Pasadena Child Development Associates, Inc.
Pasadena Child Development Associates, Inc.
Programs and Services
What we appreciate most about PCDA is the obvious skill and wonderful personal qualities of the service providers. We also love that our child isn't treated like a cookie cutter approach.
See some of our favorite PCDA recipes
Developmental Feeding Services
Feeding an infant or child, and learning to eat independently can be challenging for many children. Although mealtime is usually a social time, it may become stressful for both child and parent or caregiver. When eating is a concern, parents may need assistance to know what to do.
Our PCDA Feeding Clinic provides specialized evaluation and treatment (intervention) services for children with all types of feeding concerns, and works closely with parents and other caregivers. Children may have medical conditions that cause difficulty in eating, or concerns related to a diagnosis, such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or autism. Some children have sensory issues that effect eating or mealtime and/or have poor diets or are underweight. A child may need to learn to eat by mouth after an illness or being fed by tube.
Difficulties in eating occur for various reasons. Eating is a complex process that involves multiple elements that must work together. Eating involves interest in food, muscular coordination, physiological (body) functions, sensory processes and social experiences. Coordination is needed to suck, to bring food to the mouth and to bite, chew, swallow, and breathe. A child's GI tract must function correctly, and he/she must have sensations of being hungry and full. Some children have strong reactions to foods with different tastes, smells or textures. Also, social interactions at mealtime are very important in learning to eat.
Our Feeding Team has extensive training and experience with children, birth to 12 years of age and their families. Our team includes a developmental pediatrician, a clinical nurse specialist, occupational therapists, registered dieticians, speech and language pathologists, child development specialists, a psychologist, and marriage and family therapists. Our multidisciplinary team approach offers children and families a range of knowledge and strategies to address feeding concerns. DIR®/Floortime strategies are important in guiding interactions during assessment and treatment.
Our feeding clinic has two unique features: our team of specialists work together to provide a comprehensive service for your child and family. We also involve parents (and caregivers) in every feeding session, and siblings when appropriate. Our feeding team approach has been successful in helping children to accomplish feeding goals for over 10 years, which make feeding safe, support growth and nutrition, as well as foster a positive experience with food and mealtime.
New Program: PCDA Lunch Buddies!
Lunch Buddies is a program for children, 2-6 years of age
who are highly sensitive and selective eaters.
The children and their parents come to have lunch together once a week. The children benefit from the group experience with other children, and the activities provided by the staff. Parents learn strategies to support their child's exploration and acceptance of a greater variety of foods. Parents enjoy the support of other parents and are able to share ideas with each other.
The PCDA staff considers the developmental, sensory, and nutritional needs of each child. Each group is lead by an occupational therapist, and is supported by a registered dietitian.
The cost is $20.00 per session.
For questions, or to register for the Lunch Buddies Group, please contact:
Carol Fodera, MA, OTR/L at 626-793-7350, extension 204 or carol@pasadenachilddevelopment.org
Click below for a flier with information about the PCDA Lunch Buddies program
PCDA_Lunch_Buddies.doc (Word Doc)
PCDA_Lunch_Buddies.pdf (PDF)
Friends and Food: Feeding Therapy Groups at PCDA
Eating is a social, interactive activity that children enjoy with peers and adults. Our groups consist of 3-5 children who are grouped based on age, developmental needs and feeding concerns. Groups meet once per week to explore the sensory aspects of food in a fun, playful manner that creates a pleasurable atmosphere for eating. Parents will participate in the group with the children and also have time for discussion with other parents and a staff member. Parents can learn from each other by sharing experiences and feeding strategies. An occupational therapist and dietitian will lead the group with support from our speech therapist and family/child therapist.