Associated Pediatricians and Kidworks partner to support local families through monthly developmental series

Associated Pediatricians and Kidworks, LLC are bridging the gap between traditional doctor visits and early childhood support with free monthly developmental classes at Associated Pediatricians’ Valparaiso location, where families receive expert guidance on milestones, feeding and motor skills in a relaxed, blankets-on-the-floor environment.

“Our play-based, parent-collaborative model is especially effective because young children learn best through meaningful interactions and everyday experiences,” said Urszula Krygowski, executive director of Kidworks. “With this approach, we are able to support the whole child while ensuring that families feel informed, supported and confident in their child’s development from the very beginning.”

Associated Pediatricians and Kidworks administration launched the developmental classes after identifying a community need for integrated care. The collaboration has since evolved into a high-demand program that frequently operates with a waitlist. The sessions blend pediatric medicine with specialized therapy to provide families with real-time milestone assessments and practical strategies for growth at home.

“Associated Pediatricians’ owner and physician, Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, and I are always thinking about ways to grow and better serve our families and community,” said Dana Gibson, practice manager at Associated Pediatricians. “What started as an idea quickly turned into a thriving collaboration that has become a meaningful reality for our practice and the community during our third year of partnership.”

The team of therapists leads classes that use a play-based, collaborative model to empower caregivers with practical tools for everyday routines. The program provides a holistic approach to early childhood development by integrating physical, occupational, and speech therapy expertise.

“The Kidworks therapist sits in the center of the group, guiding each session and engaging with every family,” Gibson said. “Urszula and I sit alongside the group, ready to join the conversation, share our own experiences and often cuddle and play with the babies so parents can fully focus on learning.”

These classes guide families through a year-long journey that begins with infants in January and progresses to the 24-month milestone by December. During each session, a rotating pediatric specialist provides hands-on guidance in “Whole-Child” focus areas such as motor milestones, sensory processing and feeding. Caregivers leave with practical, home-ready strategies to support their child’s early communication and oral development at home.

While Kidworks typically operates as a private-pay and Medicaid facility, monthly sessions are offered at no cost as a community service. The program aligns with a broader range of educational resources at Associated Pediatricians. Families are welcome to access a comprehensive suite of classes, including workshops for breastfeeding, newborn care, potty training and behavioral health.

This partnership between specialized therapy and clinical care allows Associated Pediatricians and Kidworks to build a proactive community of wellness. The program ensures families never walk the path of parenthood alone and that every child thrives from their first milestone. Families ready to join the 2026 series can contact Associated Pediatricians today for registration and waitlist details.

“Our goal is not only to serve the children who come through our doors for therapy, but also to reach families earlier by offering guidance, reassurance and support during those critical early years of development,” Krygowski said. “Ultimately, whether a parent has concerns or wants to feel more confident in supporting their child, these classes are a great place to start.”

Join the circle and grow alongside other local families. To view the full schedule of developmental classes and family workshops, visit kidworksllc.com/free-monthly-classes. For more information on comprehensive care, visit associatedpediatricians.com or contact the Valparaiso office directly.