Special-Needs Schools
iCan Dream Center
Special-Needs Schools · Tinley Park, 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 Multiple Disabilities Other Health Impairment Orthopedic Impairment S/L
Area
Tinley Park, IL
Description
ISBE-approved nonpublic special-education facility (day school), serving students with autism, emotional disability, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, orthopedic impairment. Illinois districts can place and fund students here under Section 14-7.02.
Website
What this special-needs school offers
Summarized from their website — verify details directly with the special-needs school.
iCan Dream Center is an ISBE-approved non-profit therapeutic school in Tinley Park, Illinois, serving neurodiverse youth with IEPs across Chicago's south suburban region. It provides specialized education, behavioral health, and transition services in partnership with 36 school districts.
Leadership
Dr. Evisha Ford — Executive Director & Founder
LaKisha Thigpen — Director of Specialized Services
Staff
Katie Gira — Press, Funding, Partnerships, Communications
Zipporah Leach — Internship Coordinator
Populations served
Students with intellectual disabilities Students with autism spectrum disorder Students with ADHD Students with anxiety Students with executive functioning challenges Students with learning difficulties At-risk youth Students requiring transition services
Setting
Day
Ages
Early childhood through age 22
Grades
Preschool through post-secondary transition (ages 18–22)
On-site therapies
Speech therapy Occupational therapy ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Art therapy Play therapy Social work groups Mental health/behavioral health counseling
Services
Early childhood special education High school credit recovery Transition services (ages 18–22) Workforce development with paid internships Behavioral health clinic (Medicaid-eligible) Parent support and coaching Saturday community outings College and career preparation Restorative justice practices
Programs
Little Dreamers Early Childhood Special Education Accelerated High School Completion Dream Catchers Transition Program Radiant Minds Institute (ABA) The Clinic (mental health services) Professional Development Parent Support Services
Accreditations & approvals
ISBE-approved therapeutic school (Illinois State Board of Education)
Highlights
99% high school graduation rate; partners with 36 school districts across Chicago south and southwest suburbs; serves Cook and Will Counties; Medicaid-eligible behavioral health clinic.
Approach
Dream. Restore. Empower. Amplify. Mobilize. — trauma-informed instruction with small class sizes, emphasizing belonging, therapeutic support, and functional life skills.
Admissions
Enrollment available through Gradelink portal; enrollment/tours/IEP inquiries at enrollment@icandreamcenter.com; transportation available.
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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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