Social Skills - 1 & 2
SS 1: Mondays 4:15-5:45 PM (ages 6-10)
SS 2: Mondays 4:30-6:00 PM (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
Mondays (ages 8-10)
This program is developed to meet the needs of High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder students, age’s eight to twelve. 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, sports) and concepts (i.e., friendship, bullying, relaxation techniques, 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.

Instructional Swimming (Park Ridge Community Center)
Tuesdays 4:10-6:00 PM
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: Wednesdays 4:30-6:00 PM (ages 6-10)
G&A 2: Wednesdays 4:30-6:00 PM (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.

Social Skills
Thursday 4:30-6:00 PM (ages 4-7)
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.

Cooking & Conversation
Thursday 4:15-5:45 PM (ages 11-14)
Cooking activities provide a natural opportunity for practicing social skills, following directions, turn taking, and reading. Games and activities, which promote conversation, comprehension and asking/answering questions, round out the program.

Teen Program
Friday 4:30-6:30 PM (ages 14 & older)
A program for teens to develop daily living skills and independence in a structured environment. Each program offers activities to promote social interactions, working cooperatively, and learning new skills. Each week involves cooking (i.e. planning a meal, shopping, cooking, eating together, and cleaning up); units (i.e. safety, pop music, manners, nutrition, shopping mall); exercise; and independent/partner work activities. Participants also go on outings in the community (restaurants, movie, mall, bowling, etc.) to practice skills learned in class.

Dreams to Independence Summer Vocational Program
This program is an introduction to the work place, which involves pre-vocational skills, preparation, job awareness and training. Each student will be assessed to determine his or her skill level and personal interests that will be considered when developing his/her program. This program is located at the Avenues to Independence Workshop in Wheeling four days a week and one day off-site exploring various job sites and community outings. The students will also participate in structured social and independent leisure activities and partake in a fitness program that will take place at the Park Ridge Community Center.

Animal Assisted Therapy
The Have Dreams program staff is fortunate to have been working with Alex Brooks Canine Center and will continue the Pals & Paws Program. We will be working on the following skills with your child during this program: greeting dogs, taking care of dogs, walking dogs, playing with pets, dog safety, dog tricks and other related activities. This therapy will be incorporated within all programs on a rotating basis.

Reading/Breakthrough to Literacy
(Schedule an appointment with Have Dreams staff)
A computer-based literacy program for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade levels. Trained staff individually supervises each session.


Have Dreams Evanston Programs Address:
Park School, 828 Main Street, Evanston, IL 60202