For children with neurodiverse learning needs, it can be difficult to find a sensory–friendly school environment that supports each child’s unique needs for special education instruction and therapeutic intervention. It’s important to know your child’s rights and understand the programs in place that help them access the supports and services they need to succeed. Merlin Day Academy was founded when we noticed that there was a gap in the level of support for students available in traditional school environments. Our curriculum has been specifically developed to support children with autism, and other sensory and developmental conditions, in their growth and learning. 

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? 

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) details the services that your child is legally entitled to receive to support their education. Caregivers, teachers, and school administration work together to identify what supports your child needs to succeed in school, and these supports can include special education instruction, therapeutic services, and other supports based on your child’s needs, age, and federal and state laws.   

Who is eligible to receive an IEP? 

Students with a disability or impairment are eligible for an IEP under one of the following categories. The assessments and other criteria to determine your child’s specific impairment will be identified with your school district based on each child’s individual abilities and learning goals.  

1. Intellectual disability*
2. Hearing impairment (including deafness)
3. Speech or language impairment*
4. Visual impairment (including blindness)
5. Serious emotional disturbance*
6. Orthopedic impairment
7. Autism*
8. Developmental delays (age 3 through 9)
9. Traumatic brain injury
10. Other health impairment*
11. Specific learning disability*
12. Deaf-blindness
13. Multiple disabilities

*Supported by Merlin Day Academy

Merlin Day Academy can implement IEPs for children ages 6-14 in one of the following categories: intellectual disability, speech or language impairment, serious emotional disturbance, autism, other health impairment, or specific learning disability.  

What is a Therapeutic Day School? 

A Therapeutic Day School is a non-public special education program designed for children whose needs exceed what their local public school can offer. Therapeutic Day Schools provide children with individualized special education instruction and clinical intervention to support their unique goals and implement the services outlined in their IEP. At Merlin Day Academy, we combine special education instruction with Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Behavior (ABA) Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Social Work to support each child’s academic, social, emotional, physical, and developmental goals.  

How do I get my child an IEP? 

Because an IEP is tailored to each child, you’ll need to work with your local school district to identify the services your child needs. You can follow this step-by-step guide from our sister company and outpatient pediatric therapy clinic, Eyas Landing, to better understand the overall process of getting an IEP for your child: https://eyaslanding.com/ieps-and-504s/

How do I get my child placed at Merlin Day Academy through their IEP? 

Contact us to schedule a free, private tour to see if Merlin Day Academy is right for your child: https://merlindayacademy.com/contact/. Our concierge administrative team will work with you and your family to implement their IEP and establish their learning and therapeutic goals.  

Know Your Rights

Our sister company, Blue Bird Day, hosted an IEP informational session with Matt Cohen, a Chicago based civil rights attorney concentrating in special education and school-related issues. You can watch a recording of that presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPwQXMlOoTs

There are many different settings that allow children to receive speech and language services. Depending on that setting, there are different qualifications that need to be met in order to receive services. For example, there are different qualifications and rules that need to be followed for children to receive services in a school vs in a clinic.   

In a school, a child can qualify for services if their speech or language impairment is negatively affecting them within the classroom. For example, a child may have difficulty using language to communicate, therefore they may have difficulty in reading and writing. If so, the child may be referred to a Speech-Language Pathologist, by either their teacher or parent in order to receive a speech and language evaluation.   

When an evaluation is warranted, the Speech-Language Pathologist must assess the child to determine if there is a disability. If so, it must be decided if the disability is negatively affecting the child in regard to their academics and ability to do school assignments. Speech-Language Pathologists also need to consider if a related service is needed to help the child progress. If all these factors are relevant, a child can qualify for school-based speech and language services. In a school setting, Speech-Language Pathologists must also follow state and federal laws when determining if a child is eligible for services. 

In a clinic, a child may be referred to a Speech-Language Pathologist by their pediatrician, family member, themselves, or another agency. Speech-Language Pathologists do not have to follow federal and state laws when determining if a child is eligible for speech and language services. They need to complete comprehensive standardized testing or selected specialized assessments that are criterion referenced to determine if there is a speech or language impairment. Speech-Language Pathologists in the clinical setting interact with the child and their caregivers directly. Speech-Language Pathologists in this setting consult with caregivers in order to get a better understanding of the child’s birth, developmental, and social history. If a child is deemed eligible, the Speech-Language Pathologist can make goals that are family-and-child-centered. Goals can focus on daily living skills, such as being able to state their name, birthday, their family’s names, and play skills. Or goals can focus on life skills, such as being able to order their favorite food when going out to eat or interacting with peers.   

Merlin Day Academy is a hybrid of the School and Clinical setting, blending special education with therapeutic supports incorporated into the classroom. Speech-Language Pathologists support literacy instruction and an oral motor rotation that promotes language development and healthy eating habits. The Merlin Day Academy team can implement services identified in your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the Eyas Landing therapy team can provide additional therapeutic interventions based on your child’s individual needs.