Welcome to The Kindness Academy at Stretch Pediatric Therapy!
The Kindness Academy is a unique therapeutic program designed for children ages 10 years old and under both with and without a formal medical diagnosis. Our program is individualized to meet the social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of children with the guidance of pediatric clinical specialists.
Our Philosophy
At The Kindness Academy, play is at the heart of learning. We create an environment where children feel excited to explore and grow while developing essential life skills.
We understand that a well-integrated sensory and neurological system is the foundation of all learning. Why we prioritize relationship-building, social interactions, and emotional development in a safe, supportive, and nurturing setting.
We meet children where they are, rather than where others expect them to be.
Family Collaboration & Support
The Kindness Academy accommodates children and their families by having adequate support to help the child reach their full potential. The Kindness Academy serves children who benefit from individualized staff-to-child ratios and additional support throughout the day, including those with:
✔ Social-emotional challenges
✔ Developmental delays
✔ Autism spectrum disorder
✔ Medical conditions
✔ Neurologic impairments
✔ Genetic syndromes
The Kindness Academy Focuses on the WHOLE CHILD by supporting:
✅ Social-emotional learning
✅ Self-regulation & coping strategies
✅ Sensory integration
✅ Executive functioning skills
✅ Gross & fine motor development
✅ Receptive & expressive communication
✅ Self-help skills (feeding, toileting, dressing) ✅ Independent play skills
✅ Building self-confidence, resiliency, & distress tolerance ✅ Therapeutic Special Activities (Yoga, Music, Art)
Our Expert Team
The Kindness Academy is led by a highly skilled team of specialists, including:
🏃 Physical Therapists
🎨 Occupational Therapists 🗣 Speech-Language Pathologists
🧩 Sensory Integration Specialists
🍎 Feeding Specialists
📚 Program Specialists & Assistants
Each child’s enrollment and transition into our program is thoughtfully planned, allowing them to build strong relationships with staff and feel comfortable in their new environment. With a small child-to-staff ratio, group therapy is led by licensed clinicians, ensuring individualized support throughout the day.
We use a total communication model, where children can express themselves in many ways, including spoken words, gestures, visual cues, and augmentative & alternative communication (AAC).
Groups Offered at The Kindness Academy
Social Skills Group
Building friendships is a key part of early childhood. Our Social Skills Group focuses on:
✔ Turn-taking & sharing attention
✔ Tolerance for distress & flexible thinking
✔ Developing coping strategies
✔ Facilitating meaningful peer interactions
Each child's strengths are assessed, and differentiated programming is designed to support their growth.
Sensory Group
For children to engage in their world, they need to feel happy, safe, and calm. Our Sensory Group helps children regulate their sensory systems through therapeutic equipment like swings, trampolines, and sensory tables.
Gross Motor Group
This group focuses on large motor movements, such as:
✔ Walking, climbing, and jumping
✔ Balance, coordination, and postural control
✔ Functional strengthening through obstacle courses and team-based activities
Fine Motor Group
Developing fine motor skills helps with everyday tasks and school readiness. This group focuses on:
✔ Hand-eye coordination & visual motor skills
✔ Pre-handwriting development
✔ Core strength & postural control
✔ Activities like coloring, cutting, and using classroom tools
Communication Group
Communication is more than just talking—it’s about connecting. Using our total communication model, this group helps children:
✔ Express thoughts, emotions, and needs
✔ Use spoken words, signs, AAC devices, and visual cues
✔ Develop confidence in their interactions with others
Feeding Group
Trying new foods can be fun and engaging! Our child-led approach helps children explore a variety of foods and textures in a safe environment. Through games and sensory experiences, we promote a positive relationship with food.
Sensory Art Exploration
Art is a multi-sensory experience that fosters creativity and learning. Whether a child loves getting messy or prefers to stay clean with tools like brushes, this group allows them to experiment with different textures and express their inner artist.
Yoga
Yoga supports both physical and emotional well-being. Our yoga sessions focus on:
✔ Strengthening & stretching through playful yoga postures
✔ Breathing techniques for focus and self-regulation
✔ Social engagement through interactive yoga games
✔ Ending with a calming aromatherapy "dream spray" & relaxation time
Music & Movement Group
Music activates multiple areas of the brain, supporting development across all domains. This group encourages children to:
✔ Sing and explore musical instruments
✔ Work with rhythm and sound patterns
✔ Engage in movement activities that stimulate the nervous system
Transitions & Daily Structure
Transitions can be challenging for young children. That’s why we customize transition strategies using:
✔ Visual schedules & timers
✔ Preparation techniques to ease changes between activities
✔ Mindful attention to each child’s needs to create a smooth and supportive daily flow
At The Kindness Academy, we are dedicated to setting every child up for success in a supportive, nurturing environment. We can’t wait to welcome your child into our community!
📅 Program Dates/Times:
August 4th-7th —> 9 to 12:30p. M-TH
August 11th-14th —> 9 to 12:30p. M-TH
August 18th-21st —> 9 to 12:30p. M-TH
💲 Tuition Information:
$325/week
$945/all three weeks
For questions or to enroll, please contact us at:
Phone: (860) 852 - 0302
Email: office@stretchtherapyct.com
199 Shunpike Rd.
Cromwell, CT 06416