Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • Have Dreams

    Have Dreams in Evanston and Park Ridge provides innovative programming and compassionate care for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. It focuses on helping individuals with autism build social, communication and independence skills across the lifespan. Have Dreams’ services include free downloadable social stories and resources, counseling, support groups, after-school programs for students with autism and community-based social opportunities for neurodivergent young adults ages 22 and older.

    Have Dreams also provides:

    Please visit Have Dreams’ Contact Us page for more information.

  • Helping Hand

    Helping Hand is a nonprofit organization empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Chicagoland through person-centered education, therapy, residential and employment programs.

    Helping Hand programs and services, include:

    • An outpatient clinic
    • School
    • Community day services
    • Residential living services
    • Employment program

    For more information, call (708) 352-3580 or email info@helpinghand-il.org.

  • Homework Tip Sheet for Families

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has created a useful tip sheet with strategies to support parents and guardians who help children complete homework. The “Homework Help Strategies for Caregivers” tip sheet is available under “Family and Community Resources” on ISBE’s Family and Community Engagement webpage.

  • iCan Dream Center

    The non-profit iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park connects youth with intellectual disabilities, autism and various learning difficulties in suburban Chicago to holistic, innovative special education services. The center offers a welcoming education setting where neurodiverse youth have access to the skills, resources and opportunities necessary to thrive beyond their labels. iCan Dream Center programs include:

    • Training
    • Transition to adulthood support
    • After-school recreational therapeutic programming for youth
    • Once a month, cost-free Saturday Experiences for young adults
    • Counseling
    • Parent support group and more

    For questions, please contact the iCan Dream Center at info@icandreamcenter.com or (708) 798-4200.

  • IEP Organization Tips

    Understood.org gives parents step-by-step instructions for how to create an individualized education program (IEP) binder that sorts their child’s evaluation reports, IEP, report cards and other paperwork. The site includes an IEP binder checklist, school contact sheet, parent-school communication log and IEP goal tracker that parents can download and print.

  • Illinois Association of Education of Young Children (ILAEYC)

    The Illinois Chapter of the Association of Education of Young Children (ILAEYC or Illinois AEYC) works to enrich the quality of care and education of the young child by:

    • Increasing communication among parents, caregivers and professionals involved in the care and education of young children
    • Providing in-service training for the early childhood community
    • Hosting opportunities for community learning

    ILAEYC has chapters and volunteers throughout the state.

  • Illinois Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection

    The Illinois Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection responds to consumer complaints in areas including health care services and providers, home repair, identity theft and more. It also enforces related Illinois consumer fraud laws. The division also provides consumer alerts and recalls, and publications and information to help consumers understand their rights and how to protect themselves.

    Consumer Protection resources also include:

    • Identity theft prevention tips
    • Auto buying, financing and repair tips
    • Advocating for consumers around health care, medications and public health concerns
    • Information on home repair and construction services
    • Help for businesses and more

  • 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)
    • Bright Start 529 college savings plan

  • Illinois Center for Autism

    The Illinois Center for Autism (ICA) is a nonprofit, community-based mental health treatment and educational agency serving people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ICA offers a variety of programs designed to support families and help individuals from age 3 through adulthood achieve their highest level of independence at home, school and in the community.

    ICA provides education, advocacy, social skills, life skills, vocational training, and resources to children ages 3 to 22 in its Special Education Program, individuals 22 and older in its Adult Services Program, and their families in its Client Family Support Services Programs.

    ICA provides services primarily in Madison, St. Clair, Bond, Clinton, Washington, Monroe, Fayette, Marion, and Macoupin. Other counties may also be included in the service area, depending on where students and families live.

    For questions, please call ICA at (618) 398-7500 or email info@illinoiscenterforautism.org.

  • Illinois Center for Transition and Work

    The Illinois Center for Transition and Work (ICTW) supports special educators, related services personnel, and administrators through 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:

    For questions, please contact ICTW at (217) 333 – 2202 or contact-ictw@illinois.edu.
    College of Education