Group Programs

"I am so very thankful to CHAT for continuing to advocate for and assist children develop foundational communication and life skills during these uncertain times. I very much look forward to seeing these gainscarry forward into the school year and know my daughter will be better-positioned to succeed."
- Debra, parent

Why do people love our summer programs so much? Because they're both fun and life-changing! We have countless stories from students and families alike who have experienced the dramatic impact these programs can make. Our 2020 all virtual summer programs reached our largest group ever – we were thrilled to have served more than 100 children via teletherapy groups and 1:1 sessions.

70% of the children who attended our 2020 summer session were able to do so because of donations to CHAT. If you're interested in helping a child attend our programs by making a donation to help cover the cost of tuition, please click here to learn more.

Where?

We are planning to hold programs at several community partner locations next summer, as well as in our Lombard clinic. More information coming soon!

When?

Dates: Program typically runs from early July to early August. We anticipate releasing 2024 dates and opening enrollment by the end of January.

Days: Each class runs four times a week for five weeks.

Times: We will update our program pages closer to summer when times are scheduled.

Why?

Strong oral communication skills are the building blocks for literacy, and communication is critical to every aspect of personal, academic, and professional success in life. Strong social communication skills are necessary for meaningful relationships with family members, teachers and friends. They are also important academically, as many curriculum-based activities rely on working with peers to compromise and problem-solve. Executive functioning skills are key to academic and professional success. Avoid summer learning loss this year and sign your child up for one of our programs!

How Much?

We currently bill BCBS, Aetna, and Medicaid insurance under speech-language services to cover the cost of the program. Private insurance families will be required to pay any co-payment or deductible out of pocket. We can work with each family individually to determine costs. If you don't have insurance or we don't currently work with your insurance company, but would like to explore the program, please complete the form and we will contact you to discuss private pay options. In addition, for private insurance and private pay families, there is a $100 out-of-pocket registration fee not covered by insurance.

How to register?

You can reserve your child's spot in one of our summer programs by paying the $100 registration fee. Families with Medicaid and requiring scholarships can reserve a spot by signing our commitment forms. Students must also complete a program evaluation to determine their current skill levels and appropriateness for class.

Programs

Executive Functioning Program

For kids ages 10-18 needing to improve their organization, time-management, and attention skills.

Leap Into Literacy

For children ages 3-5, this program aims to maximize your child's success with language and literacy.

Language to Literacy Phase I

This beginner course focuses on the basics of language, listening and phonological awareness.

Language to Literacy Phase II

This course is designed to continue strengthening the skills built in Phase I, while also working on improving your child's spelling and decoding skills in order to enhance their reading comprehension.

Language to Literacy Phase III

This program is where we take the literacy skills developed in our earlier programs and start applying them to writing. From brainstorming to the final product, students will leave this program with the ability to move through the entire writing process.

Social Communication Program

For kids ages 5-18 looking to improve conversation, cooperation and regulation skills.