Helping Children with Autism and Developmental Delays Thrive in a School-Like Setting

Blue Bird Day is a therapeutic preschool and kindergarten designed for children ages 2–6 who need more support than traditional daycare or preschool can provide.

We combine ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental therapy into a structured, play-based school day — all under one roof.

  • Insurance-covered therapy services
  • Small-group, highly supported environment
  • Built to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond
Therapeutic classroom with a big rainbow rug, tables and chairs for children, and a whiteboard. Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our West Loop Chicago location. There are three child-sized tables with chairs, a brightly colored rug, a whiteboard with markers, child-sized cube seats in many colors, a child sized couch, a puppet station, and a wall filled with windows.

What Is Blue Bird Day?

Blue Bird Day is not a traditional preschool — and it’s not a typical therapy clinic.

It’s a full-day or half-day therapeutic program where children receive individualized support throughout their day, not just during isolated therapy sessions.

Our model helps children build:

  • Communication skills
  • Social interaction
  • Emotional regulation
  • Independence in daily routines

All within a structured, nurturing environment designed for real-life learning.

Who We Help

Blue Bird Day is designed for children who:

  • Have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Have developmental delays or sensory challenges
  • Are not progressing in daycare or preschool
  • Need more support before entering kindergarten
  • Benefit from structured routines and individualized attention

If you’ve been wondering whether your child needs “something more” than a typical preschool — this is often the right next step.

The exterior of Blue Bird Day's location in Chicago's Northcenter neighborhood, including a blue awning with our logo on it over the front door and our logo birds in the windows.

 

 

What Makes Blue Bird Day Different

Most therapy programs provide support in short, separate sessions.

At Blue Bird Day, therapy is integrated into every part of your child’s day.

Our difference:

Integrated Therapy Model
Your child receives ABA, speech, OT, PT, Social Work/Counseling and developmental therapy throughout the day — not just 30–60 minute session once a week.

School-Like Environment
Children follow a structured daily schedule that mirrors a classroom, helping them prepare for real school settings.

Multidisciplinary Team
A full team collaborates on your child’s care plan — not just one therapist working in isolation.

Focus on Real-Life Skills
We help children apply skills in social, group, and routine-based settings — where progress matters most.

How the Program Works

Each child receives a personalized plan based on their needs.

A typical day may include:

  • Group learning activities
  • Individual therapy sessions
  • Social skill development
  • Play-based learning
  • Structured routines and transitions

Our goal is to help children build the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Led by Experts in Pediatric Therapy

Blue Bird Day was founded by a licensed occupational therapist with a deep understanding of early childhood development and sensory processing.

Our team includes:

  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Social Workers/Licensed Professional Counselors
  • Developmental Therapists
  • Nutritionists
  • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
  • Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
  • Therapeutic Assistants

Your child benefits from a collaborative, team-based approach designed to support the whole child.