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# The Center for Childhood Development

The Center for Childhood Development is a multi-disciplinary assessment and treatment center located in West Michigan.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://thecenterforcd.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Articles](https://thecenterforcd.com/articles/)
- [Potty Training Neurodivergent Children: What Parents Should Know](https://thecenterforcd.com/pottytraining/) - It's not a behavior problem — here's what's actually going on.
- [2025 Holiday Gift Guide 🎁](https://thecenterforcd.com/2025-gift-guide/) - Need inspiration for kid-friendly gifts? Our therapists highlight their favorite toys of the season.
- [2024 Holiday Gift Guide 🎁](https://thecenterforcd.com/2024-gift-guide/) - An OT, SLP, and a PT are serving up gift recommendations for your kids this year. See what they have in store for them.
- [What Is Speech Approximation and How Can It Help Your Child?](https://thecenterforcd.com/speech-approximation/) - Did you know that approximations of words are also words?!
- [ Tips for Navigating the Beginning of School from an SLP ](https://thecenterforcd.com/navigating-the-school-year/) - Simple tips to help kids ease into new routines and start the year strong.
- [Is Your Child Experiencing Tough Transitions Between Activities?](https://thecenterforcd.com/tough-transitions/) - Try empathy, validation, and visuals for previewing and planning together.
- [Why Is Your Child Refusing Food? It Could Be EoE.](https://thecenterforcd.com/why-is-my-child-refusing-food/) - Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition triggered by foods that causes inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus.
- [It Takes a Village](https://thecenterforcd.com/it-takes-a-village/) - There is an old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Here at The Center, we fully believe that.
- [It's OT Month!](https://thecenterforcd.com/ot-month-2025/) - "Let’s celebrate by learning: What is Occupational Therapy, and when is it right for your child? Kate Bergsma explains."
- [VitalStim Therapy Now Available](https://thecenterforcd.com/vital-stim-therapy/) - VitalStim Therapy, a specialized type of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), is a therapeutic intervention used to treat dysphagia.
- [My Greatest Teachers Are the Kids](https://thecenterforcd.com/my-greatest-teachers-are-the-kids/) - …how, when, and why I was inspired to create and build one of the first interdisciplinary pediatric private practices in the area. I’ll start with the story of the girl in the picture.
- ["Hope is what started this organization 15 years ago."](https://thecenterforcd.com/happy-anniversary-family-hope/) - I can tell you that there is nothing better than when we, at the Center, receive the list of the children who have received a scholarship to receive therapy at our organization.
- [The Connection Between Play and Language Development](https://thecenterforcd.com/connection-between-play-and-language-dev/) - The skills a child gains in symbolic play are directly linked to how they develop certain language skills.
- [3 Simple Outdoor Activities to Support Speech and Language Skills](https://thecenterforcd.com/outdoor-summer-activities/) - The outdoors provides a unique set of opportunities to describe surroundings, connect verbal output to immediate environment, and more.
- [GR's Best Doctors + Health Pro Awards](https://thecenterforcd.com/gr-kids-award/) - See who made the "Best Doctors & Health Care Pros in Grand Rapids" list.
- [I Think My Child is Stuttering. Now what?](https://thecenterforcd.com/i-think-my-child-is-stuttering/) - Stuttering is characterized by a high frequency and/or duration of involuntary stoppages in the flow of speech. Core behaviors of stuttering include…
- [Communication is a Human Right](https://thecenterforcd.com/communication-is-a-human-right/) - Communication is a human right. AAC helps people learn to effectively communicate whatever they want, whenever they want, with whomever they want.
- [Shared Book Reading](https://thecenterforcd.com/shared-book-reading/) - Shared book reading goes beyond simply pulling words off the page. This simple activity requires minimal effort for maximum rewards.
- [Torticollis: What You Need to Know](https://thecenterforcd.com/torticollis-what-you-need-to-know/) - With early detection and treatment, torticollis can typically be resolved with no long-term side effects.
- [Continued Education: Do We Walk the Walk?](https://thecenterforcd.com/continued-education-do-we-walk-the-walk/) - Hannah's job search ended when she found an environment that supported her desire for ongoing learning. Lucky for us, that was here.
- [Game On!](https://thecenterforcd.com/game-on/) - Games are the perfect way to work on a variety of goals in a child-directed, playful way.
- [5 Tips to Enjoy the Holidays and Avoid a Sensory Overload](https://thecenterforcd.com/5-tips-to-enjoy-the-holidays/) - This season is especially difficult for children who have sensory processing challenges.
- [Lincoln](https://thecenterforcd.com/lincoln/) - I was so excited after we were done eating I wanted to scream right there in the restaurant “My kid just climbed a mountain!!!!
- [Jacob](https://thecenterforcd.com/jacob/) - Jacob was the happiest baby, but he was a little slow to all the developmental milestones.
- [Growing Our NDT Toolbox](https://thecenterforcd.com/ndt-toolbox/) - Our OTs and PTs spent two days learning about the assessment and treatment of motor and nervous system function.
- [Is Your Child Stuttering?](https://thecenterforcd.com/stuttering/) - We are frequently contacted by concerned parents of young children when their child suddenly begins stuttering.
- [Vital Sensory Tools](https://thecenterforcd.com/vital-sensory-tools/) - Supporting brain and body function with tools that can be used in the clinic and at home.
- [Book Review: "Brain-Body Parenting"](https://thecenterforcd.com/brain-body-review/) - Supporting brain and body function with tools that can be used in the clinic and at home.
- [Jacob: Where Is He Now?](https://thecenterforcd.com/jacob-where-is-he-now/) - The Center has really helped me so much and I want to pay it forward to the next kid.
- [Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing](https://thecenterforcd.com/lindamood-bell/) - V/V is a language-based program that develops and enriches a child’s ability to picture a spoken or written word/sentence.
- [Let's Get Some Shoes!](https://thecenterforcd.com/lets-get-some-shoes/) - Shopping for shoes? We have helpful guidelines and recommendations for new and experienced walkers.
- [Mouth Breathing](https://thecenterforcd.com/mouth-breathing/) - If a child chronically mouth breaths, the tongue sits low and forward in the mouth. This can cause long-term problems with…
- [In the Driver's Seat](https://thecenterforcd.com/in-the-drivers-seat/) - Transport from one location to another enables participation in daily occupations (the things we want and need to do)…
- [Feeding the Ducks](https://thecenterforcd.com/feeding-the-ducks/) - Take notice of ways to “sneak in” therapy and address skills in daily life.
- [I Can See Clearly Now](https://thecenterforcd.com/i-can-see-clearly-now/) - Imagine this: You’re headed to a work conference and there’s no itinerary. 😬
- [2022 Holiday Gift Guide](https://thecenterforcd.com/gift-guide/) - Therapist-approved games and toys for your kiddos. Happy holidays!
- [Asher](https://thecenterforcd.com/asher/) - The work Elise and Libby are doing with Asher, is nothing shy of incredible.
- [Patterns in Letter Formation and the Use of Muscle Memory](https://thecenterforcd.com/letter-formation/) - Wendi Cuson, MS, OTR/L shares insights and tools for children with handwriting challenges.
- [When They Already Know the Answer](https://thecenterforcd.com/when-they-already-know-the-answer/) - Four reasons your child may be asking the same questions over and over (and over)…
- [What’s the Big Deal About Walking on Your Toes?](https://thecenterforcd.com/toe-walking/) - When should we be concerned about toe walking? Katie DeRoo PT, DPT, C/NDT is here to tell us.
- [Struggling with Transitions? We can help!](https://thecenterforcd.com/struggling-with-transitions/) - Picture this….you have just spent a long day at the park and now it’s time to go home, but guess what?
- [Does Your Child Have a Tongue Tie?](https://thecenterforcd.com/does-your-child-have-a-tongue-tie/) - The medical world has varying opinions about how to evaluate a tongue tie and, if one is present, what should be done to treat it. Or not.
- [The Difference: A Reflection on 20 Years of Practice](https://thecenterforcd.com/the-difference/) - What makes The Center for Childhood Development unique? A reflection on 20 years of practice.
- [Picky Eater vs. Problem Feeder: Who's at Your Table?](https://thecenterforcd.com/picky-eater-vs-problem-feeder/) - If mealtimes feel like a battle, finding a skilled feeding therapist can make such a difference.
- [2023 Holiday Gift Guide](https://thecenterforcd.com/2023-gift-guide/) - - Occupational Therapy An OT, a PT, and an SLP walked into a toy store. Here's what they picked out for your kids!
- [Always Learning, Always Growing](https://thecenterforcd.com/always-learning/) - We continue to learn so we can better serve our families. My personal favorite has been a mentorship with Sherri Cawn, MA, CCC-SLP.
- [Annah](https://thecenterforcd.com/annah/) - After the 20 week ultrasound – we never expected our baby to live – she had a pre-natal condition that always gets worse, and is always fatal.
- [Justinspired](https://thecenterforcd.com/justinspired/) - He often seemed to be playing by himself while the other kids were gathered in a circle intently listening to a story.
- [Maddy](https://thecenterforcd.com/maddy/) - From birth, she had a congenital cataract leading her to require a contact lens and glasses, and an underdeveloped optic nerve causing decreased vision.
- [Austin](https://thecenterforcd.com/jacob-copy-2/) - I was told that Austin would most likely be unable to walk or care for himself as he got older.

## Pages

- [Home](https://thecenterforcd.com/) - We treat the whole child and your family with plans designed to meet kids where they are. Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Therapy.
- [Team](https://thecenterforcd.com/team/) - Team We're a tight-knit team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists with an appetite for learning. Our therapists regularly participate in continuing education opportunities to better serve our families. Our therapists have training and expertise in the following treatment approaches: Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) DIRFloortime® Fine and Gross Motor Control Food Chaining Functional
- [Employment Opportunities](https://thecenterforcd.com/employment-opps/) - Employment Opportunities We're hiring for the following position: Occupational Therapist This is a full-time on-site role for an Occupational Therapist - you would be practicing in both the Holland and Jenison locations. The Occupational Therapist will be responsible for providing therapy services to children, conducting assessments, creating treatment plans, collaborating with other therapists and
- [About Us](https://thecenterforcd.com/about-us/) - About Us The Center is an interdisciplinary assessment and treatment center working with children, birth through adolescence, and their families. Our team of occupational, speech and physical therapists leverage a holistic treatment of child and family that addresses attention, cognition, social-emotional, language-communication, motor/sensory processing, play, and behavior skills. We work with a wide range of
- [Grand Rapids](https://thecenterforcd.com/locations/jenison/) - The Center is an assessment and treatment center working with children and their families in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- [Therapies](https://thecenterforcd.com/therapies/) - Therapies We believe in interdisciplinary and team treatment to address the needs of the whole child. Our therapies address attention, cognition, social-emotional, language-communication, motor/sensory processing, play, and behavior skills. Our occupational, speech, and physical therapists work with parents, caregivers, and educators to incorporate therapeutic interventions into all aspects of your child's life. Your child's individual
- [Refer a child](https://thecenterforcd.com/refer/) - Refer a Child If a parent/caregiver has concerns about their child's development, we strongly recommend an evaluation. Early intervention is critical. Call (616) 667-9551 Fax (616) 667-9552 If your patient is experiencing any of these signs/symptoms, please contact us to make a patient referral: Losing language or other social milestones, usually between the ages of
- [Halloween-Download](https://thecenterforcd.com/halloween-download/) - Download our Logo Coloring Page Halloween is THIS WEEK and our logo needs a new costume! 🎃 Download and print this coloring page and let your imaginations run wild. Email us or DM us on social with your creations and we'll share them here for everyone to enjoy. Download Coloring Logo (.pdf)
- [FAQs](https://thecenterforcd.com/faqs/) - Dropdown button FAQs Policies When should I contact The Center? When your child's development is different from others his/her age.If you have any concern regarding your child's development and others have reported similar concerns.It is NEVER too early to question if concerns arise and a consultation with an experienced clinician can be extremely helpful. Early
- [Billing and Insurance](https://thecenterforcd.com/billing/) - Billing and Insurance Our front desk staff will work with you to verify your insurance coverage for our services. That does not always guarantee payment. If an insurance company does not pay for service, it is your responsibility to pay for services provided. We are currently accepting and billing to these insurance companies: Aetna ASR/Physician's
- [Getting Started](https://thecenterforcd.com/getting-started/) - Getting Started Your child's needs will be thoroughly considered before developing a treatment plan. Let's do this together. 1. Start the intake process If you have concerns about your child's development, call our office at (616) 667-9551. We will gather pertinent information that will assist in the care coordination of your child. We will also
- [Locations](https://thecenterforcd.com/locations/)
- [Student Profile Template](https://thecenterforcd.com/profile-template/) - FREE School Profile Template School is starting soon! Use our Student Profile template to introduce your child to staff at back-to-school activities. Download Template (.docx) NOTE: Designed for use in Microsoft Word or Google Docs
- [Holland](https://thecenterforcd.com/locations/holland/) - Dropdown button Holland Jenison Kalamazoo 355 Settlers Rd Suite 1C Holland, MI 49423 This 2,500 sq. ft. campus is dedicated to providing sensory and developmental therapies for children, with a bigger and better sensory-motor gym to give your children the tools they need to develop their sensory, communication and motor skills. Therapies Feeding Therapy Occupational
- [Kalamazoo](https://thecenterforcd.com/locations/kalamazoo/) - Dropdown button Kalamazoo Jenison Holland 709 Lodge Lane Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Our newest location offers Speech-Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy. This charming 1,100 sq. foot location has a large playroom and a lovely outdoor space. Wi-fi access is available for your convenience. Therapies Occupational Therapy Speech-Language Therapy Therapists Christina Walter See all
- [Contact](https://thecenterforcd.com/contact/) - Contact Us Call (616) 667-9551 Fax (616) 667-9552 Fill out our contact form and a staff member will be in touch with you within 24-48 hours.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://thecenterforcd.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Reading and Writing](https://thecenterforcd.com/category/reading-and-writing/)
- [Staff Development](https://thecenterforcd.com/category/staff-development/)
- [Success Stories](https://thecenterforcd.com/category/success-stories/)
- [Speech-Language](https://thecenterforcd.com/category/speech-language/)
- [Occupational Therapy](https://thecenterforcd.com/category/occupational-therapy/)
- [Physical Therapy](https://thecenterforcd.com/category/physical-therapy/)
- [Parent/Caregiver Involvement](https://thecenterforcd.com/category/parent-caregiver-involvement/)
- [Feeding Therapy](https://thecenterforcd.com/category/feeding-therapy/)

## Tags

- [occupational therapy](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/occupational-therapy/)
- [speech therapy](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/speech-therapy/)
- [kalamazoo](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/kalamazoo/)
- [language development](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/language-development/)
- [letter formation](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/letter-formation/)
- [handwriting](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/handwriting/)
- [continuing education](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/continuing-education/)
- [success stories](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/success-stories/)
- [play](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/play/)
- [therapy](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/therapy/)
- [jenison](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/jenison/)
- [holland](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/holland/)
- [parents](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/parents/)
- [pediatric therapy](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/pediatric-therapy/)
- [support](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/support/)
- [driver training](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/driver-training/)
- [mouth breathing](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/mouth-breathing/)
- [physical therapy](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/physical-therapy/)
- [lindamood](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/lindamood/)
- [toe walking](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/toe-walking/)
- [the center](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/the-center/)
- [tongue tie](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/tongue-tie/)
- [speech](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/speech/)
- [language](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/language/)
- [experience](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/experience/)
- [feeding therapy](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/feeding-therapy/)
- [evaluation](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/evaluation/)
- [picky eater](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/picky-eater/)
- [problem eater](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/problem-eater/)
- [Sensory processing](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/sensory-processing/)
- [DIRFloortime](https://thecenterforcd.com/tag/dirfloortime/)