The Baby Fold’s Hammitt Schools serve students from kindergarten through age 21 whose intense emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges cannot be met in traditional public school settings. Our specialized program provides a safe, structured, and deeply supportive environment where students can begin to heal, grow, and learn. We believe every child deserves to be loved, respected, and given the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed—in school and in life.
Hammitt Schools offer three therapeutic education programs tailored to meet students’ individual needs.
- The STRIVE Program serves students in grades K–21 with autism and/or communication disorders, providing a highly structured environment focused on communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and functional independence.
- The Connections Program bridges the STRIVE and Traditional programs, offering support in academics, emotional regulation, social development, daily living, and pre-vocational skills through flexible, individualized approaches.
- The Traditional Program is designed for students working toward a return to public school, offering a positive, structured setting that emphasizes emotional regulation and academic achievement.
Hammitt Schools currently occupy two campuses: Hammitt School on Oglesby and Hammitt School on Willow.
Click here for parent and staff information for Hammitt School on Willow.
Click here for parent and staff information for Hammitt School on Oglesby.
Key Features of Hammitt Schools:
- A highly structured, positive learning environment to build self-esteem and encourage success
- Individualized education tailored to each student's IEP goals and learning style
- Small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios
- Therapeutic supports embedded in daily routines
- Strong family engagement and support through Family Advocates
- Close collaboration with public school districts for a smooth transitions
- Summer educational available as needed
- Ongoing quality oversight through monthly Treatment Advisory Committee meetings
Referral Process
The student referral process begins with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team at their home school. If a therapeutic placement is deemed appropriate, a representative from The Baby Fold's Hammitt Schools may observe the student in their current school setting. If placement is recommended, the family will be invited to tour the school and meet with staff. A meeting will then be scheduled to review and finalize placement details, ensuring a smooth transition for the student. Throughout the process, our goal is to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition—one that puts the student on a path toward healing, growth, and long-term success in both school and life.
Programming
Sensory activities, flexible seating, low student-to-teacher ratios, and outdoor time aid emotional regulation and relationship building. Services such as speech/language therapy and school nursing are provided as needed. The curriculum covers reading, writing, math, history, and science, with breaks for relaxation, following state standards and integrating emotional and behavioral therapy. Students also learn to monitor their well-being and make healthy choices, with physical education emphasizing lifelong health and wellness, and teachers using behavioral questions to enhance social and communication skills.
Therapeutic Services
Students at Hammitt Schools are supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes classroom teachers, Family Advocates, Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, School Psychologists, Social Workers, and other specialists. This collaborative team develops individualized goals and delivers therapeutic interventions, as well as crisis management, throughout the school day to address each student’s unique needs.
Family Support
A key part of our support system is the Family Advocate Program. Family Advocates serve as a vital bridge between home and school, keeping families informed and engaged, addressing concerns, and connecting them with community resources. They meet regularly with families to discuss progress and provide guidance, while also working directly with students throughout the day to encourage social skills and emotional growth.
Accreditation
The Baby Fold's Hammitt Schools are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education as a non-public special education school and accredited by AdvancED.
Current Needs
Hammitt Schools rely on support from the community to access supplies for children in need. Please consider donating supplies to help children grow into their best selves!
Current Needs for Hammitt School on Willow
Current Needs for Hammitt School on Oglesby
Contact
Supervising Teacher Therapist
(309) 451-7215
