The Lesley Ann Waldheim Early Childhood Center
Our team looks at early life experiences, both positive and negative, when recommending care for each child. This whole-child approach includes understanding trauma's impact on their development.
Developmental trauma refers to the results of abuse, neglect, chaos, and inadequate care that impacts the child’s functioning in multiple areas. These experiences influence how the child processes sensory input, relates to others, and processes new information.
We Support Children Through Their Academic Transitions
We create a supportive space that helps students transition from a therapeutic environment into traditional kindergarten through our specialized classroom design.
We Use Therapeutic Practices to Facilitate Healing
Our program creates a safe space for children ages 3-6 to heal from trauma through a variety of therapies, including individual play therapy, occupational therapy, group therapy, therapeutic classrooms, caregiver engagement, advocacy, case management, and psycho-education. Family therapy is also available as needed, all with the goal to ensure that your child receives the most comprehensive care possible.
We Create Treatment Plans Unique to Your Child
We develop a unique treatment plan for each child based on their specific needs. These plans are reviewed and updated quarterly, with progress tracked through various assessments. Working collaboratively with caregivers, the child's treatment team, and family will determine when your child has met their goals and is ready to transition back to a traditional daycare or preschool setting.
What to Expect
FamilyForward's Therapeutic Preschool program is offered at no cost for eligible children. The Therapeutic Preschool provides a setting where interventions are intentionally aimed at providing a structured, therapeutic environment so children have opportunities for safer, healthier functioning, and improved relationships for the child and the family.
The Therapeutic Preschool supports each family in accessing additional resources, as needed, when children are ready to transition to their next setting. Often, this process includes support for obtaining an Individualized Education Plan.
Program Information
Get Started
Call 314.534.9350 and ask for Intake or email intake.dept@familyforwardmo.org to learn more about FamilyForward’s services.
Select Locations
Early Childhood Center
2780 N Lindbergh Blvd
Saint Louis, MO 63114-1131
314.968.2350