Education Resources
Center for Parent Information and Resources (formerly NICHCY)
The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) is a central “hub” for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities nationwide. Materials on CPIR’s website are user-centered and created for and by Parent Centers across the country to support and provide services to the families they serve. Resources include parent guides, training materials, information on special education and transition planning, webinars and more. CPIR also provides information in Spanish to help parents understand specific disabilities, the special education process, and where to find help.
CPIR also offers:
- A family-friendly resource library
- A monthly e-newsletter featuring new resources, upcoming events, and materials to share
- Native American resources
- The Office of Special Education Program (OSEP)’s Glossary of Common Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Terms in Spanish and in Korean
- An events calendar
- A Parent Center locator tool
For questions, please visit CPIR’s contact page.
The Central Illinois Transition Planning Committee (Central Illinois TPC) serves Peoria, Tazewell, Mason and Woodford counties. It helps connect parents, teachers, students and community members with resources to support students with disabilities in transitioning from secondary education to adult life.
Central Illinois TPC’s website provides a wide variety of information, including transition-to-adulthood community resources and a checklist, upcoming events, post-secondary college and training options, transportation resources for people with disabilities, and more. For more information, use the Central Illinois TPC’s Contact Us form.
Centro de Información is a non-profit agency that provides bilingual advocacy at its locations in Elgin, Carpentersville and Hanover Park. Centro serves mostly low-income, Hispanic immigrants residing in the greater Fox Valley area, but welcomes clients of any nationality from surrounding counties and states. The center’s services include:
- Counseling for children, youth, and their families
- Information, recommendations, referrals and advocacy about public benefits
- Help with employment, housing, and more
- Preparation of immigration and naturalization applications
- Educational workshops for parents and the community.
Centro de Información es una agencia hispana de servicio social. Anualmente, el Centro atiende a miles de personas de nuestra comunidad, la mayoría de ellas inmigrantes hispanos de bajos recursos. El Centro les provee de servicios tales como consejería para niños, jóvenes y sus familias; información, recomendaciones, referencias y abogacía en las áreas de beneficios públicos, el trabajo, la vivienda, etc.; preparación de solicitudes de inmigración y de naturalización; y talleres informativos para los padres de familia y la comunidad en general.
For questions, please visit the Centro de Información website contact page for contact information and location addresses.
The Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) provides a wide range of programs to support families and connect people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing. Its services include:
- Hearing evaluations and assistive technologies
- Free American Sign Language (ASL) family classes in English and Spanish
- ASL in-person and online youth classes
- ASL Adult in-person and virtual classes
- Community outreach and youth programs
- Interpreter services and captioning
For more information, call CHS:
- Main Number: (773) 248-9121
- Videophone: (773) 904-0154
The Chicago Help Initiative (CHI) provides meals and access to social services to Chicagoans who are experiencing homelessness, hunger and economic insecurity. CHI offers Wednesday dinners, adult learning, one-on-one tutoring, a job club, arts and culture outings, and the New Foundations program to help guests apply for and connect with key services, benefits and supports that improve the quality of their lives.
CHI also offers this Resource Guide to provide crucial information on food, shelter and help for those in immediate need.
Contact CHI using the online form.
The Chicago Help Initiative office is located at 440 N Wells St., Ste. 440, Chicago, IL 60654.
For more details, call (312) 448-0045.
Chicago Public Schools – Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)
For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas.
Chicago Public Schools and networks provide assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), including providing transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers and referrals to community resources.
To find out if your student and family are eligible for STLS services, contact the STLS Liaison at your school. Every CPS school, including charter schools and options schools, has an STLS Liaison. For other questions about the STLS Program, please call (773) 553-2242 or email STLSInformation@cps.edu.
Child & Family Connections of McHenry County
Child & Family Connections (CFC) is the system point of entry for Illinois Early Intervention Services within McHenry County for children under 36 months of age. Early Intervention services are designed to meet an infant’s or toddler’s needs if they are experiencing issues related to the following areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional and adaptive.
Referrals to CFC can be made by a family member, doctor, day care provider or anyone concerned about the development of a child who is under 36 months. For more information, visit the CFC’s frequently asked questions page.
College Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Information from College Scholarships.org about college scholarships available to students with disabilities.
Community Child Care Connection
Community Child Care Connection (CCCC) provides support and resources to families and childcare providers to help ensure quality, affordable childcare and education options in Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon, and Scott counties. CCCC helps families explore childcare and education options and what to look for when choosing care. It also offers programs to help pay for care and find local education and childcare providers. CCCC also provides professional development and regional training opportunities for child care providers.
CCCC is one of 16 community-based organizations that make up the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) System, which provides services and supports to families, providers and communities across Illinois.
For help or questions, call (217) 525-2805 or email info@4childcare.org.
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) provides scholarships, including scholarships for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and grants to charitable organizations in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties. Visit CFNIL’s scholarship opportunities page to learn more.