Day Care and Preschool Programs for Children with Autism

Acorn Child Care Center - Good Shepard

4815 W. 155th St, Oak Forest, IL
Phone: (708) 687-2600

Provides child care for individuals 6 months - 13 years; inclusive environment for both children who are typically development and with developmental disabilities. Staff have specialized training in caring for children with disabilities.  

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Early Intensive Home-Based Treatment: The PUENTES Program
3040 N. Wilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 296-7340

Twelve-month early intensive home-based treatment for young children with autism. The program begins with intensive parent training at the center, followed by therapy in the home three times per week with parents actively involved in the child's treatment.

AERO Special Education Cooperative

7600 S. Mason Ave, Burbank, IL 60459
Phone: (708) 496-3330

Half or full-day education program designed for children who exhibit severe to moderate delays in one or more areas of development. Program utilizes the principles of applied behavior analysis for skill acquisition and behavior management and TEACCH for communication and structure.

Alexander Leigh Center for Autism

4100 Veterans Pkwy, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: (815) 344-2522
Contact form

The day school serves children from the ages of 3-22 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OHI, multiple disabilities, developmental delay, and/or intellectual disabilities. The students who come to ALCA typically require one-to-one support and intensive therapies to make measurable gains. Our student population comes from local public school districts when the student requires a more intensive placement to meet their educational and behavioral needs. ALCA, based in McHenry, IL currently serves students residing in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties.

Autism Care Therapy

Locations in: Aurora, Chicago, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Lawn, Orland Park
Phone: (855) 5-AUTISM
Client relations phone: (630)-290-8500
Email: info@autismcaretherapy.com

Provides ABA, OT, SLP and parent training services, as well as diagnostic evaluations. Therapeutic preschool option available.  Accepts some Medicaid plans.

Autism Home Support Services - Early Learners Group

Locations in Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Chicago and Springfield
Phone: (844) 247-7222

The Early Learners Group is an alternative program to help children get ready for their next academic milestones if your child is struggling in kindergarten or almost but not quite ready for daycare.

Autism Service Provider & Beyond

800 W. 5th Ave, #104, Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: (630) 548-0749
Email: admin@autismserviceprovider.com

Provides in-home ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and early intervention services. A center-based early intensive behavioral intervention program, parent education and support groups are also available.

Black Bear Academy

Katie Oglesbee, M.S., CCC-SLP, Therapeutic Director
1801 W. Bryon, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 244-0700
Email: koglesbee@blackbearacademy.com

Black Bear Academy has pre-academic, academic, and therapeutic programs that provide a supportive environment for children ranging from 18 months to 6 years to encourage development of school readiness skills, independence, and social interactions through thematic, play based learning and positive peer models.

Blue Bird Day School

Northcenter (Chicago): 1921 W. Irving Park Road Chicago, IL. 60613
West Loop (Chicago): 1233 W. Adams St. Chicago, IL. 60607
Wheaton: 140 E. Loop Rd. Wheaton, IL.  601989
312-243-8487
info@bbdprogram.com

Blue Bird Day is a multi-disciplinary therapeutic program in a preschool and kindergarten-like setting. Ideal for children ages 2-7.

BY YOUR SIDE Autism Therapy Services

Locations: Morton Grove, Oak Brook, Plainfield, Crystal Lake, St, Charles, Darien, Tinley Park and Schaumburg

Phone: (866) 429-7543 (866 4-BYS KID)
Email: info@byyoursideac.com

Offering individualized, multidisciplinary programs focused on skill-building. In-Home and center-based ABA Therapy, BYS Academy School Readiness Program, Speech/Occupational Therapies, and Diagnostic Evaluations. 

Center for Autism North Shore 

2530 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 312-725-8968
Email: info@centerforautismnorthshore.com

A family-owned and operated therapy center providing ABA Therapy on the North Shore of Chicago. Provides center-based ABA therapy in full or half day programming options for children 0-7.  Parent/guardian involvement is achieved by incorporating trainings centered to them as a part of each child's individualized treatment plan.

Center for Behavior Intervention, Inc

Locations: Barrington, St. Charles, Naperville, Mokena and Peru
Phone: (708) 995-5751
Email: info@cbitherapy.com

ABA Therapy: The team at CBI is dedicated to working with your family to do what is in the best interest of your loved one, through effective applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. Social Skills Groups (Hangouts): Available old elementary, middle school and high school aged children; many are mixed groups with individuals with ASD and typically developing peers.  Therapeutic Playgroup & Preschool: Specifically designed to the developing child; open to individuals who are typically developing as well as with ASD, behavioral challenges and/or other learning differences.

Cherry Preschool

Rhonda Cohen, inclusion director
1418 Lake St, Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: (847) 492-1213
Email: office@cherrypreschool.org

An NAEYC accredited school that integrates children with special needs in the regular preschool setting to learn appropriate social, language, and play skills.

Chicago Commons – Early Childhood Education

In collaboration with its delegate partners, Chicago Commons is now able to support learning and development for more than 1,750 children across 18 Chicagoland neighborhoods that have tremendous need for quality early learning opportunities coupled with access to supportive resources.

Christopher House

Christopher House provides free or reduced cost early childhood education services and high quality childcare as well as family support services. They welcome and support children with diagnosed or suspected disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders.

The Clubhouse Autism Program

Downers Grove: 2901 Finley Rd, #102, Downers Grove, IL 60515 -  (630) 495-6800
Chicago (Albany Park): 4908 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 - (773) 205-8505
Chicago (Irving Park): 2630 W. Bradley Place, Suite A, Chicago, IL 60618 - (312) 955-0089
Email: natalie@clubhousetherapy.com

Early childhood programming: The Clubhouse Autism Program (CAP) provided individualized programming incorporating ABA Therapy, relationship-based approaches like DIR/Floortime®, and/or want to include additional therapy services like Speech, Occupational, Feeding, or Social Work.

The Clubhouse: EDGE Program

Downers Grove: 2901 Finley Rd, #102, Downers Grove, IL 60515 -  (630) 495-6800
Chicago (Albany Park): 4908 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 - (773) 205-8505
Chicago (Irving Park): 2630 W. Bradley Place, Suite A, Chicago, IL 60618 - (312) 955-0089
natalie@clubhousetherapy.com

The EDGE Program is a therapeutic day program designed to help children with challenges related to developmental, social, communication, and motor delays receive focused daily support to reach their full potential. The day program was developed to be inclusive of many different types of challenges and delays, allowing more children to enjoy peer experiences while building vital communication and social skills to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Cortica

2255 Enterprise Dr, Suite 5501, Westchester, IL 60154
Phone: (708) 965-4123
Email: enroll@corticacare.com

Provides diagnostic evaluations, as well as ongoing medical and therapeutic care. Medical services include pediatric neurology, nutrition and medication management. Therapeutic services include Early Intervention services for children 0-3 and therapeutic pre-school for children ages 3-5. Additional services for aged children 3 and up include counseling, ABA (in-home and in-center), occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and music therapy.   pediatric neurologists and pediatricians, we identify the underlying causes of developmental differences and create customized treatment programs based on the child’s neurobiology and developmental profile. 

CST Academy

Chicago (Ranch Triangle): 1422 W. Willow St, Chicago, IL 60642;  1765 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642;  2121 N. Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
North Shore: 85 Revere Dr, Northbrook, IL 60062; 3201 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette, IL 60091
773-620-7800

CST Academy integrates evidence-based practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech Therapy (ST), alongside a therapeutic preschool program. Utilizes a neurodiverse-affirming approach ensures that every aspect of your child's development is supported, fostering a comprehensive and effective treatment experience.

Easterseals

Gilchrist-Marchman Child Development Center
Raina Sajous, program manager
1312 S. Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: (312) 492-7402
Email: rsajous@easterseals.org

Gilchrist Marchman Child Development Center is an inclusive early childhood and education program recognized for high quality, family-centered education for children ages 6 months to 5 years.

Easterseals Joliet

Serving Will, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois Counties
212 Barney Dr, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 927-5472

Easterseals Joliet offers a variety of support services for young children including Early Intervention, Jump Start, and inclusive childcare and preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.  Parents can contact the Autism and Medical Diagnostic Clinic for diagnostic evaluations and pediatric therapy including feeding, speech, occupational, physical, developmental, social skills, and ABA. The clinic also provides parent support groups and inclusive childcare during meetings. 

El Valor

Little Village: 2434 S. Kildare Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
Pilsen: 1951 W. 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608
South Shore (South side): 3050 E. 92nd St, Chicago, IL 60617
(312) 666-4511
info@elvalor.net

Early Intervention, Head Start, Preschool and programming for early childhood.

EYES ON THE FUTURE

6969 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 973-0771
info@eyesonthefuture.net

Early child development center (ages 2-5); provides after-school programming (ages 6-12) until 5:30 PM for families that qualify.

GADS HILL CENTER

Serving Pilson, Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn, North Lawndale
1919 W. Cullerton St, Chicago, 60608
(773) 521-1196
cvega@gadshillcenter.org

North Lawndale location provides early child development center (ages 2-5); provides after-school programming (ages 6-12) until 5:30 PM for families that qualify.

GBC Autism Services

(312) 882-1024
info@gbcaustismservices.com

Provides a variety of customized quality services based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), including in-home ABA therapy, therapeutic preschool program (ages 2-6), school consultations, and social skills groups for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the greater Chicagoland area, Peoria and Normal Illinois. Preschool locations in Bolingbrook, Normal and Peoria, IL.

Guadalupano Family Center

1814 S. Paulina Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: (312) 666-3883

Early child development center (ages 2-5); provides after-school programming (ages 5-12) until 6 PM for families that qualify.

High Road Schools - Specialized Education Services, INC.

Northwest Center for Autism (NWCA) at High Road School in Genoa
High Road School of Mount Prospect 
High Road School of the South Suburbs: Custer Park  
High Road School of the Quad Cities: Moline  

Provides academic and therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and young adults, ages 3 through 21, with extraordinary needs. specialize in a normative culture approach to school therapeutic programming that emphasizes individual growth. Accepting students from school districts at our standalone schools across the state. 

Howard Intervention Center, Inc. 

21141 Governors Highway, 3rd Floor, Matteson, IL 60443
(708) 794-6509
management@howardinterventioncenter.org 
Provides all day center-based services for preschool aged children 2-6 years and after school center-based therapy for ages 7-21.

Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies

Service areas include the following and surrounding areas: Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Oak Brook Terrace, Oak Brook, Western Springs, Willow Springs, La Grange, La Grange Park, Downers Grove, Woodridge, Plainfield, Lemont, Romeoville, Homer Glen, Lockport, Joliet, Naperville, Brookfield, Palos Park, Orland Park, Countryside, Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park, Westmont, Darien, Burr Ridge, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Indian Head Park, Chicago-Midway, Westchester.

Services include:  Developmental, Feeding, Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies, as well as therapeutic preschool (ages 2-7), pediatric counseling, and group services (social language playgroups). Added services include: art therapy, aquatic therapy, hippotherapy, handwriting without tears, interactive metronome, therapeutic listening 

Illinois Action for Children

Serving Chicago's South Suburbs
Felicia McBride, FNP, Project Development Manager
(773) 356-8110
felicia.mcbride@actforchildren.org

The Illinois Action for Children program links families to financial support for child care, Early Head Start, Head Start, and Pre-School For All services. The ReCharge Program is a free summer fitness and wellness program for families in the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) developments offered to children between ages 6 and 14.

iCan Dream Center

18501 Maple Creek Dr, Suite 200, Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 798-4200
info@icandreamcenter.com

Services include a transitional program, recreational after-school program (ages 12-21), early childhood programming (ages 3-7), and ABA services.

JCC Chicago Early Childhood

524 W. Melrose St, Chicago, IL
Additional suburban locations here: Glencoe, Lake Zurich, Northbrook, West Rogers Park and Evanston

Provides day care and preschool programming. Serving children ages 6 weeks - 5 years. 

Joyful ABA

In-clinic: Homewood, IL
Servicing the south cook county
Leslie@Joyfulaba.org; (872) 200-1366
Janine@Joyfulaba.org; (872) 200-1365

Offers: in-home ABA to individuals with autism ages 2-20; in-clinic Pre-K readiness program for ages 2-6. Some Medicaid plans accepted.

Kemit Academy

5100 S. Dorchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 966-5039

Kemit Academy offers specialized day care for infants and children up to age six with developmental disabilities. 

Key Autism Services

Serving Chicagoland area. In-clinic locations include: New Lenox, Chicago (Norwood Park), Palos Heights
(888) 329-4535; info@keyautismservices.com
Operations Manager 
(708) 238-5485; april.lloyd@keyautismservices.com

Provides provide ABA therapy services in home, in clinic and in school or community settings. Additionally, early intervention, day care and preschool services. 

KGH Autism Services

1161 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015
(224) 326-2206
intake@kghautismservices.com

Specializing in developmental-based ABA therapy (NDBI, ESDM) for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with ASD, in the home or at their specialized center. Providing therapeutic preschool and kindergarten, SLP, OT, mental health, parent training, sibling support, social groups, community support, significant problematic behavior support (FA) from early childhood through young adulthood. KGH also offers a Teen & Young Adult Center with a teaching apartment for teaching life skills. Serving Chicagoland, North Shore, West Suburbs, Northwest Suburbs, and Far North Suburbs. KGH has been supporting children and families for over 19 years.

Kick Start Learning and Play

Northfield, IL & Libertyville, IL
(847) 386-6560
info@kickstartptn.com

Clinical services include developmental therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and social skills groups for children up to early adolescence. Additionally, Kick Start has early intervention, therapeutic preschool and summer camp programs. 

LEARN TOGETHER GROW TOGETHER

1126 W. 99th St, Chicago, 60643
(773) 568-4769
twarner@lgtgchildcare.com

Early child development center (ages 2-5).

LEEP Forward Developmental Center

Ravenswood (Chicago): 1447 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613  
Dana@leepforward.com
312.624.8750

Services span early childhood through adolescence. Provides individual and group (social skills) therapy for children with autism, Asperger's and SPD using a DIR/Floortime approach. Additionally, services include assessment and treatment in developmental, speech and language, occupational, physical and behavior therapy services. ABA services are provided in-home and in-clinic. LEEP is also a certified Early Intervention program.

LifeSpeed Early Learning Center 

1110 North Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60301
Phone: (312) 404-7225

LifeSpeed Therapists work 1:1 with children [10 years and under] of all ability levels to foster critical language skills, teach essential pre-academic skills, reduce problem behaviors, and achieve developmental milestones which are essential for future success. The model is centered on a blended approach of in-clinic and in-home sessions. Services in both locations work to compliment one another so our early learners receive consistent, specialized care across all environments.

Lumiere Children's Therapy

811 W. Evergreen Ave, Suite 306, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 242-1665
info@lumierechild.com

Multidisciplinary pediatric therapy program located in Chicago that serves the developmental needs of children and their families. Services, both in-home and center-based, include ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Social Work. A therapeutic preschool program, enrichment classes, and summer camps are also available.

Nia Family Center

744 N. Monticello Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
(773) 722-0115

Early child development center (ages 0-5); Provides Head Start Programming. Can support IEP advocacy as needed.

Northwest Center for Autism (NWCA) at High Road School

123 W. 1st St, Genoa, IL 60135
(815) 787-4144

Northwest Center for Autism (NCWA) at High Road School provides academic and therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and young adults, ages 3 through 21, with extraordinary needs.

ONWARD NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

5423 W. Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
(773) 622-3215
kalanis@onwardhouse.org

Early child development center (6 weeks – 5 years); Provides Head Start Programming and can support IEP advocacy as needed.

OwlLight Therapy 

Service areas include the Western Suburbs including and near the following: Rosemont, Norridge, Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Melrose Park, Maywood, Oak Park, Berwyn, Brookfield, Riverside and LaGrange
(866) OWL-ABA1 (866-695-2221)
info@owllighttherapy.com

Offers in-home and group ABA therapy for children ages 1-12, as well as therapeutic preschool options. Accepts some Medicaid plans.  

Paulo Freire Family Center

1653 W. 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 826-6260

Early child development center (6 weeks – 5 years); Provides Head Start Programming and can support IEP advocacy as needed.

The Place for Children with Autism

Locations in Rogers Park, Little Village, Pilsen, Portage Park, Hermosa, Mount Greenwood, South Chicago, Cicero and Urbana
(224) 436-0788
info@theplaceforchildrenwithautism.com

We offer full day ABA therapy in a pre-school like environment for children with Autism.

Playworks Therapy, Inc

2500 W. Bradley Place, Suite 109, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 332-9439
info@playworkschicago.com

Using a multisensory and developmental approach, your child will work on attention, engagement, grasping, handwriting, self-regulation, self-help skills, sensory processing, sleep, social/peer interactions, and visual motor skills in this play-based therapy.

PODS Inc.

1401 E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60619 
(773) 221-7171
projectorg@projectorg.com

PODS is a full service, community based, inclusive therapeutic program serving children from birth to 13 years of age. Our desire is to focus on increasing the child/youth’s functional skills within his/her school, own home and community. Once it is fully identified, we will offer a continuum of evidence-based behavioral intervention (ABA therapy) to the child as well as resources and training for their families and caretakers. We service both children and youth with other developmental delays and children with typical behaviors. These goals will be determined and based on their individual needs and strengths across developmental stages from birth to 12 years of age.

Pyramid Pre-K Early Learning Center

3048 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(312) 458-9865
info@pediatricresources.org

Individualized curriculum to allow for both academic and therapeutic services.

Riverdale Preschool

3505 Prophetstown Rd, Rock Falls, IL 61071
(815) 625-5280

Early Childhood Special Education Program serving preschool-aged children who are identified as eligible for special education services with small class size and focused on language development, motor skill development, socialization, concept development, and pre-readiness activities, adapted to meet the needs of individual students. Program run in resident school district but run by Bi-County Cooperative at Riverdale Preschool Center that serves students from East Coloma and Montmorency school districts. 

RUSH Kids Pediatric Therapy

Therapeutic preschool offered at three locations: 
Chicago: 2400 N. Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 389-2202
St. Charles: 3815 E. Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174
Phone: (630)584-7530
Hinsdale: 522 W. Chestnut St, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: (331)271-5070

RUSH Kids offers a specialized pediatric service, Foundations for Learning. Foundations for Learning is a therapeutic program designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ranging in age from 2 to 6 years old. The program serves as an alternative to a traditional early childhood setting. We take a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team approach incorporating Physical, Occupational, Speech-Language, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Step Forward Therapy & Preschool

Arlington Heights, IL

Step Forward Therapy provides individual and group therapy for Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy, as well as preschool groups are for children between the ages of 2-6 years old. The program is open to children both with and without a medical diagnosis. Step Forward Therapy  Preschool is a half-day program with options for 1,2, 3 or 4 days a week.

Stride Autism Centers

Locations: Chicago (South Loop, East Hyde Park), Downerss Grove, Hickory Hills, Orland Park​​​​​​​
(312) 554-5578
info@stridecenters.com

Provides center-based ABA therapy and full-day ABA programs for pre-school aged children, 2-6 years.

Summit School

The Autism Spectrum Program
333 W. River Rd, Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 468-0490
jwhite@summitdundee.org 

Program offers a one-on-one integrated holistic approach of services including DIR, TEACCH and RDI.

TAYLOR CENTER FOR NEW EXPERIENCES

1633 N. Hamlin Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-8551
buncha@chicagocommons.org

Early child development center (ages 2-5); provides after-school programming (ages 5-12) until 6 PM for families that qualify.

TherapyWorks

312.780.0820
info@therapyworks.com 
778 Frontage Road, Suites 101 & 102 Northfield, IL 60093 

Little Learners Preschool Readiness Program for children who are not ready for a traditional preschool environment. Ages 2-6 with a focused on play-based, supportive adademic and cognitive skill development. 1:1 ABA therapy paired with group and social activities. Multidisciplinary approach with ABA, Speech, OT and PT. Half or Full day options avaiable.  

Trinity School 

301 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: (815) 485-6197

Trinity School was founded in 1950, and has evolved to Trinity Services, Inc. to provide a broad range of supports and services for people with disabilities. The school remains a vital support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21. Issues may include developmental delays, autism, behavioral challenges and attention deficit disorder. 

Westside Children’s Therapies - IGNITE Therapeutic Day Program 

Locations throughout the Chicagoland area, including Carol Stream, DeKalb, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Frankfort, Glen Ellen, Homer Glen, Joliet, Naperville, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Oswego, Plainfield (downtown and north), Rockford, Schaumburg, Tinley Park, Wheaton, Willowbrook. Click here for location address and phone number.
(815) 469-1500

IGNITE is a school readiness ABA therapy day program  for children ages 2-6, or those that should be functioning at a typical preschool level. The goal of the program is to get these children ready for a typical school setting.

YMCA - Early Education & Care programming

Specialized programming for young children through age 5 operates at the following:

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