Preschool: Getting Ready for the 2023-2024 School Year

Will your child turn three before September 1, 2023? Are you interested in a preschool application? Chicago Public Schools will be opening their online application April 11th. Below are links for more information. You can also call (312) 229-1690 if you prefer to speak with someone live.

Children in Early Intervention can apply for preschool through this website while simultaneously pursuing evaluation through Chicago Public Schools. 

How To Apply 

Chicago Early Learning Preschool Application

Application Walk Through (video)

Statewide Early Intervention Office Listing

Questions about which Child and Family Connections (Early Intervention) office you need to reach? Please see the statewide listing below with zip codes to determine your local contact.

CFC Listing 

Mark Your Calendars!

Parents, Caregivers, Early Intervention is hosting four virtual town hall meetings with families of children in Early Intervention. These meetings will give families a chance to share their experience, ask questions and voice suggestions. To register, contact Meghan Burke at meghanbm@illinois.edu or call (217) 300-1226. 

Meeting Dates: Tuesday 2/7/23 @ 9:30-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, 5/2/23 @ 7:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, 9/6/2023 @ 9:30-10:30 a.m. or Thursday, 11/9/23 @ 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Town Hall Meeting Spanish

Town Hall Flyer English

Live Video Visits

Are you wondering if Live Video Visits are right for you and your family? Please see the video below to learn more about the benefits in early intervention.

Live Video Visits - A Family's Point of View 

Supporting Anxious Eaters and their Caregivers - 2 Opportunities!

Do you have feeding and nutrition concerns for your child? The Clubhouse and Cicero Therapies are offering a free one on one 30 minute consultation (through January 15th) with their feeding team. Please click on the link below to learn more and schedule your session.

Feeding & Nutrition Consultation 

Join the Chicago Feeding Group on January 31st, 6:30-8:30 p.m. for a parenting panel. This event will be a moderated discussion with parents who have children with feeding challenges. Parental stress, management of family life, effectiveness of interventions, and the role of a feeding therapist are topics that will be explored throughout the                                                                           discussion. 

Parent Panel: Parenting a Child who Struggles to Eat

Autism - Learning More About Neurodiversity

Interested in learning more about autism? Wondering about symptoms, how a diagnosis is made and what supports may be available? Please see the resources below. 

https://autismnavigator.com/ - Autism Navigator provides resources, webinars/learning and a virtual community for those interested in learning more about early detection and support for children diagnosed with autism.

http://www.interactingwithautism.com/ is a video based resource that helps caregivers better understand the diagnosis, therapy options and experience living with autism.

Resource Directory RUSH offers a local resource directory for individuals diagnosed with autism. Looking for a dentist, summer camp or a supportive place to get your child's hair cut? Check out these recommendations!

Chicago Autism Network provides virtual workshops for caregivers around important topics such as encouraging social engagement, school advocacy and navigating insurance benefits.

First 100 Days After Diagnosis Tool Kit  Autism Speaks believes knowledge is power, particularly in the days after an autism diagnosis. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit helps families of children ages four and under make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis.

Support through our office is also available! Iwona Parkel, our Parent Liaison is available to talk one on one should you be interested, Iwona_M_Parkel@rush.edu. Please don't hesitate to connect.

Parent2Parent Support

Click on postcard to enlarge.

Parent 2 Parent is a monthly group for parents and caregivers of children enrolled in Early Intervention through CFC 11. Together we can explore resources, share experiences, give, and receive support. Please email Sarah Karela, Sarah_M_Karela@rush.edu or Iwona Parkel, Iwona_M_Parkel@rush.edu to learn more or request a link to our next meeting. 

Interested in other ways to connect to local parent support? Check out C.I.T.Y. of Support  (Children in Therapy and You), https://cityofsupport.org/.