After School and Weekend Programs
Social Skills Programs 1 & 2
SS 1: Ages 6-10
SS 2: Ages 8-11
This is a center-based program in which children are engaged in social learning opportunities and activities. Thematic units are integrated in each learning center. Learning centers include games, reading, art, gross motor activities, cooking and music.
Skills such as turn taking, waiting, sharing and attending will all be practiced. Games are adapted to promote socialization and communication skills. Adaptations and prompts are faded as students become familiar with and understand the game concepts, enabling them to play the games in other settings. Cooking activities provide a natural opportunity for practicing social skills, following directions, turn taking and reading.
High Functioning Autism Club
Ages 6-12
This program is developed to meet the needs of High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder students. Our approach is to refer to this program as a “club” designed to focus on more enjoyable, positive, social skill interactions that would be appropriate for this population across settings. Topics will focus on high interest thematic units (i.e., pop culture, movies and sports) and concepts (i.e., friendship, bullying, relaxation techniques and feelings) based on parent and student feedback. This information will be initially gathered through the Have Dreams questionnaire and feedback from students during our first group session. There will be opportunities for parents to meet with a Have Dreams professional to collaborate on your child’s program.
Music & Social Games Programs
Ages 5-10
Interactive songs and activities will provide the framework to encourage language and social skills. Skills such as turn taking, waiting, sharing and attending will be practiced.
Instructional Swimming (Park Ridge Community Center)
Have Dreams offers three levels of swim instruction, that includes beginner, advanced beginner and advanced swim instruction. The swimming instructor will assess and determine appropriate individual goals at the on-set of the program.
Interactive Games & Art Therapy 1 & 2
G&A 1: Ages 6-10
G&A 2: Ages 11-14
A center-based program that introduces children to board games, card games and group games. Games are adapted to promote socialization and communication skills. Adaptations and prompts are faded as children become familiar with and understand the games, enabling them to play the games in other settings. Art is also incorporated in this program, offering children a visual means of self-expression.
Cooking & Conversation Programs
Ages 11-14
Cooking activities provide a natural opportunity for practicing social skills, following directions, turn taking and reading. The students will practice games and do group activities, which promote conversation, comprehension and asking/answering questions, round out the program.
Independent Living Programs
Saturdays, ages 10 & older
These pre-teen/teen programs provide the opportunity to develop daily living skills, such as cooking, group games and independent leisure activities. Participants practice pre-vocational skills, job awareness and work stamina.