Sensory Processing Differences in Early Childhood

Too Much

Sometimes everything is too much! Too loud, too bright, and all too overwhelming.

Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, award-winning teacher-librarian Jolene Gutiérrez’s compassionate picture book explores the struggles of a sensorily sensitive child and how they settle themselves. This is a great read to better understand sensory processing differences (for kids, parents, grandparents, anyone!).

And for parents...

All Things Sensory

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS is a passionate pediatric therapist who answers your questions related to all things sensory, occupational thearpy, parenting, self-care, nutrition and health from a therapist's persepctive. Providing raw, honest, fun ideas and strategies for parents and caregivers. 

 

 

RCADD Presents "Visual Supports for Social Emotional Learning"

Visual Supports for Social Emotional Learning November 11, 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. CST Empowering young autistic learners with visual supports for social-emotional growth! Participants will discover practical strategies that foster communication, emotional understanding, and self-regulation. Intended for educators and caregivers alike, this workshop will provide tools to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where a preferred visual learning style is prioritized. 

Stay tuned for December's lecture, "It's Go Time: Toilet Training for Children with Autism and Developmental Delays"

Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays

RCADD Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays provides support for those who care for, teach and serve children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental delays. RCADD serves families currently enrolled in an Early Head Start or Head Start program as well as others throughout the Chicagoland area. RCADD offers support at no cost to our patrons in the form of resources, referrals, training and ongoing consultations for families and professionals. 

1640 Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608 RM 650 (312) 413 - 4441 rcadd@uic.edu/rcadd.uic.edu

 • ACCESS TO THE LENDING LIBRARY 

• INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS 

• VISUAL SUPPORT CREATION 

• STATEWIDE REFERRALS 

• IEP ADVOCACY 

• WORKSHOPS - FREE PARKING WILL ONLY BE PROVIDED TO THOSE WITH A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT 

CP Connect: The Early Years Family Conference (Free for Families)

 Register HERE

Family To Family Fall Symposium - hosted by the Arc of Illinois

A great opporutnity in the weeks ahead!

The Arc of Illinois is presenting a Family to Family Fall Symposium for caregivers on 10/1/2026 from 9:15-4 pm. This virtual meet-up is free! Together with experts in the field, you will learn about school services and ABA, disability programs and family advocacy as well as Medicaid appeals and insurance denials. 

For details click HERE

Parent Training Opportunity - The Potty Dance

 

Fall 2026 IL STAR NET Region V: Family Learning Opportunities Registration Form

Back to School = Time for Vaccines!

 

Vaccination Clinics - Cook County Department of Public Health

 

Pre-K Enrollment - Open Now!

 

Chicago Early Learning Applications Open for the 26-27 School Year!

Chicago Early Learning is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year. High-quality preschool programs for children ages 0–5 are available in every Chicago neighborhood.

Whether your little one is a curious infant or a preschooler ready to explore, there is a high-quality program waiting for them in every neighborhood. While our enrollment is year-round, applying before the Initial Application Period ends on April 28 is the best way to help your family secure a spot in your top program.

Apply Now

 

For additional support see the FAQ page or call the Chicago Early Learning Hotline (312)-229-1690. 

 

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