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Special-Needs Schools

Esperanza Learning Center

Special-Needs Schools · Chicago, IL
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About

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

Focus
Day School Autism Emotional Disability Intellectual Disability Other Health Impairment Traumatic Brain Injury
Area
Chicago, IL
Description
ISBE-approved nonpublic special-education facility (day school), serving students with autism, emotional disability, intellectual disability, other health impairment, traumatic brain injury. Illinois districts can place and fund students here under Section 14-7.02.
Website
esperanzacommunity.org

What this special-needs school offers

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

Esperanza Community Services is a Chicago-based nonprofit founded in 1969 that supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, through specialized education, behavioral supports, adult life programming, and clinical services. The organization serves over 300 individuals and families annually through a person-centered approach.

Leadership
Jayne Drew — Chief Executive Officer (MBA, CFRE)
Anne Hellmer — Executive Director, Programs (M.Ed., Ed.S., NCSP)
Ronika Pinckney — Sr Director, Adult Programs
Yamari Rodriguez — Director, Finance
Leslie Boyle — Director, Human Resources (M.Ed., BCBA)
David Walters — Director, Facilities and Projects (PMP)
Becca Del Real — Director, Special Education
Liz Juarez — Director, Nursing (RN)
Brenda Roman — Director, Adult Day Program (QIDP)
Joanna Wagner — Director, Development and Marketing (MNA)
Theodore Issen — Director, Behavior Services (MS, BCBA)
Lexi Castaneda — Director, Clinical Services (MA, CCC-SLP)
Lauren Novak — Board Chair
Staff
Bret Deyo — Board Secretary
Barbara Obregon — Board Treasurer and Finance Chair
Populations served
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities Individuals with autism
Setting
Day
Ages
Elementary through transition-age (children); Adults
Grades
Elementary through transition-age
On-site therapies
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Speech-language therapy Occupational therapy Social work services
Services
Therapeutic Day School Adult Life Programs Community day programs Residential living Home-based support services Behavioral and clinical services
Programs
Therapeutic Day School Adult Life Programs Behavioral and Clinical Services
Founded
1969
Phone
312-243-6097
Highlights
Founded in 1969 by Guadalupe Reyes in a church basement to serve children with developmental disabilities who were denied education elsewhere; now serves over 300 individuals and families annually.
Approach
Through a person-centered approach, we partner with individuals and their families to build skills, foster independence, and create meaningful opportunities.

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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

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