Resource Directory /

Chicago Home Care Resources

  • FAQ on New Special Education Laws for Students Who Turn 22

    In July 2021, House Bill 40 and House Bill 2748 became law, allowing Illinois special education students to continue attending school through the end of the school year in which they turn 22. The package also allows special needs students who recently turned 22 and were impacted by COVID-19 to remain eligible for educational services up to the end of the regular 2021-22 school year.

    The Illinois State Board of Education has put together a frequently-asked-questions document on the new laws (Public Act 102-0172 and Public Act 102-0173).

    A press release summarizing the legislation is also available on Illinois.gov.

  • IDPH & ISBE Joint Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Schools

    The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) have fully adopted CDC guidelines and have provided guidance for the school year in a joint summary Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning and related CDC FAQ.

    Site information also includes school and youth data metrics, a decision tree and post-vaccination considerations for school employees.

     

     

  • U.S. Department of Education “Return to School Roadmap” for 2022-23 School Year

    The U.S. Department of Education has released the “Return to School Roadmap,” a resource to support students, schools, educators, and communities as they prepare to return to safe, healthy in-person learning this fall and emerge from the pandemic stronger than before.

    The Roadmap provides key resources and supports for students, parents, educators, and school communities to build excitement around returning to classrooms this school year and outlines how federal funding can support the safe and sustained return to in-person learning.  It includes:

    • A fact sheet for schools, families, and communities on the Return to School Roadmap
    • A checklist that parents can use to prepare themselves and their children for a safe return to in-person learning this fall, leading with vaccinating eligible children and masking up if students are not yet vaccinated.

    The Education Department also has two publications focusing on strategies and practices important for schools to use to regarding COVID and reopening safely.

    Volume 1 provides families, schools and the community key health and safety measures for reopening schools. Volume 1 highlights factors that need to be addressed for specific groups of students, including students with disabilities, one of the groups hardest hit by the impact of COVID-19.

    Volume 2 provides more specific practices for meeting the basic and other critical needs of students.

  • Early Intervention Clearinghouse Technology Loan Program

    The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse (EIC) technology loan program helps families in early intervention participate in live video visits or telehealth. Available technology includes:

    • iPad with a data plan (you are requesting a device for live video visits that also has an internet plan)
    • iPad without a data plan (you are requesting a device for live video visits and already have internet access)
    • Hotspot (you have a device for live video visits but require internet access)

    Quantities are limited. To apply to receive the technology, please complete a device loan request form. (The device loan request form is also available in Spanish.)

    The EIC also provides tips on preparing for a live video visit.

  • American Rescue Plan Expanded Child Tax Credit

    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has information for families on the American Rescue Plan expanded Child Tax Credit. With recent changes, families can qualify for more money and can receive payments monthly instead of having to wait until the end of the year. Payments will automatically arrive starting on July 15 for most families. Some families may need to take action to receive the benefit.

    AAP offers a flyer in English and Spanish that explains:

    • The credit
    • Who is eligible
    • The next step that parents may need to take

    Click here for the flyer in English.  Click here for the Spanish version.

  • Illinois Spina Bifida Association Vision Referral Program

    The Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) offers a vision referral program in partnership with the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), which provides specialized services for pediatric patients and people with developmental disabilities.

    If anyone in your family needs vision care, ISBA can help you set up an appointment at IEI in Chicago or refer you to other statewide providers offering affordable care regardless of insurance or financial status.

  • Oracle Health Pediatric Grants

    Oracle Health Foundation’s pediatric grants connect children to needed care when finances stand in the way. Applications are accepted from the United States and through select international providers.

    The pediatric grants cover a wide variety of clinical, equipment, travel and lodging and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs.

    Funding criteria include that the child must be 18 years of age or younger (individuals up to 21 with developmental disabilities may also be considered). You can find more details on the Oracle website on how to request a pediatric grant.