Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse

    The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse is a lending library and information resource for families and professionals interested in or involved with the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program. It also provides support groups in English and Spanish for families involved in the Illinois early intervention program on Facebook.

    The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse offers:

  • 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)

    INEPs are part of the 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 the skills necessary to help people prepare healthier meals, manage their food budgets effectively, and make healthy living a natural part of their daily lives. You can visit their website to find out if a program is offered in your county.

    For questions, please email extension@illinois.edu.

  • 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

    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 eight
    • 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 awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). 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

    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 eight. 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 awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual funding from federal sources.

  • Illinois STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III

    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 eight. 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 awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual funding from federal sources.