Education Resources
Junior Achievement USA and Illinois Chapters
Junior Achievement USA (JA) helps young people own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices. The organization offers educational materials for schools and other organizations and hands-on learning experiences for students focusing on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. JA Connect also provides online self-guided activities to help students learn, apply and practice new skills. JA outreach in Illinois also includes:
Know Your Rights: Students & LGBTQ Rights at School
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) provides information on rights as an LGBTQ student in public school and may be able to offer assistance if your rights are being violated by teachers, principals, or other students.
Ladder Up provides free programs to eligible Chicagoland residents to help them move up the economic ladder. Individuals can receive guidance in financial education, tax help and preparation, and turning the dream of college into reality. Ladder Up programs and services include:
- Tax help and resolving tax disputes
- Planning for college workshops and financial aid tools
- Money basics and financial education workshops
For questions, please call Ladder Up at (312) 409-1555 or email info@goladderup.org.
LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education
The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education‘s (LEASE-SPED) website provides quick links, event calendars and resources to help navigate the transition to adulthood, as well as training and educational resources for parents, students, social workers and educational professionals.
The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education provides:
- Parent resources
- The Illinois Valley Transition Planning Committee (IVTPC)
- Upcoming events
- Quick links to MyInfinitec and more
For questions, please call (815) 433-6433 or email lease@lease-sped.org.
Learning Disabilities & Differences: What Parents Need To Know
HealthyChildren.org provides information on the early signs of learning disabilities and difficulties in children and how to help them succeed.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) provides tools, resources, podcasts and community. LDA helps create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities through support, education and advocacy.
Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois
The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Illinois offers resources and supports to empower individuals with learning disabilities throughout their lifespan. It provides people with learning disabilities, their families, teachers and other professionals information on state legislation, learning disabilities, awards and scholarships, and more.
Learn more about LDA of Illinois scholarship opportunities for students, special education teachers, parents and other awards.
Least Restrictive Environment Inclusion Toolkit for Families of Young Children With Disabilities
Early CHOICES’ Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Inclusion Toolkit aims to help families of children with disabilities navigate the early childhood system to ensure their child is included in the LRE. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking for specific support, this toolkit will empower you to champion inclusion for your child.
The LRE Inclusion Toolkit includes:
- Evidence for the benefits of inclusion
- Federal guidance for inclusion
- Resources with links and guidance to help you understand and use the tools effectively
- Bolded keywords throughout the document that you can easily find in the “Glossary” at the end of the toolkit
- QR codes for each of the embedded links
Little City serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across Cook, Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Kane, Will, DeKalb and Kendall counties in northeastern Illinois. Located on a 56-acre campus in Palatine, Little City provides a range of services, including residential, school, recreation, art, horticulture, employment, community day services and foster care and adoption.
Little City also offers:
- Clinical and behavioral services
- Therapeutic day school
- Recreation programs
- Residential services for children and adults
For questions, please visit Little City’s Contact Us page or call (847) 358-5510.
Little Friends, Inc. provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, and their families, to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:
- Schools, educational and vocational training programs
- Respite family services
- Community-based residential living
- The Center for Autism
- Inklude Studio
- The Fun Club
- Family Support Network
For questions, visit Little Friend’s Contact Us page or call (630) 355.6533.