Flexible Fall Programming for Neurodivergent Kids and Teens
- cayrconnections
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
We've had a great summer so far with CAYR Camp, and now we are ready to announce our plans for the fall!
For Fall 2026, we will have three main programs for youth: CAYR Co-op, CAYR Camp, and CAYR Club. All programs will take place at our current space inside the River Forest Community Center building.
Please fill out our Fall 2026 Family Needs & Preferences Survey to tell us what you think!
Enrollment will open August 1st!
CAYR Co-op: A Neuroinclusive
K-6 Learning Community
CAYR Co-op is our cooperative learning community for K–6 learners.
We are launching a flexible microschool model for families who are looking for learning opportunities outside of a traditional school setting.
CAYR Co-op will meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, beginning September 1. We plan to expand our day and time offerings as the program grows. Drop-off participation will be an option, and family engagement will also be welcomed and encouraged.
CAYR Camp: Afterschool &
Days Off Care for Grades K-4
CAYR Camp: K–4 Afterschool and Days-Off-School Programs
After a wonderful summer of CAYR Camp, we are excited to continue this program into the school year with K–4 afterschool care and days-off-school programming.
Afterschool CAYR Camp will run Monday through Thursday until 6:00 PM.
Children in Kindergarten through 4th grade will have time and space to decompress, play, create, move, and connect after school. Possible themes may include music, movement, creativity, games, building, outdoor play, and sensory-friendly social time. We are also working on collaborations to secure transportation from D90 and D97 schools.
Days-Off-School Programming
On selected days when local schools are closed, children between 5-12 years old can spend the day playing, creating, and connecting from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We are coordinating dates with D90, D97, D91, and D89 school calendars, and anticipated dates are listed on the enrollment page.
CAYR Clubs:
Afterschool Programs for
ND Tweens & Teens
Grades 5–8: Tuesdays and Thursdays until 6:00 PM
A supportive afterschool space for homework help, creative projects, movement, games, and relaxed time with peers.
Grades 9–12: Mondays and Wednesdays until 6:00 PM
Teens can use this time to work on homework assignments, get planning and organization support, pursue independent projects, or connect with peers in a low-demand setting.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available!
We designed our programs to be inclusive, and we don't want cost to be a barrier to access for families. For more information about our sliding scale financial assistance, please reply to this email and let us know you are interested. We can send you more information and help you with the application process. CAYR Camp programs will be eligible for CCAP funding through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program. Families can learn more here: https://getchildcareil.org/
The CAYR Connections team remains committed to building and expanding neuro-affirming education options for all ages. That vision has not changed. What has changed is the path we are taking to get there. Rather than asking families to jump into a full-time model right away, we want to create several ways for kids and teens to connect with CAYR in a way that fits their current needs.
Before we finalize all of the fall details, we will be hosting a focus group for homeschooling families and offering a general information session. We are also happy to schedule individual calls or tours for families who would like to talk more specifically about their child or teen.
Thank you for being part of this process with us. We are excited to keep building spaces where neurodivergent people are genuinely understood, welcomed, and supported!
8020 Madison Street
River Forest, IL 60305
708-665-4557
www.cayrconnections.org
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