About
Compiled from public web sources — unverified until claimed; please confirm details directly with the provider.
Focus
Day School Autism Emotional Disability Hearing Impairment Intellectual Disability Multiple Disabilities Other Health Impairment S/L
Description
ISBE-approved nonpublic special-education facility (day school), serving students with autism, emotional disability, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment. Illinois districts can place and fund students here under Section 14-7.02.
What this special-needs school offers
Summarized from their website — verify details directly with the special-needs school.
Giant Steps Illinois Inc. is a therapeutic day school dedicated to providing superior educational and therapeutic services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families, from early childhood through adulthood. Licensed and certified in Illinois to exclusively serve students with autism spectrum disorder as a primary diagnosis.
Leadership
Dr. Sylvia Smith — CEO
Sam Cannata — CFO
Angelina Strum — Director of Special Education
Tracy Brody — Human Resources Director
Gustavo Estrada — Technology Director
Terry Williams — Director of Program Outreach
Ally Dogan — Canopy and Christine's Dream Program Administrator
Staff
Becky Kaufman — Elementary and Juniper Sr. Program Supervisor
Brooke Pawlak — Secondary and S.T.R.I.D.E. Sr. Program Supervisor
Populations served
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Ages
Early childhood through adulthood
On-site therapies
Speech therapy Occupational therapy (OT) Music therapy Behavioral services Equestrian therapy
Services
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Autism training and consulting Seminars After-school recreation Vocational training Life skills training Community outings Transportation (PACE)
Programs
Day School Program (S.T.R.I.D.E. and S.T.E.A.M.) Canopy Adult Program Christine's Dream Equestrian Center Riley Center Autism Training Center
Accreditations & approvals
Designated therapeutic day school (Illinois) Licensed and certified to serve students with ASD (Illinois) Platinum Charity status (Candid)
Highlights
Founded in 1996; serves individuals from early childhood through adulthood; holds Platinum Charity status from Candid; operates equestrian therapy through Christine's Dream Equestrian Center.
Approach
Committed to student and participant centeredness, self-awareness, empowerment, resilience, accountability, collaboration, and growth mindset — focused on improving quality of daily life.
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