Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • Erie House

    Erie House is a social services nonprofit organization that aims to provide the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive. Its services include:

    • Legal service: Its in-house team of attorneys and legal representatives helps clients navigate the U.S. citizenship and immigration system, keeping families together, and allowing them to achieve a greater sense of security.
    • Mental health: Clinical therapists provide free, individual, social-emotional and behavioral counseling services to support children, teens, adults and families when they need it most. 
    • Children and youth: Erie House works with young people from infancy through high school graduation to equip them with tools and resources to build a bright future, including educational programs and activities, mentoring and family support. 
    • Adult education and training: Through foundational academic and professional programs like ESL (English as a Second Language), civics education, workforce development and more, Erie House aims to provide the tools adults need for long-term success. 
    •  Community wellness and support services: Erie House offers workshops, support groups and counseling, all through a trauma-informed and culturally-sensitive lens. 

    Visit the Erie House website for a list of its locations throughout Chicago and the contact form.

  • Exceptional Learners Collaborative

    The Exceptional Learners’ Collaborative (ELC) is a special education cooperative and joint agreement between four school districts in Vernon Hills, Ill. (Lake County). The ELC provides services to students with special needs, ages 3 through 22. Its website offers information and resources on transition, employment, housing, mental health, parent advocacy and empowerment, the One Community parent-to-parent support group and more.

    ELC provides services and support in communities including Buffalo Grove, Kildeer, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods, Prairie View, Hawthorn Woods, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Lake Zurich, Mettawa, Fox Lake, and Spring Grove.

    If you have any questions, please call (224) 513-6444.

  • Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center

    Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (Family Matters PTIC) empowers parents and professionals to achieve the strongest possible outcomes and enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities. Family Matters PTIC offers coaching, referral, parent-to-parent support, Educational Surrogate Parent training and more.

    Family Matters PTIC services and programs include:

  • Find Help Southern Illinois

    Find Help Southern Illinois connects people to area programs and services, including:

    • Food and basic needs, such as food pantries, baby supplies, clothing and home goods
    • Housing and shelter options
    • Healthcare services, including medical, dental and vision care and transportation to health care
    • Addiction and recovery support
    • Mental well-being services
    • Financial assistance for child care, transportation, medical supplies and more
    • Education and employment programs
    • Legal assistance

    Use the search filter to find the help you need in your community—sort by “closest” to receive the local information first.

    The resource hub is an initiative of Southern Illinois Healthcare, Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network and the Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families. The hub also receives support from the McKinney Vento Program for the Homeless Region V, Carbondale Elementary School District 95, Herrin Community Unit School District 4 Family Outreach Program, and the Carbondale Community Cabinet for Children and Youth with funding provided by Birth to Five Illinois.

  • Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays

    Every child is unique, and some children face extra physical or learning challenges. Parents often have questions about sources of information and support. This Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays resource list from the Illinois Early Learning Project shares information for parents on how to get your child evaluated, how to get special education services for your child and where to find more information to support children with autism, Down syndrome, hearing loss and vision loss.

  • Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education

    SHAPE America provides guidance to Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education for students with disabilities. The document was developed as a resource for physical educators, adapted physical educators, school district administrators and parents as they work to provide consistent adapted physical education (APE) services for students with disabilities.

    For questions, please call SHAPE America at (800) 213-7193.

  • GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

    GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers provide free, nationwide on-site and virtual educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Programs are available for individuals of all ages focusing on speech and language, social skills, cooking and fitness.

    GiGi’s Playhouse Illinois locations include:

    • Chicago
    • Deerfield
    • Fox Valley
    • Hoffman Estates
    • McHenry County
    • Quad Cities
    • Rockford
    • Tinley Park

    For questions, visit GiGi’s Playhouse website, call (847) 885-6149 or email info@gigisplayhouse.org.

  • GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse offers opportunities to build relationships and community connections and access free programming and resources tailored for individuals with Down syndrome. The playhouse serves individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, expecting moms and dads, caregivers, siblings, parents, grandparents, doctors, educators, volunteers and more.

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse provides a variety of programs focused on therapeutic needs, educational needs, career development and global acceptance. You can log in to the virtual playhouse to access on-demand programs for all ages, resources for supporting a loved one with Down syndrome and communities of other parents, self-advocates and volunteers.

    For questions, visit the GiGi’s Playhouse website.

  • GoNoodle

    GoNoodle helps teachers and parents get kids moving with short interactive videos and activities. Desk-side movement helps kids achieve more by keeping them engaged and motivated throughout the day.

  • Hands & Voices Guides and Resources for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Plus

    Hands & Voices provides a variety of resources specific to children who are deaf/hard of hearing plus – the combination of being deaf or hard of hearing and having additional medical complexities or other needs.

    Information includes the “Connecting Families of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Plus (DHH Plus) with Resources and Support” guide, an Educational Plan Checklist for D/HH-Plus Students and presentations, articles and other guides for families of children who are D/HH plus.