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Special-Needs Schools

Illinois Center for Autism

Special-Needs Schools · Fairview Heights, IL
Compiled from public sourcesPractice / clinic

About

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

Focus
autism developmental disabilities grades K-12 ages 5-21
Area
Fairview Heights, IL
Description
A nonprofit special-education day school in the Metro East area serving children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder across two campuses.
Website
illinoiscenterforautism.org

What this special-needs school offers

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

The Illinois Center for Autism (ICA) is an Illinois State Board of Education-approved nonprofit organization founded in 1977 that provides year-round educational, vocational, and support services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities across two main campuses and satellite programs in the greater St. Louis metro area of Illinois.

Leadership
Troy Metheney — Executive Director
Sandra Rodenberg — Educational Services Director / Principal
Kate Wondolowski — Assistant Educational Services Director / Assistant Principal
Mia Stroter — Vocational Services Director / QIDP
Monica Franklin — Director, Client & Family Support / QIDP
Carol A. Madison — Founder (campus named in her honor)
Staff
Mike Grawe — Case Manager / QIDP
Akiaya Thomas — Case Manager / QIDP
James Morgan — Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP)
Brandi Jones — Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP)
Collin Black — Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP)
Chris Fournie — Board Chairperson
Elijah Gerson — Board Vice Chairperson
Donna Mann — Board Secretary (parent)
Populations served
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Cognitive disabilities Specific learning disabilities Speech-language impairments Emotional disabilities Other health impairments Developmental delays Higher Functioning Autism Asperger's Syndrome Non-Verbal Learning Disorders ADHD Semantic Pragmatic Disorders
Setting
Day
Ages
3–21 (school program); 18+ (adult services)
Grades
Preschool through transition age (age 3–22)
On-site therapies
Speech-Language Therapy Social Skills Training Communication Skills Support Behavioral Support (positive approach to maladaptive behaviors)
Services
Special Day School Program Satellite Classroom Programs Transition Services Supported Employment Program (SEP) Community Day Services (CDS) Client and Family Support Program Self-Direction Assistance Vocational Training Transportation Training Recreational and Leisure Activities Community Outreach Monthly Parent/Family Support Groups
Programs
Special Day School Program (ISBE-approved, ages 3–21) Transition Program (ages 14.5–22) Adult Supported Employment Program (SEP) Community Day Services Program (CDS) Satellite Classroom Programs (Granite City — Coolidge Jr. High, Grigsby Middle, Maryville Elementary, Granite City High School) Face to Face Social Advocacy Club WeConnect Social Advocacy Club PAES Lab (Practical Assessment Exploration System) Pasta Fare (vocational enterprise restaurant) Petals Remembered (vocational enterprise floral shop)
Founded
1977
Accreditations & approvals
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) approved Supported Employment Program provider
Tuition & funding
School program meals provided at no cost to families; adult services funded through Illinois Medicaid Developmental Disabilities Waiver and DHS/DDD; Face to Face social club charges $5 per meeting.
Phone
(618) 398-7500
Highlights
Operating for over four decades (founded 1977); two main campuses (Carol A. Madison Adolescent Campus in Fairview Heights and Belleville Elementary Campus) plus satellite programs in Granite City public schools; recipient of Illinois Governor's Award and AFL-CIO Community Services Award.
Approach
ICA believes each individual is unique and defined by possibilities, not limitations, using innovative research-based methods, a positive approach to maladaptive behaviors, and customized support designed to promote self-sufficiency and lifelong independence.
Admissions
Students are placed via Individualized Education Plan (IEP); adult services require completion of an ICA Request for Services Form and Intake Eligibility Assessment; some adult services require enrollment in the Adults with Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver.

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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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