As a parent, you want the best for your child. At St. Mary's, you'll not only find routine care to maintain your child's health, you'll find specialized care for more complex needs. We offer a dedicated pediatric unit with four beds and a nursing staff with specialized training--rare in a hospital our size. In addition, our operating rooms and emergency room feature special equipment for pediatric use. We are dedicated to teaching and training. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association have awarded us the Special Delivery Award, given for commitment to teaching and practice of infant resuscitation.

Early Intervention Program
The period of life between birth and age three is a critical time for a child. This is a time for physical growth, socialization, speech development, learning and exploring their environment. Children deserve the chance to grow and reach their maximum potential. The Rehabilitation Department's Early Intervention staff offers several services to maximize your child's early years of learning.

Through out Bright Beginnings programs we offer developmental screenings for children up to 35 months on the second Friday of each month.

We offer evaluation, assessment and direct treatment for infants and toddlers who demonstrate a physical, speech, language, cognitive or hearing deficit.

Other services for kids at St. Mary's include:

• Physical and Occupational Therapy--The evaluation and treatment of balance, coordination, muscle control and motor skills. Aquatic therapy is also available.

• Speech and Language Therapy--This includes the evaluation and treatment of speech, language development, oral-motor/feeding skills and swallowing.

• Audiology--This involves the evaluation of hearing ability and middle ear status, as well as the management of a hearing loss after it has been identified. Hearing aids can be provided for those who may benefit.

• Developmental Therapy--This includes services to promote the child's acquisition of skills in a variety of developmental areas. Therapists can provide information and support services to enhance the child's skill development and enable the child to function at the highest level.

Our credentials and experienced staff strive to provide services in the child's natural environment. Funding through the State of Illinois may be available for those who qualify.

For more information call Rehabilitation Services at (815) 673-4559.

Asthma Education
Asthma is the most chronic disease of childhood. Nearly 5 million kids under the age of 18 have this disease. Having asthma can make you feel helpless. St. Mary's Hospital offers asthma education to help you take control of your life. At St. Mary's we provide one-on-one education individually designed for you and your family. In asthma education our nurse educator and certified respiratory technician will help you understand asthma and the respiratory system. They will also teach you how to take control of your condition by teaching you about breathing exercises, asthma medication. They will teach you about you using asthma specific equipment like using a peak flow meter, using and caring for a nebulizer, a metered dose inhaler, and the use of a spacer.