For Caregivers with Children who Struggle to Enjoy Eating

 

Chicago Feeding Group and Karen Dilfer, MS, OTR/L present, 

Felt Safety: A Missing Piece at the Dinner Table

February 25th, 6:30-8:30 pm

It’s easy for grown-ups to forget to prioritize a child’s sense of safety and comfort 
during mealtimes. This talk discusses how providers can prioritize safety and 
connection for children who struggle to enjoy eating. Many practical examples are 
given to help practitioners apply the information to their own practice. 
Free for Caregivers! To register, please click link below. 

Felt Safety : A Missing Piece at the Dinner Table - Chicago Feeding Group

Fall 2025 Preschool Application (General Education) Begins April 8th

 

Are you ready to apply for a high-quality early learning program? Is your child turning three by September 1st and are you considering preschool? Many children in Early Intervention will be encouraged to participate in an evaluation through Chicago Public Schools to see if they will be eligible for continued therapies. You and your service coordinator can talk through the details. You may also want to learn about your options through Chicago Early Learning. More comfortable talking to someone live? Contact the Family Support Hotline at 312-229-1690 with your questions. Applications for Chicago Public School opens on April 8th.  (Please note: This application to preschool does not provide an evaluation for therapies and would be for a general education classroom). To learn more about your options, the process and to sign up for updates, please visit the site above. 

You may also connect with your service coordinator or our parent liaison, Iwona Parkel (312 942-8485) to talk about options should your child benefit from additional therapy supports after turning three. 

Helping Little Ones Manage Big Feelings

Building Self Regulation Skills at Home

Join StarNet and presenter, Julie Kallenbach on March 20th from 7-8:30 pm for a free, virtual conversation around self regulation. This meeting is geared towards parents of children ages birth to five. 

Children in this age range are learning the foundational skills of executive function: self-regulation, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. All skills that help them mange big feelings. When developmental delays, disabilities, or sensory issues are present, these skills are critically essential in helping children be available for learning academics and social behaviors. Participants will learn how to create routines, use co-regulation skills, and the types of games that help build these fundamental skills.  

*To enroll, you may need to create a StarNet account. Instructions on how this easy step can be found on the registration link above.

Mixed Feelings - A New Read for Young and Old

 

Mixed Feelings: Finck, Liana, Finck, Liana: 9780593660423: Amazon.com: Books

Suggested ages 3-5 years

Books are a great way to connect and explore concepts with young children. "Mixed Feelings" examines rich, wide-ranging emotions in a kid-friendly way. Each illustration portrays a specific scenario involving a child and a phrase that reminds readers (young and old) that not all feelings can be summed up in a single word or occur singularly.

Autism and Developmental Differences Expo

 

Event description

Don't miss the Autism & Developmental Differences Expo 2025, Saturday, March 15th, 10am-1pm. This event will feature many opportunities to connect with resources, service providers and programs for those with developmental differences, including:

• Free developmental screeners. To help you better see your child's developmental progress, sign up for a screener. These screeners are not in-depth evaluations, but serve to help you get a clearer picture of what the best next steps are for your child's development.
• Parent Workshops and Panels. Presented by local professionals on a variety of helpful topics. More details coming soon.
• Exhibitor Hall. Come connect with local providers offering a variety of programs and services including therapy, recreation, advocacy, etc. Participate in our passport contest for your chance to win gift cards to popular retailers!

This Expo is geared toward adults. Parents may bring children, though there will be NO respite care.

Free parking available.

https://events.humanitix.com/autismexpo25

Updated Program Guide for Families in Early Intervention

The Illinois Early Intervention Program: A Guide for Families was revised in 2024 and includes information on the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program, why EI services are important, how to find out whether your child is eligible for the EI program, starting and leaving EI services, your legal rights, and questions frequently asked by families. Versions of the guide are available in Polish, Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, Chinese, French and Kiswahili.

 The Illinois Early Intervention Program: A Guide for Families | Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse

Chicago West Parent University is gearing up for its 8th event, December 21st, 11-3:30 p.m., 3415 W. Arthington Street, Chicago, IL, 60624

Participate in SEVEN dynamic workshops, including:

✨ Supporting Your Child with Special Needs
✨ Restorative Justice
✨ Music Therapy
✨ Art Therapy
✨ Financial Investments
✨ New Year, New Dedications
✨ Kickboxing Cardio

Parent University also offers raffles and a toy giveaway to spread the holiday cheer! And yes, the one and only Santa Claus will be there, ready to take photos and bring joy to the kids!

This entire event is completely FREE, including childcare. Interested? Register through the link below. Questions? Please contact brittany.nowell@actforchildren.org

Parent University Registration