Special-Needs Schools
Little City Center for Education
Special-Needs Schools · Palatine, 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 Developmental Delay Emotional Disability Hearing Impairment Intellectual Disability Multiple Disabilities Other Health Impairment
Area
Palatine, 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
What this special-needs school offers
Summarized from their website — verify details directly with the special-needs school.
Little City empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve equity, pursue their dreams, develop meaningful connections, and gain the skills they need to thrive. Founded in 1959 in Palatine, IL, the organization provides a wide continuum of services including a therapeutic day school, residential care, behavioral health, employment, and foster care and adoption services.
Leadership
Rich Bobby — Chief Executive Officer
Kelly Evans — Chief Operating Officer
Mike Schultz — Chief Financial Officer
Tina Maraccini — Chief Development Officer
Tracy Dudek — Chief Human Resources Officer
Ann Morris — Chief of Communications & External Affairs
Lonnie Randall — Senior Vice President of Residential & School Services
Emily Rawsky — Senior Vice President, Family & Community Services
Mark Burrage — Vice President of Facilities & Transportation
Ali Entezar — Vice President of Information Technology
Greg Halloran — Vice President of Community Enrichment & Employment Services
Theresa Moran — Vice President of Program Quality and Supports
Nicole Terrell-Bedell — Vice President of Child and Family Services
Populations served
Children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) Individuals with autism Youth and families requiring behavioral health services Children and adults in need of foster care and adoption services
Setting
Combination
Ages
Children through adults (elementary school age through adult)
Grades
Elementary and high school
On-site therapies
Behavioral health / behavioral therapy Clinical services
Services
Therapeutic day school Residential services (children's and adult living arrangements) Day services Foster care and adoption services Family and community services Behavioral health clinic Vocational training and job placement Recreation and fitness Arts center Horticulture program Life skills training Special Olympics
Programs
THRIVE Program Autism Day Program Arts Center Horticulture Program Recreation and Fitness Program Employment Services Foster Care and Adoption Services Behavioral Health Clinic
Founded
1959
Accreditations & approvals
CARF International accreditation (Gold Seal) Charity Navigator 4-star rating ACAF Welcome Seal Human Rights Campaign recognition for LGBTQ+ cultural competence in foster care and adoption (since 2012)
Tuition & funding
Some programs (horticulture, Special Olympics, recreation) are not fully funded and rely on donor support; specific tuition details not stated
Phone
847-358-5510
Highlights
Founded in 1959 by parents advocating for children with I/DD; serves both children and adults across a full continuum of care; CARF Gold Seal accredited and Charity Navigator 4-star rated organization based in Palatine, IL.
Approach
The organization focuses on community inclusion, meaningful friendships, and continuous skill development, guided by core values of being Adaptable, Advocates, Inclusive, Compassionate, and Leaders — ensuring individuals can "live safely, learn continuously, explore creatively, and work productively throughout their lifetime."
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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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