Educational Services

About Educational Programs

Little Friends School Program’s suite of services for those with autism and other developmental delays extends from our youngest learners through transition students. Our expert team supports the development of sensory regulation and language as well as cognitive, behavioral, and social emotional skills through the use of structured programming and a multisensory approach to learning. Krejci Academy and Mansion High School staff engage students and their families in developing self-regulation, self-determination (defined as self-advocacy, empowerment and choice), and independence such that each student’s functional and academic growth is evident.

Little Friends Educational Services include:

Early Childhood Learning
Primary & Secondary Education Classes
3 Distinct High School Transition Programs – Independent Living Skills, Vocational Skills, Postsecondary Skills, Mansion High School focusing on mental health

A student is placed in a Little Friends educational program once their IEP team determines that the student’s needs cannot be met within the home school district. As such, the family is then provided the opportunity for educational placement out of district, in a non-public special education school like Little Friends Krejci Academy, per Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidelines.

2022-2023 School Calendar

School Referrals

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Meet the Staff

The staff in our therapeutic setting is comprised of Educational Coordinators, Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Teaching Assistants, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Recreation Therapists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Vocational Specialists in addition to support staff.

Lori Deichstetter

Vice President
Educational Services

An educator and curriculum expert with more than 30 years of experience in public and private school settings, Lori holds degrees from Northern Illinois University and a certification from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Center for Non-Profit Management. In this role, Lori oversees educational programming for more than 120 students, from early childhood to those transitioning into adulthood.

Liz Cochiaro

Principal
Krejci Academy and Masion High School

Liz has been working in education for forty-three years, providing special educational services as a teacher and an administrator to over 10 school districts. She holds a Master Teacher Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the area of Early Childhood through Young Adult/Exceptional Needs as well as a Master’s in Education from National Louis University. Liz’s philosophy is, “Let’s do what’s best for the student.”

Staff Directory