The Center for Childhood Development

09/12/2025

More voting requests! ❤️ ✅ Voting is officially open on KZOOKIDS, and we’d be honored if you could take a moment to cast your vote for your favorite OT in Kalamazoo: Lori Davis

🏥👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️. Your vote not only helps us stand out but also gives YOU a chance to win a $150 gift card to Gull Meadow Farms.

Thanks again for your support! ❤️

Vote for the Top Doctors and Healthcare Providers in Southwest Michigan.

09/09/2025

Have you voted yet?! ✅

Voting is officially open on GRKIDS, and we’d be honored if you could take a moment to cast your vote for our office or a favorite therapist. 🏥👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️. Your vote not only helps us stand out but also gives YOU a chance to win an amazing prize – a $150 gift card to your Favorite Fall Farm.

Look for our office in these categories:

• Physical Therapy Office
• Speech Therapy Office
• Occupational Therapy Practice
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing
• ADHD Testing Services

Look for our therapists in these categories:

• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Therapists

Tell us who the best docs, dentists, mental health professionals, etc, are in West Michigan.

09/05/2025

Addy is excited to show her new Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) device!

AAC, along with Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), are powerful tools for supporting children who need help expressing themselves. In case you missed it, Greta Shires from our Kzoo office shares what families should know about AAC:

https://thecenterforcd.com/communication-is-a-human-right/

09/01/2025

Voting is officially open on GRKIDS, and we’d be honored if you could take a moment to cast your vote for our office or a favorite therapist. 🏥👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️. Your vote not only helps us stand out but also gives YOU a chance to win an amazing prize – a $150 gift card to your Favorite Fall Farm.

Look for our office in these categories:

• Physical Therapy Office
• Speech Therapy Office
• Occupational Therapy Practice
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing
• ADHD Testing Services

Look for our therapists in these categories:

• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Therapists

👉 Cast your vote and enter to win here: https://grkids.com/vote-for-favorite-grand-rapids-family-care-practitioners/ #/gallery/

Thanks for your support! ❤️

08/28/2025

✨ Staff Highlight ✨ Today we're shouting out Amy Schultz. 👏🏻

Amy is a Speech-Language Pathologist at our Grand Rapids and Holland locations. We asked Amy how she discovered speech therapy as a career path. She had this to say:

"Before making the decision to attend school for speech-language pathology, I had very little knowledge of what a speech therapist does. In elementary school, I remember a therapist visiting to take kids out of class to go play games (I was always jealous), but that was my only understanding of speech therapy.

I knew I wanted a career where I could make a difference in people's lives. At some point, I came across a quote that stuck with me: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” That message helped guide my path.

At The Center, I get multiple opportunities every day to show acceptance, love, and share joy. As a speech therapist, I have the opportunity to help kids find their voice and learn how to expand upon their unique gifts and great personalities. I am so thankful that I found a career where I get to learn and grow every day."

08/28/2025

Do you remember Addy—the adorable kiddo who scored a cubby bed? The Center worked together with her family to provide her with an Amtryke – fully funded by Walker AMBUCS . ❤️

“Addy loves using the adaptive bike! It’s been amazing to see her enjoy something that’s not only fun, but also helps her build strength, coordination, and independence. We’re so grateful to her therapists for helping us get the bike and for making therapy feel exciting and encouraging.” –Mom

Addy's therapy team is:

Katie DeRoo
Doctor of Physical Therapy, PT, DPT, C/NDT

Hannah Schultheiss
Doctor of Occupational Therapy, OTD, OTR/L

Lydia Wollak
Speech-Language Pathologist, MA, CCC-SLP

08/22/2025

Does your kiddo have trouble with balance or coordination? It could be a core strength or endurance difference. Our PTs work on strength, motor planning, and stamina so your kids can move with confidence.

Physical Therapy is conveniently located in Jension, where the parking is a breeze. Let’s help your child feel strong and steady together!

08/21/2025

"Please put your backpack away, then line up."

If your child has challenges following multi-step instructions like this, they might need help with their receptive language.

You might hear your child's teacher saying they:

• Have difficulty following routines
• Seem “off task” or “not listening”
• Have trouble processing what teachers say

Our SLPs work with kids to improve comprehension and build the skills needed to participate confidently in class.

We're here to help!

08/19/2025

✏️ Handwriting. Cutting. Buttoning. These are everyday tasks for lots of people, but they rely on strong fine motor skills that not all of our kiddos have. When it comes to the classroom, your child's ability to:

– Hold a pencil
– Use scissors with control
– Open containers or zip a jacket

…can affect their confidence and independence. If you find your child avoiding these tasks, an OT can help strengthen these foundational skills. And we promise there will be fun involved!

08/15/2025

🎨👾 In today’s OT session, the tables turned—our young artist took the lead and taught us how to draw a monster, step by step!

Through this child-led activity, we practiced sequencing, expressive language, motor planning, and confidence-building—all while having a blast bringing this creative creature to life. 💥🖍️

When kids take the lead, amazing things happen! 💡💬💪

08/15/2025

One of our families recently received a Cubby Bed—complete with an integrated camera system! These safety beds provide peace of mind for parents and a secure sleep space for kids, and we’re so grateful to help families access the equipment they need.

This bed was ordered by our Physical Therapy team, but Occupational Therapy can assist with the process, too!



Cubby Beds

08/14/2025

🌦️ Outdoor Explorers embraced the adventure this summer — rain or shine! 🌳☀️

We worked on flexibility (both in body and mindset!) as the weather kept us on our toes. From active group games to nature walks, the kids showed amazing adaptability and teamwork. 🍃💪

Whether it was jumping over puddles, collecting nature treasures, or making up games on the spot, these explorers proved that a little unpredictability just makes things more fun. 💚