Early Learners Program

Building Strong Foundations Through Play

Our Early Learners Program is designed for young children with autism who are beginning their developmental journey. Through individualized, play-based ABA therapy in a supportive small-group setting, children build meaningful communication, social, play, and school readiness skills while having fun every day.

Now Enrolling

Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Afternoon Session: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Button: Schedule an Intake

Why Families Choose Five Star

Learning That Looks Like Play

At Five Star Pediatric Therapy, we believe children learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and excited to participate.

Our Early Learners Program combines evidence-based ABA therapy with meaningful play experiences that encourage natural learning throughout the day.

Each child receives individualized programming while also benefiting from opportunities to learn alongside peers.

What Your Child Will Learn

Communication & Language

Develop functional communication skills to express wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings.

Social Skills

Practice interacting with peers through shared play, turn-taking, cooperative activities, and friendships.

Learning Through Play

Build attention, imitation, problem-solving, and independence using activities children naturally enjoy.

School Readiness

Develop classroom routines, following directions, group participation, transitions, and early academic readiness.

Daily Living & Independence

Develop age-appropriate self-help skills such as dressing, handwashing, toileting, feeding, and following daily routines.

Program Highlights

⭐ Individualized ABA Therapy

⭐ Small Group Learning Opportunities

⭐ BCBA Supervision

⭐ Parent Collaboration

⭐ Play-Based Teaching

⭐ Evidence-Based Programming

⭐ Natural Environment Learning

⭐ Progress Monitoring

A Typical Session

Arrival & Warm Welcome

Children begin with individualized greetings and transition into a structured morning routine.

Circle Time

Interactive songs, movement, communication opportunities, and peer engagement.

Individual Learning

One-on-one instruction targeting each child’s personalized goals.

Small Group Activities

Children practice social interaction, communication, and cooperative play.

Gross Motor & Sensory Play

Movement activities designed to support regulation and engagement.

Snack & Daily Living Skills

Opportunities to practice independence, communication, and self-help routines.

Play-Based Learning

Natural teaching opportunities embedded throughout motivating activities.

Is This Program Right For My Child?

The Early Learners Program may be a great fit if your child is:

✔ Recently diagnosed with autism

✔ Between approximately 2–6 years old

✔ Learning early communication skills

✔ Developing peer interaction

✔ Preparing for preschool or kindergarten

✔ Ready to build independence through structured play

Every child is unique. Our team will help determine whether this program is the best fit during your intake evaluation.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Research consistently shows that early intervention can have a significant impact on a child’s long-term development.

By teaching communication, social interaction, adaptive behavior, and learning skills during the early years, children have greater opportunities to build independence and confidence that carry into school and everyday life.

Parent Partnership

Parents are an essential part of every child’s success.

Our team works closely with families by providing:

  • Parent education
  • Ongoing collaboration
  • Progress updates
  • Goal planning
  • Strategies to use at home

We believe meaningful progress happens when therapy and home work together.

Ready to Get Started?

Now Enrolling

Morning Session
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Afternoon Session
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Schedule an Intake Today

Whether your child has recently received an autism diagnosis or you’re looking for a supportive environment to help them grow, we’re here to help.

Button: Schedule an Intake

Frequently Asked Questions

ABA therapy is typically covered by insurance for children with an autism diagnosis. If your child does not have an autism diagnosis, we offer private pay options and can discuss flexible payment plans. If you’re still in the diagnostic process, our team is happy to help guide you through the next steps.

Every child receives individualized, one-on-one ABA therapy with their own Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). While each child has dedicated 1:1 support, they also participate in carefully planned small-group activities that provide opportunities to build social, communication, and play skills with peers.

Yes. Every treatment plan is developed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

We currently accept many Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), Aetna, and Cigna insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits before services begin and help answer any questions about your coverage. 

Our Early Learners Program is held at our Northbrook clinic in a structured, child-friendly environment designed specifically for young learners.

We offer flexible scheduling options to meet your family’s needs:

  • Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Afternoon Session: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Full-Day Option: Attend both the morning and afternoon sessions (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

 

Families may choose the morning session, afternoon session, or both sessions, depending on their child’s therapeutic recommendations, availability, and insurance authorization. Our team will work with you to determine the schedule that best supports your child’s goals.

Ready to Get Started?

Take the first step toward helping your child build meaningful skills through play-based ABA therapy. Complete the form below, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss the Early Learners Program, insurance benefits, and scheduling options.