Neighborhood Parent Network - Hosting an Event for Parents (this weekend!)

This year's event is brand new and features discussion, support, connection, and joy!

 

Parents will enjoy:

Introductions to local providers - see the list here

Keynote address, Finding Joy in Grief, Tareema Jean-Baptiste, speaker

Parent-led round table discussions

Appetizers, drinks, and a curated exhibit hall

See the schedule here

 

Discussion topics include:

Emotional regulation tools

Focusing on strengths rather than deficits

PDA/School Refusal

Sensory profiles

and more!

 

 

Important Information

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 5:00-8:00 PM

Location: Leep Forward/Quantum Leep Academy, 1447 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

 

Tickets: Free for parents when you register using the green "Register Now" button on this page (mobile users scroll down).

Providers: Email amy@npnparents.org to register.

 

Special Note: To get the most out of this event, we encourage parents to attend without their children. However, parents who have registered in advance and arrive with their children will not be turned away.

 

Contact: amy@npnparents.org

 Register using the link below!

NPN Developmental Differences Parent Fest at Quantum Leep Academy - Community Calendar - Neighborhood Parents Network

Community Resource Fair - Attention Families

 

Chicago's Largest Playdate!

Register Here!
 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicagos-largest-playdate-tickets-1985889420716

Celebrate the Week of the Young Child with the Mayor’s Office 

Saturday, April 11

10 AM – 1 PM at Maggie Daley Park

FREE for ALL Families!

Join us for a massive citywide celebration designed just for young children (birth to age 5) and their families. 

Enjoy a fun-filled outdoor experience with hands-on Earth Day activities, creative play, and resources to support your child’s early learning journey!

• 🚆 FREE CTA Ride-Shares: We are providing free CTA passes to help families get to and from the fun! Registration required to claim your free CTA pass and secure your spot!

• 🖍️ Fun & Games: Enjoy coloring stations, make and take crafts, parachute games, and photo keepsakes.
• 🎒 Secure Your Preschool Seat: Our application support team will be on-site to help you easily apply for early learning programs for the 2026–2027 school year.
• Special Appearances: We’re bringing together some of Chicago’s favorite faces and local organizations to join the fun! Keep an eye out for special guest appearances and interactive booths throughout the park.

And more! 

Birth to Five Chicago Resource Finder

Chicago Early Childhood & Community Resource Finder

Kids Above All - Trauma Informed Counseling

Kids Above All offers trauma informed counseling, camps and other programming for children and families in Chicago as well as suburban Cook and Lake Counties. Medicaid is accepted!

Nutrition and Autism - Caregiver Workshop

 

REGISTRATION LINK

How Nutrition Affects Autism Symptomology -Virtual Beyond the Nest-   Join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Gabbie (RDN) for a virtual Beyond the Nest educational and caregiver workshop on Thursday, March 19th at 6:00pm on how nutrition affects autism symptomology. She will cover how certain diets and supplements affect behavior and cognition in children with autism.   RSVP       Eyas Landing | 1409 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL, 60607 | eyaslanding.com

Parent Informational Session - Transition from Early Intervention to Public Schools

 

DATE: Friday, March 20th, 2026 from 11 am - 1 pm 

LOCATION: Zoom

A Family's Guide to the Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Services

This training was created by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Human Services to gently guide your family and child as you move from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education. 

We know this can be a big change, and we want to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. This training is here to help you navigate the process with confidence, covering:

• Timelines and key steps so you know what to expect
• Roles & Responsibilities, helping you know who to connect with and what their purpose is
• Transition meetings, so you are prepared & confident sharing your input & questions
• Building strong partnerships with the people who will be working with your child
• Positive Strategies to help your child adapt and thrive in their new environment

Register HERE

 

 

Families with Children Navigating Complex Medical Needs

 

 

Learn about the benefits of DSCC’ s(Division of Specialized Care for Children) care coordination and how your family can access it at this free webinar.

The Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP) Connect Group will host “How to Obtain Free Pediatric Care Coordination” on Zoom on March 5 from 7 to 8 p.m.

https://dscc.uic.edu/events/webinar-how-to-obtain-free-pediatric-care-coordination/ 

register here :  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mhfp-educational-webinar-how-to-obtain-free-pediatric-care-coordination-tickets-1982781773660?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnDD2k-2jcJBQ5hTsGjwTrukZjNHyfL-uGKqf3w34JZTNqG--Ab7pyIGD0_3U_aem_5PWRBWWzyRRpU_zIrzBUuA

Family Town Hall - Early Intervention

Dear Early Intervention Families, 

The director of the Bureau of Early Intervention is hosting virtual town halls with families of children in early intervention. During this time, you can share your experiences, ask questions, and voice your suggestions to improve early intervention. Benny Delgado, Chief of the Bureau of Early Intervention, will be present to personally answer questions and respond to comments.  

These meetings will be held online, and information will be presented in English and Spanish. The next town hall will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM in English/ASL and 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM in Spanish. If you are interested in participating, please register using the link here: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/586748368 

To find out more and for previous meeting notes, visit our website: https://eiclearinghouse.org/blogs/familytownhall/  

 

 

RAIN is a mesmerizing and intimate sensory experience for babies and their families in which they are invited to slow down, notice, and wonder. Audiences are invited to participate in an experience that responds to the generosity of rain. Carers and their littlest ones are immersed in an intimate and mindful installation space full of surprise, delight and opportunities for connection through sound, touch and performance.

A trio of performers on cello, voice, and movement act as gentle guides in a brand-new world of surprise, delight, and opportunities for connection through sound, touch, and performance. 

Run Dates: January 6 – 18 , 2026

Performance Times: Tuesdays and 

Wednesdays at 9:30am, Saturdays at 

9am and 11am, Sundays at 11am and 2pm

Performance Length: 45-60 minutes

Ages: Newborn to crawling babies (walking

 babies and older children not permitted) 

Price Range: $15-28 (financial access pricing available)

RAIN: for babies and their carers | Filament Theatre

Parenting Strategies are Shifting as Neuroscience Brings the Developing Brain into Clearer Focus

 

Parenting-strategies-are-shifting-as-neuroscience-brings-the-developing-brain-into-clearer-focus (article)

Terrific article by a behavioral scientist as she considers supporting toddlers and children in regulation, managing their nervous system response and the impact of old-school parenting methods. 

Early Intervention Family Town Hall - February 19th, 2026

 

Resources for Families

Caregiver Guide to Talking to Children about Immigration Enforcement (English)

Caregiver Guide to Talking to Children about Immigration Enforcement (Espanol)

Supporting Young Children Affected by Family Separation Policies | ZERO TO THREE

Tengo Miedo

Problematic Technology/Screen Use in Youth: What is "Normal" and When Is It Time to Unplug?

 Dr. Michael Fraser, will present on Problematic Technology/Screen Use in Youth: What is ‘Normal’ and When Is It Time to Unplug? This is a parent-friendly talk. 

Join Zoom Meeting, Friday 11/21 from 12-1 pm

https://Rush.zoom.us/j/97491844236?pwd=At7WalPNm41RQts16kKeaRPYd4njyw.1 

Developing an Emergency Family Plan

9/25 @ 5:00p on Zoom (in Spanish) - Metropolitan Family Services is hosting a session on Developing an Emergency Family Plan. Register here.

Fill | Registro de Taller Sobre Plan de Emergencia Familiar

25 de septiembre de 2025 a las 5:00 p.m. Ubicación: ZOOM

 

Important, Paid Research Study for Parents

Do you have a child between 30 and 47 months old with developmental, learning, or behavioral concerns. We want to hear from you! Pathways for Preschoolers is a research study focused on understanding how families navigate educational and healthcare services for young children. We know these systems can be complex, and we also recognize that Black and Latino/a families often face additional barriers when seeking support.

By sharing your experiences, you’ll help us identify solutions that can improve policies, medical care, and early education programs—ensuring all children get the services they need to thrive. Families who participate will complete five surveys over three years and receive compensation for their time.

As part of Pathways for Preschoolers, families also gain access to a monthly newsletter with parenting tips, local resources, playground meet-ups, and fun activities. Learn more and see if you're eligible at www.pathwaysforpreschoolers.org. 

 

Chicago Public Schools Special Education Resource Page

Chicago Public Schools has a helpful resource page for parents of children receiving special education supports. The link below offers not only access to health forms, a school locator and information on student transportation but also organizations that help families ready their children for the school year including visual schedules, park district recreational programs (with supports), etc. 

@specialeducationresources | Linktree

Free/Reduced Museum Admission

 

Museums for All

Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,500 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID.

Visit a participating museum any day during all normal operating hours (most Chicagoland museums are participating!).