A Therapeutic Preschool & Kindergarten That Feels Like School
At Blue Bird Day, children experience all the joy of preschool and kindergarten — with therapeutic support built in.
We are a therapeutic preschool and kindergarten program designed for children who benefit from additional support while learning and playing alongside peers. Our integrated team delivers individualized therapy throughout the school day, in partnership with families, to help children reach meaningful developmental and educational goals.
As the nation’s first therapeutic preschool and kindergarten, our approach continues to evolve — always centered on what works best for each child and family.
A therapeutic preschool & kindergarten for children who need more support.
Blue Bird Day helps children ages 2–6 who need more support than a traditional daycare, preschool, or kindergarten can provide. Our therapeutic program combines a school-like day with integrated speech therapy, occupational therapy, developmental therapy, social work/counseling, feeding therapy, and ABA when appropriate.
Children enrolled in the program receive daily services within small group rotations that simulate a preschool or kindergarten day; they may also receive individual therapy sessions. We work with our families to ensure they have all the services they need in a given week, and goals are created for each client and the family’s unique needs.
Blue Bird Day offers 3 locations for Chicagoland families.
Learn More About our Therapeutic Preschool & Kindergarten
Trusted by Chicagoland Families Since 2014.
Meet Our Experienced Staff
Dr. Laura Mraz, OTD, OTR/L
CEO and Founder of Blue Bird Day, Merlin Day Academy and Eyas Landing
Sarah Hirschman. OTR/L
Regional Clinic Director of Blue Bird Day, Merlin Day Academy and Eyas Landing
Monal Patel, OTR/L
Clinic Director Blue Bird Day West Loop
Dr. Jennifer King, PT, DPT
Clinic Director Blue Bird Day Wheaton
Dr. Naila Ludwig, PT, DPT
Clinic Director Blue Bird Day Northcenter
Have Peace of Mind with our Concierge Administrative Team
Our dedicated concierge administrative team is here to help you every step of the way. They provide a personalized verification of insurance benefits, along with an estimate of coverage with payment options, and manage all of the intake, scheduling, and billing for your child throughout enrollment. With our concierge administrative services, parents can enjoy a hassle-free experience, knowing that every detail is being expertly managed and allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your family.
We are In-Network with the Following Insurances:
Now Offering: Diagnostic Testing and Assessment
Diagnostic Testing and Assessment at Blue Bird Day is a non-medical testing and assessment process conducted by our Clinical Psychologist. We focus on assessment and diagnosis to identify the strengths and needs of children at all stages of development. We take a therapeutic assessment approach, meaning that we help individuals and families identify goals for testing, and collaborate to identify what they hope to learn about their children in the assessment process.
We know that testing and getting a diagnosis can be stressful for many families. Our team wants to make sure that families feel supported in the process, and we strive to present clear communication and feedback with resources and recommendations for the next steps.
Stay Updated with Daily Connect!
Daily Connect allows us to provide regular, real-time updates on your child’s day at Blue Bird Day, including information on classroom lessons, therapeutic rotation activities, and mealtime details, allowing you to feel connected and reassured about your child’s well-being while they’re at Blue Bird. Caregivers are able to directly message teachers through the app to ask questions or share information, as well as access a record of their child’s development and progress through shared photos, videos, and observations.
Three Birds. One Mission.
Blue Bird Day is just one part of your child’s journey! Our sister companies, Eyas Landing and Merlin Day Academy, work together to support your child as they grow. Eyas Landing provides multi-disciplinary therapeutic services for children and adolescents ages 0-21 — all under one roof at our state-of-the-art clinic, virtually through telehealth, at school or daycare, and at home. Merlin Day Academy— accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education—provides special education and multi-disciplinary therapy for children ages 6-14 with neuro-diverse learning needs.
