Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • Illinois STAR NET

    Illinois STAR NET helps provide early childhood professionals and families with the support needed to provide all children with a high-quality, equitable education in inclusive environments. STAR NET provides workshops, funding opportunities, technical assistance and more to promote:

    • Evidence-based inclusive practices for young children with disabilities from birth to age 8
    • Professional development to support educators and families
    • Meaningful child outcomes through innovative and engaging learning experiences

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education. The project receives annual funding from federal sources.

  • Illinois STAR NET Chicago Region V

    Illinois STAR NET Chicago Region V provides regional technical assistance, professional development, family learning opportunities and resources to support the education and development of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight. Support includes workshops, webinars (both live and on-demand), resource specialists, a virtual library and more.

    Visit STAR NET Chicago Region V’s website to learn more and register for webinars, training and events near you.

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    For questions about STAR NET Region V, email starnet@cps.edu or call (773) 553-5596.

    The STARNET Project is operated by the Chicago Public Schools, Office for Students with Disabilities, through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education.

  • Illinois STAR NET Northern Regions II and VI

    Illinois STAR NET Northern Regions II and VI offer a range of regional resources to early childhood professionals and parents of young children with disabilities from birth through age 8. Resources include training, consultation, webinars and events for families and professionals, a lending library and more.

    Visit the STAR NET Northern Regions II and VI website to learn more and register for webinars, training and events near you.

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    For more information, email STAR NET Regions II and VI at starnet2and6@cntrmail.org or call (224) 366-8579.

    Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual federal funding.

  • Illinois STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III

    Illinois STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III provide regional training and resources to early childhood community professionals and families of young children with disabilities from birth through age 8. Support includes workshops, webinars (live and on-demand), technical assistance and resource specialists, a lending library and more.

    Visit STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III’s website to learn more and register for webinars, training and events near you.

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    For questions about STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III, email starnet@wiu.edu or call (309) 298-1634.

    Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual federal funding.

  • Illinois STAR NET Southern Region IV

    STAR NET Southern Region IV provides technical assistance, professional development, family learning opportunities and resources to support the education and development of young children with disabilities from birth through age 8.

    Regional support includes:

    • Webinars and training
    • A lending library
    • Family support and resources
    • Professional and family events

    Visit STAR NET Southern Region IV’s website to learn more and register for webinars, training and events near you.

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    For more information about STAR NET Southern Region IV, call (618) 825-3966.

    The St. Clair County Regional Office of Education administers Illinois STAR NET through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which receives annual funding from federal sources.

  • Illinois State Board of Education

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is state agency providing information and resources on all aspects of education, including early childhood, general education, special education and assistive technology.

  • Illinois State Board of Education LGBTQ Student and Family Resources

    The Illinois State Board of Education provides resources for LGBTQ students and their families including information on the gender spectrum and Illinois High School Association policy.

  • Illinois Student Assistance Commission

    The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) provides Illinois students with information and assistance to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.

    ISAC offers free comprehensive, objective, and timely information on education and financial aid for students and their families. Help includes:

    • The ISAC Student Portal with free online tools, events and resources for students, as well as short videos about college planning and financial aid.
    • State scholarship and grant programs
    • ISAC College Q&A, a free texting service that allows any student to submit their financial aid and college planning questions and receive a response from ISAC staff.

    ISAC also offers assistance through the agency’s call center at (800) 899-4722 (ISAC).

  • Illinois Student Records Keeper: For Parents of Students Who Receive Special Education Services

    The Illinois Student Records Keeper booklet from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is for parents to use to keep important information about their child and their special education and related services. It is a companion to A Parent’s Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois.​​​​​​​

    Records play an important role as you plan your child’s education. Dates, people, meetings and reports are important throughout your child’s educational career. ISBE developed the records keeper to help parents prepare for Individualized Education Program (IEP) and transition meetings; get ready for evaluations and reevaluations; and keep track of paperwork and other materials.

  • Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    The Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ITDHH) focuses on promoting the professional growth of teachers and the quality of education for people who are deaf and hard of hearing throughout Illinois. The organization hosts an annual conference and provides annual scholarship opportunities for teachers and students.

    ITDHH annual scholarship and grant opportunities for Illinois students and teachers include:

    • The “Hazel Bothwell Memorial Scholarships and Grants For Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing” provides funding to teachers to help strengthen learning and educational services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. You must be a current ITDHH member to apply.
    • The “Jacki Marcus Memorial Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to pursue a two- or four-year college degree. 
    • The “Pierce-Scherer Student Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to attend a vocational or trade school.