Illustrative photoGiant Steps
Grades and ages
Grades K-12 & up to 22
Student-teacher ratio
2:1
Tuition
Public School District Placement via IEP (100% Covered) / Inquire for Adult Day Rates
About Giant Steps
Giant Steps is an acclaimed, ISBE-approved therapeutic day school and adult service organization located in Lisle, Illinois, serving students and families across the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded in 1996, Giant Steps is dedicated exclusively to individuals on the Autism Spectrum from early childhood through adulthood (ages 5 to 22 in day school, and beyond in adult programming). The school provides an intensive, highly structured environment with a 1:1 or 2:1 student-to-staff ratio, blending individual academic instruction with comprehensive therapeutic modalities, including speech-language therapy, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), occupational therapy, music therapy, and recreational therapy. Giant Steps emphasizes functional communication, life skills, sensory integration, and vocational preparation across state-of-the-art facilities, life-skills training suites, and the Canopy Adult Day Program.
Student fit
Who this school serves
Grades and ages
- Kindergarten
- Grades 1-5
- Grades 6-8
- Grades 9-12
- Transition (18-22)
- Adult Day Training
- Elementary (K-5)
- Middle School (6-8)
- High School (9-12)
- Young Adult (18-22)
Learning needs supported
- Autism (ASD)
Specialties
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Nonverbal & Complex Communication Needs
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Functional Daily Living Skills
- Challenging Behaviors & Emotional Regulation
Learning and support
Curriculum and therapeutic services
Services and supports
- Speech-Language Therapy & AAC
- Occupational Therapy & Sensory Integration
- Music Therapy
- Recreational Therapy & Adaptive PE
- Behavioral Intervention (BCBA-guided)
- Vocational & Life Skills Training
Programs
Programs at Giant Steps
Other programs and supports
- Speech-Language Therapy & AAC
- Occupational Therapy & Sensory Integration
- Music Therapy
- Recreational Therapy & Adaptive PE
- Behavioral Intervention (BCBA-guided)
- Vocational & Life Skills Training
School facts
Practical details for families
Accreditation and licensing
- ISBE Approved Non-Public Day School
- Illinois DHS Provider
Tuition and funding
Tuition: Public School District Placement via IEP (100% Covered) / Inquire for Adult Day Rates
- Public School Placement (IEP / District Funded)
- Illinois DHS / Adult Medicaid Waiver
- Private Pay / Grants
Visit us
Location and directions
Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Giant Steps
What population and age ranges does Giant Steps serve?
Giant Steps is exclusively dedicated to individuals on the Autism Spectrum. The Day School serves students ages 5 through 22, while the Canopy Adult Program provides lifelong skill building, community engagement, and vocational training for adults.
What specialized therapies are included in the school day at Giant Steps?
Students receive integrated speech-language therapy with advanced AAC support, occupational therapy with sensory integration gyms, board-certified music therapy, and adaptive physical education tailored to individual IEP goals.
How do students get placed at Giant Steps?
School-age placement occurs through a referral from the student's home school district during an IEP meeting. When the IEP team recommends Giant Steps, tuition and door-to-door transportation are paid by the public school district.
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