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

Children Through Age 6 With Hearing Loss

Planning ahead:

Parents and caregivers of children with hearing loss through age six are invited to "The Institute for Parents of Preschool Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing". This five day event will be held on the Illinois School for the Deaf campus in Jacksonville, Illinois. The Institute brings together families from all over the state.  Families will spend time with the best staff in the field of atypical hearing and deafness. Parents and caregivers will gain knowledge about choices along the path of raising a child with a hearing loss. Topics will include: Child Development, Language Development, Types of Hearing Loss, Parent Rights, Communication Options, School Programming, Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants, Deaf Culture. 

Institute is a time of learning and getting to know others who are going through some of the same things. During the Institute, children attend classrooms overseen by experienced teachers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They receive audiology, psychology, speech/language and educational testing. These services are all free of charge. 

Call now to join June 10-14, 2025! For more information about the Institute and to enroll, contact UIC-DSCC: 1-800-322-3722 or email: dsccinstitute@uic.edu. If your child is enrolled with UIC-DSCC, please contact your Care Coordinator. Expenses can be waived for eligible families. A stipend may also be provided.