A pediatric therapy practice in Oakland, New Jersey, that also runs a small preschool. Three programs, one relationship-based approach. Start with the option that best suits your family's needs.
Three ways to begin, each designed around different needs. Explore the programs below to find the right fit for your child and family.
More support. Still preschool. A small, play-based classroom founded by an occupational therapist, for the child who needs more than a big room can give. No diagnosis needed. Private pay, so there is no insurance approval to wait on.
See Harbor AcademyConnection before compliance. A full-day, relationship-based program for children with an autism diagnosis, not an after-school program, offered as a therapeutic alternative to a traditional preschool or ABA program. Out-of-network benefits or Medicaid, verified before anything starts.
See the day programOccupational, feeding, aquatic and DIR/Floortime sessions for any diagnosis, plus two-week and one-month intensives for families traveling in, and remote parent training. Out of network.
See individual therapiesWhether in preschool, the day program, or individual therapy, we start with the same understanding of how children develop.
Children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and ready to engage. Across every program and therapy, we begin there, then build toward connection, participation, and learning.
DIR/Floortime is a developmental approach that follows the child's interests. Adults join the play, and communication grows from that connection.
Our founder does not lead from the sidelines. Courtney St. Germain, OTR/L, DIR-Expert Practitioner, works alongside the team, staying connected to the children, families, and everyday work.
We want families to understand their options before getting started. Medicaid is accepted for DIR/Floortime therapy, and we take care of the required authorization. Our other therapy services are out-of-network with commercial insurance, and we review your benefits with you ahead of time. Harbor Academy is private pay, so enrollment does not depend on insurance approval.
Children learn best when they feel safe, connected and understood.
Founder and Clinical Director. Courtney founded Child & Family Development and Harbor Academy, and works alongside the clinical team to bring the developmental philosophy behind each program into everyday practice.