Special Stars Inc. NFP

- 2230 Cornell Ave, Montgomery, IL 60538

Introduction / Overview

In the heart of Montgomery, Illinois, a truly remarkable organization is making a difference in the lives of children and young adults with physical, cognitive, and social differences. Special Stars Inc. NFP is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic dance and movement through physical activity in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The program was founded on the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to feel the rhythm and experience the joy of movement. The mission is to provide an inclusive space where students and their families feel a sense of belonging and community. The classes are taught by certified dance instructors and licensed therapists, who work together to ensure that each student’s individual needs are met. This unique blend of artistic and therapeutic expertise allows students to not only learn dance and movement skills but also work toward developmental goals in areas such as cognitive, social, emotional, speech, and motor skills. The studio's commitment to creating a safe and loving environment is consistently highlighted by the families it serves, who have seen their children blossom and find a place where they are celebrated for who they are.

Location and Accessibility

Special Stars Inc. NFP is located at 2230 Cornell Ave, Montgomery, IL 60538, USA. The facility is strategically placed to serve families in the Montgomery and surrounding Illinois communities. The organization is deeply committed to accessibility, ensuring that its physical space is welcoming to all. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, making it easy for families with special needs to navigate. This dedication to providing a barrier-free environment is a core part of the organization’s mission, helping to make therapeutic dance and movement accessible to everyone who can benefit from it.

Services Offered

• Beginner's Classes: Foundational classes for those new to dance and movement, focusing on basic skills in a supportive setting.
• Youth Classes: A variety of classes tailored for different age groups and abilities.
• Dance Classes for Students with Special Needs: The core of the program, these classes are designed to accommodate a wide range of needs, using therapeutic and evidence-based practices.
• Early Childhood Programs: Classes like "Parent & Me" provide a fun way for toddlers and their caregivers to engage in music, movement, and sensory play.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction for a more personalized experience, allowing for tailored support and skill development.
• Group Classes for Children: Structured classes that encourage social interaction, teamwork, and friendship-building.
• Jazz: Classes that incorporate jazz dance techniques, focusing on rhythm and expression.
• Tumbling Classes: Provides students with an opportunity to work on gross motor skills, coordination, and flexibility.
• Recital Program: Students have the chance to perform in an annual recital, giving them a wonderful opportunity to shine on stage and celebrate their achievements.

Features / Highlights

• Therapeutic and Inclusive Environment: The organization’s foundation is built on its mission to provide therapeutic movement for those with physical, cognitive, and social differences. The classes are supported by therapists and use evidence-based practices from fields such as sensory integration, ABA therapy, and kinesiology.
• Sensory Gym: A fantastic feature of the facility, the sensory gym is a dedicated space with specialized equipment, including swings, ball pits, zip lines, and rock walls. It is a wonderful space for children of all abilities to acclimate to new stimuli, foster independence, and have fun.
• Dedicated and Caring Staff: Reviews consistently praise the staff, particularly Program Director Stephanie Clay, for being incredibly kind, loving, and inclusive. The team includes certified dance instructors and licensed therapists who are passionate about their work and the well-being of the students.
• Personalized Support: The organization offers a range of class levels, with some providing 1:1 support for students with more significant needs, ensuring every participant gets the attention they require. They also use tools like visual schedules and verbal prompts to support individual learning styles.
• Community and Friendship: Special Stars Inc. NFP is not just about dance; it's about building a community. Parents often express how the program has helped their children make friends and feel a part of something special. It also creates a supportive network for parents, who find a sense of community with other families on a similar journey.
• Focus on Holistic Development: The programs are designed to assist in five key areas of development: cognitive, social and emotional, speech and language, and fine and gross motor skills. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only learning to dance but are also making progress toward their individual developmental goals.

Contact Information

For more information, to inquire about classes, or to learn how to get involved, you can contact Special Stars Inc. NFP directly.

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

Phone: (630) 896-8277

What is worth choosing?

For families in Illinois seeking an activity for a child with special needs, Special Stars Inc. NFP is an absolutely amazing choice, and it's clear why so many families highly recommend it. The primary reason to choose this organization is its specialized and compassionate approach to therapeutic movement. Unlike traditional dance studios, Special Stars Inc. NFP is a non-profit with a core mission to serve the special needs community. The integration of certified dance instructors with licensed therapists ensures a level of care and expertise that is unparalleled. This unique model means that every class is not only a fun dance lesson but also a carefully designed therapeutic session that helps students achieve their developmental goals.

The environment is another huge selling point. The sensory gym, which is a fantastic addition to the facility, provides a wonderful space for sensory breaks and play. The staff is consistently described as kind, loving, and inclusive, creating a family-like atmosphere where every child is made to feel special. This sense of belonging is crucial for both the students and their parents, who often find a supportive community among other families. For any parent who has worried about whether a new class will be a good fit for their child, Special Stars Inc. NFP provides great comfort and assurance. It is a place where every child can shine, build confidence, make friends, and experience the joy of dance, making it a truly invaluable resource for the Illinois special needs community.

Special Stars Inc. NFP

2230 Cornell Ave, Montgomery, IL 60538, USA