Private Intensive Therapeutic Day Program (Ages 6–14)

Non-IEP | Insurance-Based Program

Our Intensive Therapeutic Clinic is designed for children who need a higher level of therapeutic support beyond a traditional school setting.

While therapy is the primary focus, students also participate in a structured academic component, allowing them to continue building essential learning skills alongside their therapeutic progress.

Instead of an IEP, each child receives:
✔ A customized Individualized Intensive Therapeutic Service Plan (IITSP)
✔ A comprehensive clinical evaluation
✔ Highly individualized, therapy-driven programming
✔ Integrated academic support within their daily schedule

What Makes This Program Different

This is a therapy-first environment focused on meaningful behavioral, emotional, and developmental progress—while still supporting academic engagement.

We target:

• Emotional regulation

• Behavioral challenges

• Social skill development

• Coping strategies and resilience

• Foundational academic skills through structured learning time

Personalized, Data-Driven Care

Our clinical team continuously evaluates progress and adjusts treatment plans to ensure:

• Measurable improvement
• Functional life skills
• Increased independence across settings
• Consistent growth both therapeutically and academically

Therapeutic Day School (Grades K–8)

ISBE-Approved | IEP-Based Program

Our Therapeutic Day School is designed for students who need a structured, supportive academic environment with built-in therapeutic services.

Each student receives:
✔ Individualized instruction based on their IEP
✔ Small class sizes for personalized attention
✔ Integrated support from therapists and educators
✔ A structured environment that builds confidence and independence

How Learning Works

We meet students where they are—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Instruction includes:

• Differentiated teaching based on learning style

• Multisensory and structured lessons

• Flexible pacing to support real progress

• State-aligned curriculum (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies)

Beyond Academics: Whole-Child Development

Students build critical life skills, including:

• Emotional regulation

• Communication and social skills

• Problem-solving and independence

• Self-advocacy

Merlin Day Academy serves students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in the following disability categories:  

• Intellectual Disability 
• Learning Disability 
• Speech/Language Delay 
• Other Health Impairment 
• Developmental Delay
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Where Education & Therapy Come Together

What makes Merlin Day Academy unique is our integrated model:

• Teachers and therapists collaborate daily

• Skills learned in therapy are reinforced in the classroom

• Students receive consistent, coordinated support

This alignment helps children:
✔ Learn faster
✔ Generalize skills
✔ Build confidence across environments

Preparing Your Child for the Future

Through a combination of:

• Academic instruction

• Therapeutic support

• Social-emotional development

We prepare students for:

• Future school environments

• Stronger peer relationships

• Real-world success