Glenview, Illinois
Glenview parents expect a lot, and for good reason. CCSD 34 is a strong district. The REACH program at Westbrook School gives young children with special needs an early start alongside their peers. But when the progress report says "meeting goals" and your child still can't get through a meal without falling apart, the numbers stop mattering. You need answers about what is happening at home, not just at school. That is where private pediatric occupational therapy in Glenview can help.
Your therapist
Laura O'Brien, OTR/L, has spent over thirty years working with north suburban families. One thing is clear from that experience: the best therapy happens when parents understand what's going on. She doesn't hand you a worksheet and send you home. She shows you exactly what to do, explains why it works, and adjusts the plan as your child grows.
Glenview families often come to Laura looking for a different kind of OT. They've seen clinics where the child disappears into a back room for 45 minutes. In Laura's practice, you are in the room. You ask questions. You practice the techniques yourself. That's how real change carries over into daily life.
Last reviewed: April 2026
What parents say
These aren't things your child will simply outgrow. They can be signs of sensory processing, motor planning, or self-regulation challenges that respond well to the right support.
Understanding your options
CCSD 34 provides OT through IEPs managed by TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804. Services focus on skills that affect classroom performance: handwriting, scissors use, managing school supplies, and basic self-help in the school setting. The REACH program at Westbrook blends OT, speech, and other therapies into a preschool environment for children ages three and four.
Getting dressed without a battle. Sitting through a restaurant meal. Tolerating a haircut. Joining a team sport. Sleeping through the night. School OT ends when classroom goals are met. The daily challenges that wear your family down at home are outside the school's responsibility.
That's the gap private OT fills. Laura focuses on the skills that matter at home and in your Glenview community. Many families work with both school and private OT at the same time because the goals are completely different.
In-person and Zoom
Laura walks you through activities in real time using items from your kitchen and playroom. Your child works on hand strength with Play-Doh while you learn why certain textures trigger a meltdown. Telehealth is especially practical for Glenview families with packed schedules and multiple kids.
About 12 minutes from Glenview. Your child swings, climbs, and works through obstacle courses that build body awareness and coordination. You're in the room the entire time, watching what works and learning how to recreate it at home. The gym has specialized equipment that most homes and schools don't have.
Either way, you leave every session knowing exactly what to do between appointments.
Parent strategies
Before a meal: Have your child push against a wall with both hands for 10 seconds, five times. This "wall push-up" sends calming input through the joints and muscles. Try it right before sitting down to dinner. If your child sits longer or fidgets less during the meal, that's a sign their body needed that input to settle.
Morning dressing battles: Lay out two clothing options the night before. Let your child touch both fabrics and choose. Removing the surprise factor and the time pressure can reduce sensory-driven refusals. If your child consistently avoids one texture (tags, seams, stiff denim), that pattern is worth noting for an OT evaluation.
Common questions
REACH is an excellent program, but it focuses on school readiness. If your child still struggles with self-care, sensory sensitivities at home, or motor skills outside the classroom, private OT can address those areas. Many Glenview families continue with private OT after REACH ends to keep progress going.
Yes. Many Glenview families choose telehealth. Laura mails materials to your home and guides you through activities in real time. Some families do Zoom weekly and visit the Des Plaines sensory gym once a month for equipment-based work. The drive is about 12 minutes.
Trust what you see at home. If daily tasks feel harder than they should, if your child avoids playground equipment or certain foods, or if sensory issues disrupt family routines, an evaluation can help clarify what's going on. You don't need a referral from the school to start.
Getting started
Start with a free screening form so Laura can understand your child's needs. Many Glenview families come to her after the REACH program ends or after District 34 OT goals are met but home life hasn't changed. Call with questions about how private OT works alongside your child's school program.