Looking at Chicago Speech Therapy Academy (CSTA)? See How Blue Bird Day Compares

A Therapeutic Preschool Designed for Growth, Confidence, and School Readiness

Families searching for therapeutic preschool programs in Chicago often explore multiple options before deciding what environment will best support their child’s development.

Two programs families sometimes compare are Blue Bird Day and Chicago Speech Therapy Academy (CSTA). Both programs support children with developmental differences, but their program models and approaches to therapy can differ.

Below is a helpful comparison to support families researching therapeutic preschool options.

Many families exploring programs like Chicago Speech Therapy Academy (CSTA) and Blue Bird Day are searching for:

  • A preschool designed for children who benefit from extra developmental support

  • Integrated speech, occupational, or behavioral therapy

  • Small classrooms and individualized attention

  • Support for communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation

  • Preparation for kindergarten and future classrooms

Blue Bird Day offers a therapeutic preschool and kindergarten program designed to help children build the skills they need to succeed with locations in Northcenter and West Loop.

At Blue Bird Day, our pediatric therapeutic approach blends evidence-based practices with compassionate care to support children with autism and developmental differences in a school-like, engaging environment. We bring together occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, feeding support, social work, and optional ABA into one coordinated, individualized program that meets each child where they are. Designed to build communication, confidence, and independence, our approach helps children thrive academically, socially, and behaviorally. All while providing families with measurable progress and peace of mind.

Blue Bird Day vs Chicago Speech Therapy Academy (CSTA)

Both Blue Bird Day and Chicago Speech Therapy Academy (CSTA) support children who benefit from additional developmental support. While both programs offer multidisciplinary services, families often notice differences in how therapy is integrated, how the school day is structured, and how children experience their learning environment.

Key Considerations Blue Bird Day Chicago Speech Therapy Academy (CSTA)
Program Model Established therapeutic preschool structured like a school day Therapy clinic offering developmental programs and therapy services
Therapy Approach Multidisciplinary team evaluation determines a coordinated therapy plan integrating OT, speech, PT and developmental support throughout the day Therapy services often scheduled individually, with strong emphasis on ABA-based services
Daily  Experience  Structured classroom routines with play-based learning, group activities, and therapy embedded into the school-like day Therapy sessions and developmental programs scheduled within the clinic environment
Social Development  Children begin with individualized support and gradually move into small peer groups (up to 1:4) to build independence and social skills Programs often provide primarily 1:1 therapy sessions for children
School Readiness Strong focus on preparing children for least restrictive school setting Therapy programs designed to support developmental needs
Therapeutic Environment Large sensory gyms and movement spaces designed to support sensory processing, regulation, and motor development Smaller therapy clinic environments
Program Continuity Blue Bird Day families may continue support through Merlin Day Academy, a therapeutic school designed for children who benefit from continued specialized education Therapy programs primarily offered within the clinic model and children age out at 6 years old

Why Families Choose Blue Bird Day

A School Day Designed Around Development

At Blue Bird Day, children experience a structured school day that blends learning, play, and therapeutic support.

Rather than separating therapy from classroom time, therapists and educators work together so children can practice important skills throughout everyday activities.

This approach allows children to build skills in areas such as:child at cubby with a teacher.

  • Communication

  • Social interaction

  • Emotional regulation

  • Motor development

  • Classroom readiness

Child playing with musical instrument in library.Therapy Integrated Into Everyday Learning

Blue Bird Day provides support from a multidisciplinary team that may include:

  • Speech therapists

  • Occupational therapists

  • Physical therapists

  • Behavioral specialists

  • Social Workers and Mental Health specialists

Therapy happens within the context of daily classroom routines, helping children practice new skills naturally with peers.

A Supportive Preschool and Kindergarten Environment

Children thrive when they feel comfortable and supported. Blue Bird Day creates an environment where children can:child looking through a tube in a sensory classroom

  • Build friendships

  • Gain confidence in communication

  • Develop independence

  • Learn classroom routines

Our goal is to help children feel successful while building the skills they need for their next educational step.

Three Convenient Locations

Blue Bird Day offers therapeutic preschool and kindergarten programs at:

Northcenter
Our Northcenter location is a 6,000 sq ft therapeutic preschool & kindergarten with three classrooms, conveniently located near the Brown Line and multiple bus routes off Irving Park. The space features a dedicated outdoor rooftop play area where children can build motor skills and enjoy fresh air during the school day.

West Loop
The West Loop campus is an 18,000 sq ft therapeutic preschool with six classrooms, an outdoor play space, and convenient onsite parking. Located next to Skinner West playground, it’s easily accessible for families across the city as well as nearby suburbs like Oak Park and Hyde Park.

Wheaton
Our Wheaton location offers an 18,000 sq ft program with five classrooms, a large outdoor play area, and onsite parking for families. The campus also includes an onsite neuropsychology and diagnostic testing center, allowing families to access evaluations and support in one convenient location.

Families can choose the location that works best for their daily routine.

How to Know Which Program May Be the Right Fit for Your Child

Every child develops at their own pace, and families exploring programs like Blue Bird Day and Chicago Speech Therapy Academy (CSTA) are often trying to determine what type of environment will help their child thrive.

A therapeutic environment may be helpful if your child benefits from additional support with:

  • Communication or speech development

  • Social interaction with peers

  • Emotional regulation or transitions

  • Sensory processing or motor skills

  • Building confidence in a classroom setting

Programs like Blue Bird Day are designed to support children within a structured school-day environment where learning, play, and therapeutic support work together.

Children have opportunities to practice skills such as communication, peer interaction, and independence through daily classroom routines and guided activities.

When Families Choose Blue Bird Day

Families often choose Blue Bird Day when they are looking for:

  • A preschool environment designed for developmental support

  • Opportunities for daily peer interaction and social learning

  • Support from a multidisciplinary therapy team

  • A program focused on building school readiness skills

  • A supportive environment that helps children gain confidence and independence

 

Our goal is to help children build the skills they need to participate, communicate, and succeed in future learning environments.

Blue Bird Day Case Studies

Our case studies provide a detailed, real-world account of some of the children at Blue Bird Day. Each offers an informative perspective on a child’s initial challenges, treatment over the course of a year, and their individual achievements and successes.

Learn more about Maria, a 5 year old with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Learn more about Christopher, a 7 year old with a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Learn more about Jason, a 5 year old with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our Northcenter Chicago location. There are three child-sized tables with blue chairs.
Blue Bird Day Northcenter lobby with two black chairs, children's toys to play with while you wait, and boards filled with notices on the wall.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our Northcenter Chicago location. Contains a rainbow lycra swing, a flexion disc swing for vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation, stepping stones, and a foam wedge. The floors are covered with blue padding for safety.
Blue Bird Day Northcenter lobby with black chairs and couches and children's toys to play with while you wait.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our Northcenter Chicago location. Contains a platform swing, an exercise ball, a balance beam, a bolster swing, walking steps, and a foam wedge. The floors are covered with blue padding for safety.
Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our Northcenter Chicago location. There's a child-sized table, a bookshelf filled with kids books, a cabinet filled with colorful plastic tubs, and rainbow paintings on the walls.
Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our Northcenter Chicago location. There are two child-sized tables with brightly colored cube chairs, a bookshelf filled with kids books, a cabinet filled with toys, and a white rocking chair.
Blue Bird Day Northcenter hallway filled with cubbies
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our West Loop Chicago location. Includes a therapeutic web tower swing hanging from the ceiling for sensory seekers that helps improve balance reactions and motor planning and provides calming vestibular input. On the floor is a child-sized green and red trampoline with a handle for balance and safety to provide stimulating proprioceptive input, help kids release energy, and promote motor skills. There is also large colorful blocks for creative and gross motor play, two round wooden climbing ladders, and a play house cube with two circular openings to climb and explore.
Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our West Loop Chicago location. There are two child-sized tables with chairs, a brightly colored rug, a bookshelf filled with kids books, and a wall filled with windows that has stickers of animals on them.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our West Loop Chicago location. Includes a therapeutic rainbow platform saucer swing for vestibular and proprioceptive input, a steam roller ramp (for sensory stimulation, heavy work, bilateral coordination and motor planning), a set of monkey bars for gross motor play, a set of climbing steps with a handrail for balance, crash pads and mats for safety and deep pressure input, a rolling tunnel, and a bosu balance ball. There is blue padding on the walls and floor for safety.
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.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our West Loop Chicago location. Hanging from the ceiling is a flexion disc swing and a flexion t-bar swing for balance, bilateral strength, and vestibular input. On the back wall is a rock climbing wall to build gross motor skills, crash mats underneath for safety, a round wooden climbing ladder with a slide, and a red and white balance beam. The walls and floors are covered with blue padding for safety.
Therapeutic preschool and kindergarten lunchroom at our West Loop Chicago location. There are six child-sized tables with chairs throughout the room. On the right side are white cabinets.
Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our West Loop Chicago location. There are two child-sized tables with chairs, a brightly colored rug, a bookshelf filled with kids books, a child-sized couch, colorful block chairs, and a wall filled with windows that has stickers of animals on them.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our West Loop Chicago location. A rainbow acrobat swing is hanging from the ceiling and can help with vestibular input, body awareness, motor planning, and has increased pressure for a calming effect. On the ground are blue crash mats and pads for sensory input and safety, a ball pit, a blue tunnel for gross motor activities, and a blue square ball pit for calming proprioceptive and tactile input. The walls and floor are covered with blue padding for safety.
Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our Wheaton Illinois location. There are several child-sized tables with chairs, a brightly colored rug, a bookshelf filled with kids books, and a wall full of windows looking outside.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our Wheaton Illinois location. Includes a therapeutic rainbow platform swing for vestibular and proprioceptive input, a set of climbing steps with a handrail for balance, crash pads and mats for safety and deep pressure input surrounding a large rainbow colored trampoline, a long blue tunnel, and a hopscotch game. There is blue padding on the walls and floor for safety.
Blue Bird Day Wheaton's interactive sensory retreat room. Includes a large Marvelous Marble sensory panel of light up interactive marbles where as children turn the marbles they receive visual, tactile, and aural sensory input, and experience a calming sensation. Crash mats and pads cover the floor for deep pressure and sensory input. The walls are covered with blue padding for safety. There are calming sensory aurora lights on the ceiling.
Blue Bird Day Wheaton reading room, including a bookshelf along the wall filled with children's books, a puzzle rug with the alphabet on it, and chairs to sit on.
Hallway filled with lockers at our Wheaton, Illinois location.
The lobby of our Blue Bird Day Wheaton location. Includes black couches and colorful waiting room toys.
Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our Wheaton Illinois location. There are three child-sized tables with chairs, a brightly colored rug with color cube chairs on it, a bookshelf filled with kids books, and a sensory table.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our Wheaton Illinois location. Includes a steam roller ramp (for sensory stimulation, heavy work, bilateral coordination and motor planning), crash mats for safety and sensory input, a foam wedge for physical therapy activities. Handing from the ceiling is a raindrop swing (helping develop body awareness, motor planning, and spatial skills, as well as deep pressure for self-regulation), and a flexion disc swing for vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation. There is blue padding on the walls and floor for safety.
Child smiling at his therapist while sitting at a table at blue bird day west loop.

Individualized Treatment Plans

Each child at Blue Bird Day will have a team of experienced therapists developing their individual treatment plans. Our staff consist of:

  • Certified Early Childhood Development Therapists
  • Speech Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • ABA Therapists
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers
  • Feeding Therapists
  • Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
  • Therapeutic Assistants

Each plan is created to encourage peer interaction, socialization, learning skills, sensory integration, and speech development based on the needs of each child.

Therapeutic Programs Customized for your Child

Blue Bird Day is an intensive pediatric therapy program designed to foster socialization, sensory regulation, and learning in children with therapeutic rotations that simulate a preschool and kindergarten setting. Relationship-based therapists work to build individual goals for each child and family to ensure future success in all situations. Our therapeutic programs are ideal for children with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Sensory Processing Disorders
  • Articulation and Phonological Disorders
  • ADHD
  • Down Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Stuttering
  • Feeding Disorders
Therapist reading a book to children in circle time at Blue Bird Day northcenter.
Children holding hands while going on a walk outside at Blue Bird Day West Loop

Our Program is Evidence-Based

Blue Bird Day is an Evidence-Based Practice, which means that research-backed proof, our clinical expertise, and your child’s values and preferences are at the heart of everything we do. We stay current on the most relevant and evidence-based research available and integrate these therapeutic models into each individual child’s goals. Some evidence-based tools we use:

  • Sensory Integration
  • DIR/Floortime
  • Zoo-phonics
  • Handwriting without Tears
  • TEACCH
  • Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Therapy
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Multi-disciplinary Therapy Rotations ©

Blue Birds follow a structured therapeutic rotation each day in a preschool or kindergarten-like setting that includes Circle Social Time, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Developmental Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, and Feeding Therapy.

This multi-disciplinary approach is designed to encourage the following:

  • Peer Interaction
  • Socialization
  • Development of Learning Skills
  • Sensory Integration
  • Speech Development
Child in centers playing with a doctor kit at blue bird day west loop chicago.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our West Loop Chicago location. A rainbow acrobat swing is hanging from the ceiling and can help with vestibular input, body awareness, motor planning, and has increased pressure for a calming effect. On the ground are blue crash mats and pads for sensory input and safety, a blue tunnel for gross motor activities, and a blue square ball pit for calming proprioceptive and tactile input. The walls and floor are covered with blue padding for safety.

Facilities that Foster Results

Blue Bird Day’s pediatric therapeutic facilities were designed with the child’s needs in mind by occupational therapist and child development specialist, Dr. Laura Mraz. Located in West Loop, Northcenter, and Wheaton, our facilities were specially created using the evidence-based approach to promote client participation and engagement. A variety of suspended swings, crash pads, and obstacle course materials are used in the sensorimotor gyms to get bodies moving, while the minimal design removes unnecessary dysregulating distractions.

Blue Bird Day kids are highly motivated to engage in our therapeutic program and enjoy the many options the space offers. Whether it’s climbing to the top of our rock wall or crashing into our ball pit, clients use this space to conquer many obstacles and reach their goals.

Highly Qualified and Compassionate Staff

Blue Bird Day’s therapists are among the most highly trained and experienced in Chicago. We believe in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary team approach to therapy. Our compassionate therapists and staff build strong relationships with clients and their families and are dedicated to helping children achieve goals and build confidence in their everyday lives. Our knowledgeable therapists and staff are truly what makes Blue Bird Day extraordinary and what helps us to stand apart from the rest.

A large group of staff from Blue Bird Day's West Loop location standing together on the side of the building, smiling at the camera.

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.

Three Birds One Mission as Seen on WGN