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Easterseals Acad - Machesney Park

Special-Needs Schools · Machesney Park, IL
Compiled from public sourcesProgram

About

Compiled from public web sources — unverified until claimed; please confirm details directly with the provider.

Focus
Day School Autism Developmental Delay Emotional Disability Intellectual Disability Multiple Disabilities Other Health Impairment
Area
Machesney Park, IL
Description
ISBE-approved nonpublic special-education facility (day school), serving students with autism, developmental delay, emotional disability, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment. Illinois districts can place and fund students here under Section 14-7.02.
Website
easterseals.com

What this special-needs school offers

Summarized from their website — verify details directly with the special-needs school.

Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford is a nonprofit organization founded in 1936 that transforms the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through expert educational, family, and community support. It operates across four pillars — Clinical Services, Education and Training, Workforce Development, and Family Support — with multiple campuses including Chicago, Tinley Park, and Machesney Park.

Leadership
Sara Ray Hallman — President and CEO, PhD
Amy Blythe — Assistant Vice President of Early Learning Services
Sarah J. Boburka — Vice President of Finance
Dayna Dion — Vice President of Communications and Operations
Elliot Ransom — Vice President of Education and Innovation
Rhonda Robinson — Vice President of Programs and Culture
Sarah Rose — Director of Non-Public Schools, Education, and Clinical Services
Chatia Shelby — Vice President of People and Talent Culture
Populations served
Children with developmental disabilities Individuals with autism spectrum disorder Early learners (birth to age 5) Individuals of all abilities Families of children with disabilities Veterans
Setting
Day
Ages
Birth and up (early intervention through post-secondary)
Programs
Easterseals Academy The Autism Program at Easterseals Early Intervention Child and Family Connections Illinois Autism Partnership (IAP) Head Start and Early Head Start HB Threads (workforce development) Easterseals Academy Post-secondary Programming Partnering with Parents Teen Family Support Family Support Services
Founded
1936
Highlights
One of two largest Head Start/Early Head Start providers in Chicagoland; local affiliate established in 1936; Sara Ray Hallman named 2026 Titan 100.
Approach
Evidence-based, research-driven, and "led by empathy and expertise," with a mission to embrace abilities and expand possibilities for individuals across all life stages.

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What to look for in a special-needs school

  • Population served (autism, emotional/behavioral, learning differences) and the age/grade range
  • Whether it's an ISBE-approved nonpublic facility — districts can place and fund students there
  • On-site therapies (OT/PT/speech/behavioral)
  • Day vs. residential
  • How transitions back to public school work

Want to rate your public school or district on special education instead? See the school & district scorecards.