Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • Illinois Cares for Kids

    Illinois Cares for Kids provides parents, caregivers, teachers and childcare providers a place to find information on statewide programs related to early learning and development, child care and family well-being in English and Spanish. The website includes information about:

    • Child development and education for kids of all ages
    • Healthcare coverage and emotional well-being
    • Home visiting programs
    • Child care subsidy programs
    • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • “Ready for K” (Ready4K), a statewide text messaging platform offering fun facts and tips on children’s learning and development in multiple languages

  • Illinois Center for Transition and Work

    The Illinois Center for Transition and Work (ICTW) provides support to special educators, related services personnel and administrators by providing statewide training and technical assistance. ICTW strives to improve employment outcomes by focusing on preparing students with extensive support needs for the transition from high school to employment.

    The ICTW website offers information and webinars on a wide range of resources, including:

  • Illinois Community College Initiative

    The Illinois Community College Initiative provides academic and vocational training programs for eligible students with disabilities at in-state public community colleges and approved community colleges bordering the state. People with disabilities who are determined eligible for the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) vocational rehabilitation program may complete community college coursework leading to an associate’s degree or to a degree, certificate, or other industry-recognized credential or certificate.

    DRS will help students with:

    • The cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies
    • Transportation costs
    • Other eligible costs

    See the  Illinois Community College Initiative flyer for more details. To get started, contact your local DRS office using the locator tool or call (877) 581-3690. TTY and relay callers can dial 711.

  • Illinois Dyslexia Guide: A Handbook for Parents, Educators, and Students and Dyslexia Toolkit

    The Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) Dyslexia Guide: A Handbook for Parents, Educators, and Students provides information and guidance about dyslexia and related disorders for educational professionals, school leaders, families, guardians, and students. The handbook seeks to empower stakeholder groups to better understand dyslexia and strengthen programs to meet the educational and social-emotional needs of children and adolescents who struggle to learn to read.

    You can use the handbook alone or with the Dyslexia Toolkit. The toolkit’s ever-evolving collection of additional resources includes laws, websites, videos,  and podcasts for families and educators.

    Visit the Specific Learning Disability Support Project (SLD Supports) website for these resources and more.

  • Illinois Early Learning Project

    The Illinois Early Learning Project provides evidence-based, early care and education information for parents, caregivers and teachers of young children in the state of Illinois.

    The site provides a wide range of information on important topics involving early care and education, including:

  • Illinois Nutrition Education Programs (INEP)

    INEP are part of University of Illinois Extension and provide nutrition education to individuals and families in communities around the state of Illinois. Through nutrition and cooking classes, interactive displays, and online resources, the program provides knowledge and teaches the skills necessary to help clients make healthier meals, spend their food budgets effectively and make healthy living a natural part of their day. You can visit their website to find out if a program is offered in your county.

  • Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide

    The Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide is a comprehensive resource for transition-age students and their families as they plan for the transition from school to adult life. This user-friendly guide provides clear, up-to-date information about the transition process with a focus on the transition from school to work. The guide is designed to be a key resource for Illinois students, parents/guardians, teachers, school administrators, guidance and vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other school-based and adult services providers.

    The guide includes information specific to Illinois for the school-to-work (STW) transition, such as:

    • Key individuals and their roles and responsibilities
    • Important steps and stages in the STW transition process
    • Key terms and definitions
    • Legal aspects
    • Helpful guidelines and resources

  • Illinois Seizure Smart School Act Resources

    Effective July 1, 2020, the Seizure Smart School Act requires all Illinois school personnel to be trained in seizure first aid. It also requires the development of a Seizure Action Plan for students with epilepsy on how to best care for students with the disorder. A student’s parents or guardians will share their healthcare provider’s instructions on managing the student’s epilepsy and include a copy of any prescriptions and how and when to administer those medicines.

    The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago provides resources and frequently asked questions about the law and what it means for families and schools.

  • Illinois Special Education Information for Parents/Guardians

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has developed guides and resources specifically for parents of students with disabilities to help them navigate the educational system and know how to best work with district and school personnel. Visit ISBE’s Special Education – Parents/Guardians page for more information.

  • Illinois STAR NET Region IV

    Illinois STAR NET provides Support and Technical Assistance Regionally. It provides a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, ages birth through 8, with an emphasis on children with special needs. STAR NET supports family-centered, researched and effective practices in early childhood education and care.

    STAR NET Region IV is administered by the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education in Belleville. , IL 62220. STAR NET Region IV serves 38 counties in the southernmost region of Illinois.