Early Intervention · ESDM
The earliest years are profoundly powerful.
At Guiding Strides, we use the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) to make learning an exciting, joyful journey. Play based, relationship centered, and shaped entirely around your child.
What is ESDM
Learning that feels like play, because it is.
The Early Start Denver Model blends the science of ABA with the warmth of developmental therapy. It is designed for toddlers and preschoolers, and it centers on one core belief: children learn best through joy, relationships, and natural interactions.
We weave ESDM principles throughout all of our services for young learners. Whether your child is working on communication, social skills, or daily routines, the approach stays the same: follow their lead, build on their strengths, and make every moment feel safe and meaningful.
Developed at UC Davis
Decades of peer reviewed research
Ages 12 months to 5 years
Designed for the earliest window
Play based sessions
Learning through joy and connection
Family centered
Parents are partners, always
How We Do It
Five ways ESDM shapes every session we run.
These aren't just principles. They are the lived experience of every child and family who walks through our doors.
Playful Learning
Every session is built around play. Learning feels joyful and natural because it happens through the things your child already loves.
Tailored for Each Child
No two children are alike. We build each program around your child's unique interests, strengths, and pace.
Building Friendships
Connection is at the heart of everything. We create warm, supported environments where children feel safe, seen, and ready to grow.
Skills for Everywhere
What your child learns in sessions is designed to carry over into real life, at home, at school, and everywhere in between.
Teamwork with Families
You are a vital part of your child's team. We involve you in every step, share what we're working on, and give you tools to keep progress moving at home.
Our promise
Every child's journey is filled with joy, progress, and the people who believe in them.
In Practice
What an ESDM session actually looks like.
Sessions don't look like therapy in the traditional sense. They look like play. Warm, intentional, and full of small moments that build into something meaningful.
- 01
Following your child's lead
Therapists tune into what your child is excited about in the moment and build learning opportunities right there, naturally and without force.
- 02
Turning play into progress
A shared toy, a peekaboo game, a favorite book. These become gentle doorways to communication, social connection, and new skills.
- 03
Building emotional safety
Trust comes before goals. Our therapists invest time in forming real relationships so your child feels secure, happy, and ready to learn.
- 04
Celebrating small wins
Every attempt matters. We cheer for the tiny moments because they add up to the breakthroughs that change everything.
Skills for Everywhere
Learning that lives in your real daily life.
Skills practiced once a week rarely stick. That's why we design therapy to travel home with your family, woven into the routines and moments you already share.
We coach caregivers to spot and use natural learning opportunities throughout the day, so progress doesn't pause when sessions end.
- Snack time and mealtime
- Bath and bedtime routines
- Story time and books
- Transitions between activities
- Sibling and peer interactions
- Playground and outdoor play
- Grocery store outings
- Communication during play
Teamwork with families
You are a crucial part of your child's journey.
We love having families on the team. You know your child better than anyone, and that knowledge shapes everything we do together.
- We keep you in the loop every step of the way
- You help shape goals and priorities
- We share practical tools you can use at home
- Progress continues beyond the clinic walls
Family Partnership
Progress continues at home, too.
Family involvement is not optional. It is central to how ESDM works. When caregivers are equipped and engaged, children learn faster, generalize skills more broadly, and feel more supported overall.
We provide coaching, resources, and regular check ins so you always feel confident, informed, and genuinely part of the team, not just a bystander watching from the sideline.
Ready when you are
Curious if ESDM is right for your child?
Let's start with a conversation. No commitment, no pressure. Just a warm, supportive chat with someone who has walked this path with many families before.