Keep Moving, Keep Learning!

Programs for All Stages of Life

The brain is amazing! It has the ability to heal, learn and change.

cfi-room-with-plinths

Conductive Education focuses on the whole person. Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) develop self-determination and an “I Can!” attitude by taking some responsibility for their own movement. The program focuses on daily life skills that include sitting, eating, walking, toileting and dressing independence.

Infants and Children with Cerebral Palsy or a Physical Disability

Babies-on-plinth-with-parents
ITTY-BITTY BABIES - NICU GRADS & PREEMIES

0-12 MONTHS; 2x weekly for 1 hour, year-round

Move and learn together!

Our team of OT, PT and Conductive Ed teachers will work together with you and your baby in a family-friendly environment. The program focuses on parent education, family support, and helping your baby reach developmental milestones.

Babies who benefit are premature or NICU Grads, have trouble sleeping, eating or moving like you think they should, and are medically stable.

If you have concerns about your baby's development, don't wait and see - call the Center today.

Child feeding herself during class
PARENTS & TODDLERS

1-3 YEARS; 2 mornings per week for 2.5 hours each day

Plant the seeds of independence!

Our therapeutic team teaches parents and toddlers with Cerebral Palsy (CP) skills with that lead to independence like walking, sitting, eating and toileting.

Parents learn tasks that can be carried over to the home. Don't feel alone - gain strength from families that are just like you!

cfi-child-with-walker
PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN

3- 5 YEARS; 3 mornings per week; 2.5 hours each day

Grow the roots of independence - discover your child's potential!

Children learn by doing...Our therapeutic team will work with you and your child on developing skills that lead to more independence at home and at school. This program focuses on improved walking, sitting, eating and toileting with an emphasis on social skills and school readiness.

Your child will develop an "I Can!" attitude while playing and learning alongside others just like them. Development that may come naturally to most children must be taught as a skill to those with Cerebral Palsy (CP). When you emphasize early foundations, independence takes root!

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SCHOOL AGE

6-12 YEARS & 13-18 YEARS; 2-3x per week, 3 hours per day, year round.

Branch out - discover your world and use your independence!

School age children and teens with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and develop an "I Can!" attitude. The therapeutic team and the family focus on improved functional daily life skills, strength, endurance and mobility. The program helps to find the best way to navigate and move. This program focuses on improved walking, sitting, eating and toileting with an emphasis on social skills and increasing self-reliance in school and the community.

We Partner with Local School Districts

The Center works in cooperation with local school districts filling a void in a strictly academic setting where activities of daily life skills are not addressed intensively. The Center believes that children with Cerebral Palsy or other physical disabilities deserve to be educated in both academic and life skills — one without the other does not develop the whole child. Children with physical disabilities have complex needs and deserve a complex education.

Support Programs

In addition to the above, the Center offers sibling support groups, parent-education nights, and home-visit training programs to better incorporate Conductive Education principles into the child’s day.

The community provided by the network of Center families provides ample opportunity for support as well as equipment sharing and referral recommendations.

Center for Independence volunteer parents day

All Programs Offered In 3 Chicago Area Locations

Summer - Growing, Reaching & Achieving!

Summer is a period of growth. The Center keeps kids moving and improving during the summer

SUMMER SESSIONS

0-16 YEARS

Grow, reach and achieve this summer!

Learn alongside friends in a fun, supported environment. The therapeutic team works with your child to improve independence in walking, sitting, eating, toileting, and dressing.

The program relies on peer support, music, games and structured activities and focuses on movement, life skills, self–reliance and self–confidence.

cfi summer session participant

Center Love!

Conductive Education is more than therapy - it is showing my child that he can be independent, no matter the challenges he faces.

~ Center Parent.

Conductive Ed means an opportunity for my son to grow and become stronger in an intense learning environment. The therapy uses all of his senses with input in order to help his brain form new pathways and recuperate lost skills. CE means that my son will be treated as a whole child who wants to play and sing and run and feed himself, rather than just a child with a weak arm.

~ Center Parent

My child is incredibly observant and watches every single thing anyone else does. He wants to join in, so attempts to do what the others are. Consequently he is unwittingly encouraged to use his body in ways that are not easy or natural due to his CP and he is successful.

~ Center Parent

My son is very motivated by having other kids around. Our kids spend so much of their lives working one on one with adults. The CE setting is really the first opportunity my son has had to address therapy goals while simultaneously socializing and learning from peer models rather than all adults.

~ Center Parent

Our Mission

The mission of the Center for Independence is to help children and young adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence in the home, school, community and workforce.  Our therapy programs help children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) develop life skills, motor-function and an "I Can!" attitude.

Committed to breaking down barriers to employment, the Center also provides job training and placement for young adults with developmental disabilities through our innovative program Working Together Chicago.

The Center is an IL 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
EIN: 36-4259162

Our Vision: That children and young adults with disabilities have the opportunity to be fully participating members of the community.

Expect more, learn more...DO more!

Center Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Program times vary — check calendar.

2023-2024 Program Calendar

Quick Contact

Center Locations

CFI Main Center
100 W. Plainfield Rd.,
Countryside, IL 60525

The Hope Collective
23153 W Miller Rd.,
Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Brighton Park
2701 W. 36th Pl.
Chicago, IL 60632

See location maps