iCan Dream Center is an ISBE-approved therapeutic school located in Tinley Park, Illinois. We partner with 33 school districts across the region to provide early childhood special education, high school credit recovery, specialized transition services, workforce development, parent programming, and wraparound supports in a structured, supportive day school environment.
Students attend iCan Dream Center as their school placement. They receive individualized academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support designed to help them optimize their potential.
Our therapeutic school model combines small class sizes, family coaching and support group, access to wraparound support, and relationship-centered, trauma-informed instruction. We serve students with IEPs, including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges who may not thrive in traditional settings but can succeed with the right environment.
Why Districts Choose iCan Dream Center
School districts choose iCan Dream Center because we operate as true partners. We are an extension of their team. We collaborate closely with district staff, maintain consistent communication, and if a student is ready, we work collaboratively for successful reintegration to the least restrictive environment.
School Districts Value iCan Dream Center for its:
- ISBE–approved therapeutic school placement
- Innovative, high school credit recovery and graduation pathway with a 99 percent graduation rate and dual-enrollment opportunities
- Specialized transition programming designed for academically qaulfied18-22-year-old students in need of a bridge between high school and college or CTE programs.
- Robust workforce development program and paid internship opportunities
- Small, connection-rich learning environment
- Strong collaboration with district teams and families
- Support for reintegration to the least restrictive environment when appropriate
- Early childhood program with specialized supports
- Parent coaching, parent support groups, and sibling support groups
- Professional development and training for district staff
- Extracurricular and recreational opportunities that build belonging, confidence, and student engagement
Who We Serve
iCan Dream Center specializes in serving neurodiverse students with IEPs who benefit from a therapeutic school environment and an individualized pathway to success. Many students we support have autism, ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, or social-emotional needs that make traditional settings difficult to navigate.
We serve students who are capable and motivated but need smaller class sizes, structured support, relationship-centered instruction, and opportunities to build independence, confidence, and real-world skills.
Placement Process
School districts refer students to iCan Dream Center through the IEP team process. We collaborate closely with district staff and families to determine appropriate placement, review student needs, and develop an individualized plan for success.
Once enrolled, iCan Dream Center maintains ongoing communication with school district teams, provides progress updates, and supports students in working toward reintegration to the least restrictive environment, graduation, dual enrollment, transition goals, and “adulting plans.”
Service Area
iCan Dream Center partners with 36 school districts across the Chicago south and southwest suburbs and surrounding communities. Our therapeutic school serves students from Cook and Will Counties.
Students attend school Monday-Friday. Transportation is available. School district partnerships are individualized. We welcome conversations with districts exploring therapeutic school placement options for students who would benefit from our educational environment.
Referral Information for Special Education Teams
iCan Dream Center welcomes referrals from special education directors, case managers, school psychologists, and IEP teams seeking a therapeutic school placement for students who need additional academic, behavioral, and/or transition support.
To discuss a potential placement, schedule a tour, or request additional information, please contact our Director of Specialized Services, LaKisha Thigpen, at [email protected]. We are happy to collaborate with districts to determine fit, review student needs, and support the referral process.
Our School Model
Students attend iCan Dream Center daily and participate in an innovative, comprehensive educational experience that blends academics and real-world learning. Our trauma-informed, connection-rich programs are designed to support the whole student while preparing them for the future.
Supporting Youth. Restoring Families.
As a non-profit organization, iCan Dream Center connects youth to holistic, innovative special education services. Responding to the urgent societal need to slow the school to prison pipeline in suburban Chicago, we are committed to making a positive contribution by fostering an education setting where neurodiverse youth have access to the skills, resources, and opportunities necessary to thrive beyond their labels.
Specialized Transition Program: Bridge to Full Adulting
Our ISBE-approved program serves students ages 18–22 who are working toward independence in adulthood. Students receive individualized transition services while participating in a specialized program that may include pre-college experiences, college coursework, career training, and real-world skill development. The Bridge to Full Adulting program is designed for students who are academically capable and benefit from structured support as they prepare for independent living, employment, and post-secondary opportunities.
High School Credit Recovery
Boasting a 99 percent high school graduation rate, students in this program earn high school credits while rebuilding confidence, re-engaging in learning, and moving toward future education and/or career goals. This program combines project-based academic instruction with the opportunity to receive dual-enrolled transition services and/or college credit. With special emphasis on a connection-rich, individualized support model and positive school culture, students overcome barriers and unlock their potential.
Dreamweaver’s Behavioral Health Clinic
The Dreamweaver’s Behavioral Health Clinic provides trauma-informed mental health services for Medicaid-eligible students and their family members. Designed to address many of the underlying challenges that bring students to a therapeutic school, the clinic supports individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation needs, and other barriers to success. By offering accessible, relationship-centered care within the school community, the clinic strengthens student stability, supports families, and helps create the foundation for academic progress, independence, and long-term well-being.
Radiant Minds
Radiant Minds provides intensive ABA services, with after-school and evening appointments available onsite at the iCan Dream Center.
Little Dreamers Early Childhood Education Program
We provide a fun and safe environment for preschool-aged children with diverse learning needs.
Parent Support Group
This group is a welcoming space for families and/or caregivers to connect, learn, and support one another. Parents and/or caregivers receive coaching, practical strategies, resources, and guidance while building relationships with others navigating similar experiences. The group is designed to reduce isolation, strengthen confidence, and support parents and caregivers as they advocate for and care for children and/or young adults.