not be able to move their lips or tongue correctly to make sounds. Children with CAS may not be able to say much at all.

While CAS is not something that kids grow out of, it is treatable through therapy sessions with an SLP. Our Speech-Language Pathologist has been recognized as a preferred provider (1 of 6 in Indiana and the only one in Fort Wayne!) by Apraxia-Kids.org. She has the understanding, skills, training and experiences to be successful with children with apraxia.

Call us at 260-373-1050 or visit https://childsplayplus.com/ with your questions and learn how to get started!

Donut Day!

It’s Donut Day at CP+! We’re celebrating the birthdays and work-iversaries for April

Kudos

This Kudos goes out to one of our OT kids for sitting at the table for 10 minutes while working on using a spoon!

Pediatric Care

Kids learn and develop at their own pace and we understand that sometimes they need a little extra help. Whether they come to us for one or all services, we are your resource for pediatric therapy! Call 260-373-1050 or visit childsplayplus.com to learn more and schedule a tour!

April Newsletter

Wishing you a happy Easter – from all of us at Child’s Play Plus!

Happy Easter

Wishing you a happy Easter – from all of us at Child’s Play Plus!

More than just decorating eggs

Our OT kids decorated Easter eggs this week, and while the eggs look fun + colorful it’s worth so much more! Here’s why:

What skills are addressed in OT sessions dying eggs?
We adapted the task by using rice and food coloring inside a container so the patient could shake it while dying their eggs! They helped with scooping rice, squeezing the food coloring, shaking the containers, and removing the eggs with tongs!! With this one activity we addressed sequencing multiple steps, following directions, coordination, sensory processing, standing balance, motor planning, grasp development, visual attention, self-regulation and more!

We’re advocates for the kids we serve and are proud to be a part of their lives

April is Autism Awareness month and Occupational Therapy month, but for us it’s each and every day. We’re advocates for the kids we serve and are proud to be a part of their lives!

Easter egg craft project

An Easter egg project that won’t roll away or ‘go bad’ in a few days! Did you know that hanging up your child’s artwork builds self esteem? Go ahead and hang up those projects!

Earning a ton of cool stickers!

We’re so proud of the kids at CP+ for their hard work and progress! Kudos goes out to one of our OT kiddos for “Earning a ton of cool stickers!”

Speech Homework!

Don’t talk to your child about the specific letter they are working on. Instead, say we are working on the “ssssss” sound or “snake sound” if they are working on the letter S. This way, they feel like they are learning a NEW sound and getting rid of the habit of saying it the old way.

St. Paddy’s Day themed activity!

A way to improve a child’s language and literacy skills is to work on vocabulary knowledge. Some ways we support this skill area is to provide many exposures to complex words through shared book reading, specifically teach the meanings of words, categorize words, and use themed sessions that are easily adapted to each child.

Reminder to set your clocks FORWARD 1 hour!

Our mission

is to embrace the life and potential of all individuals through competent and sincere supportive services. To ensure that patients with all levels of need, no matter how aggressive or disruptive, along with their families can receive care that addresses their needs and are not excluded from the scope of care available to them.

The CP+ Spring Collection is here and there’s something for everyone!

Check out our exclusive design for spring available in sizes adult, youth, toddler and baby! Visit our online store to shop: https://childs-play-plus.myshopify.com/

Coming next week is our Spring Collection of CP+ apparel!

There’s something for everyone and you don’t want to miss it! Shop the collection from Monday, March 8 – 19. In-stock items are up in the store right now! https://childs-play-plus.myshopify.com/

Your March news is here!

Read about what’s happening at CP+: https://mailchi.mp/1d1165a012ec/march2021_newsletter

Welcoming new patients to our Speech and Occupational Therapy services!

Get the process started today with a call to 260-373-1050

Friendship Skills

How does Occupational Therapy help kids learn about friendship? Friendship is an abstract concept that can be hard to explain. Our team uses play-based activities to explore and develop things like turn-taking, communication, sharing, problem solving and more!