Special Stars Inc. NFP

For families in Montgomery, IL, and the broader Illinois region seeking a truly inclusive and enriching environment for individuals with physical, cognitive, and social differences, Special Stars Inc. NFP stands as a beacon of support and joy. This remarkable non-profit organization is dedicated to providing therapeutic movement through physical activity, all within a welcoming and understanding atmosphere. It's more than just a place for classes; it's a community where every individual is encouraged to find their rhythm, build confidence, and experience the transformative power of dance and movement.

Special Stars Inc. NFP believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves through movement and benefit from its therapeutic advantages. Their programs are carefully designed with evidence-based practices, ensuring that participants receive high-quality, specialized instruction tailored to their unique needs. From their highly praised Early Intervention classes to their engaging dance programs, Special Stars Inc. NFP creates a space where individuals can achieve developmental goals, enhance social skills, and simply have fun in a supportive setting.

Special Stars Inc. NFP is conveniently situated at 2230 Cornell Ave, Montgomery, IL 60538, USA. This easily accessible location makes it a practical choice for families residing in Montgomery, as well as those in neighboring communities such as Aurora, Oswego, Yorkville, and Plainfield. Its position within the Fox River Valley area provides excellent accessibility from various parts of the Western Chicago suburbs. The facility's location on Cornell Avenue ensures straightforward navigation, with clear signage to guide visitors. Ample parking is typically available, making arrival and departure seamless for parents and caregivers. This central and accessible placement is crucial for families with diverse needs, minimizing travel burdens and maximizing participation in their invaluable programs.

• Early Intervention Classes: Special Stars Inc. NFP offers specialized Early Intervention classes, particularly beneficial for children aged 2-5. These classes are designed to provide therapeutic movement, often in conjunction with existing Early Intervention or Early Childhood programs, and focus on supporting developmental milestones for children of all abilities, including those with disabilities and their siblings.
• Inclusive Dance and Movement Programs: The core of Special Stars Inc. NFP's offerings are their inclusive dance and movement classes. These programs are structured to provide therapeutic benefits through physical activity, accommodating individuals with varying physical, cognitive, and social differences.
• Special Stars 1 Class: Tailored for ages 6 through adult, this class provides one-on-one support for individuals with more significant needs. It focuses on stretching, gross motor skills, and movement with music, fostering fundamental physical development.
• Special Stars 2 Class: Designed for those with higher levels of independence who enjoy performing. This class includes opportunities for stage performances and participation in local competitions, building confidence and performance skills. One-on-one support is available upon request.
• Special Stars 3 Class: For students ready for more complex combinations, steps, and choreography. This class, taught by director Stephanie Clay, is designed for greater independence and does not typically include therapist support or volunteer helpers.
• Special Stars Tap Class: Available for individuals with higher levels of independence, this class focuses on rhythm, music, movement, and tap dance technique. One-on-one assistance is provided as needed, and it includes performances in the annual recital.
• Sensory Gym Access: Participants in various programs, such as the Play Group Tumbling class, may have dedicated access to the sensory gym, providing a rich environment for sensory integration and exploration.
• Therapist Supported Programs: The organization explicitly states that its programs are therapist-supported, utilizing evidence-based practices commonly found in sensory integration, ABA therapy, kinesiology, and movement safety.
• Support for Developmental Areas: Their practices are geared towards aiding in five key areas of development: Cognitive, Social & Emotional, Speech & Language, Fine Motor, and Gross Motor skills, ultimately assisting in reaching individualized developmental goals.

• Highly Praised Early Intervention Program: As highlighted by customer reviews, the Early Intervention classes are "Absolutely Amazing" and have a significant positive impact on participants, fostering a love for the activities.
• Exceptional and Caring Staff: Stephanie Clay, the director, and the entire staff are consistently described as "kind, loving, and inclusive." Their genuine care and dedication create a deeply supportive and positive environment for all students and families.
• Fantastic Sensory Gym: The sensory gym is a standout feature, praised by users for its quality and effectiveness in providing beneficial sensory input and engagement for children. It serves as a valuable extension of therapeutic practices like occupational therapy.
• Inclusive Environment: Special Stars Inc. NFP's mission is centered around creating an inclusive environment for individuals with physical, cognitive, and social differences. This commitment is evident in their tailored classes and supportive approach.
• Therapeutic Movement Focus: The programs prioritize therapeutic movement through physical activity, utilizing evidence-based practices from fields like sensory integration, ABA therapy, and kinesiology to support developmental goals.
• Holistic Development: Beyond physical activity, the classes contribute to cognitive, social, emotional, speech & language, fine motor, and gross motor development, ensuring a well-rounded benefit for participants.
• Experienced and Certified Instruction: Stephanie Clay, a certified Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor and the director, brings extensive experience in teaching dance and music to children with special needs, ensuring high-quality, specialized instruction.
• Community Engagement: Special Stars Inc. NFP actively engages with the community, offering performances and providing a space for social connection and relationship building among participants.
• Positive Family Feedback: The consistent positive feedback from families underscores the profound impact Special Stars Inc. NFP has on their children's growth, development, and overall well-being.

Address: 2230 Cornell Ave, Montgomery, IL 60538, USA

Phone: (630) 896-8277

Mobile Phone: +1 630-896-8277

For detailed information on class schedules, registration procedures, and specific program availability, it is highly recommended to reach out to Special Stars Inc. NFP directly via their provided phone numbers or by visiting their official website. Their dedicated team is readily available to answer questions and guide families through the process of finding the most suitable programs for their needs.

For residents across the Illinois Fox River Valley and particularly in Montgomery, Special Stars Inc. NFP offers an invaluable resource that truly understands and caters to the unique needs of individuals with diverse abilities. Its suitability for local families stems from several key factors that resonate deeply with parents and caregivers seeking specialized support and enriching experiences for their loved ones.

Firstly, the organization's unwavering commitment to an inclusive and supportive environment is paramount. Reviews consistently highlight the "kind, loving, and inclusive" nature of the staff, especially Stephanie, creating a space where every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged. This nurturing atmosphere is essential for fostering confidence and ensuring that individuals with physical, cognitive, or social differences can thrive without judgment or limitation. For local parents, knowing their child is in such caring and understanding hands provides immense peace of mind.

Secondly, the integration of therapeutic movement with physical activity is a significant benefit. Special Stars Inc. NFP isn't just about dance; it's about leveraging movement as a tool for development, drawing on evidence-based practices like sensory integration and ABA therapy. The "fantastic sensory gym" is a testament to this integrated approach, providing a rich environment that supports occupational therapy goals and overall sensory development. This multi-faceted benefit means that participation goes beyond recreation, directly contributing to developmental milestones and enhancing daily living skills.

Finally, the focus on holistic growth and community building makes Special Stars Inc. NFP an exceptional local asset. The programs are designed to improve not just motor skills, but also cognitive, social, emotional, and communication abilities. Furthermore, being part of Special Stars Inc. NFP means joining a community where friendships flourish and a strong support network is built, both among the children and their families. For Montgomery locals seeking a place that truly nurtures, develops, and celebrates every individual, Special Stars Inc. NFP is an absolutely amazing and highly recommended choice.

Special Stars Inc. NFP

2230 Cornell Ave, Montgomery, IL 60538, USA