Resource Directory /

Family and Caregiving Support Resources

  • 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 Respite Coalition

    The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to supporting families and ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC assists caregivers by connecting them to resources in their area, providing training on respite topics and having funding available for emergency respite. The IRC helps caregivers of individuals across the lifespan with any disability.

    The Emergency Respite Care Program offers funding and resources to support caregivers who are not receiving any respite services and have an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source.  Emergency respite care may be for an unplanned or planned event for reasons including:

    • Caregiver illness (physical, mental or emotional)
    • Caregiver hospitalization or doctor appointments
    • Work-related situation or loss of employment
    • Reduction of stress level
    • Funeral or wake

    The website gives examples of qualifying circumstances and information on how to apply. For more information, contact:

  • Illinois Respite Services and Providers List

    Respite is a service providing a temporary break between the family caregiver and the care recipient. Illinois offers a variety of respite services for eligible families and individuals.

    Illinois Life Span (ILS), a program of The Arc of Illinois, provides fact sheets, information and a listing of respite services/providers currently funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities. The current listing may be found on their website.

  • Illinois Spina Bifida Association

    The Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) works to improve the quality of life of children, adults and families with spina bifida. ISBA works to accomplish its mission by:

    • Promoting skills development and independence
    • Supporting individuals and families through outreach, education and advocacy
    • Investing in people by funding scholarships, mobility equipment, research and emergency help

    For more information or to participate in these programs, visit ISBA’s website or call (773) 444-0305.

  • 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 8
    • 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 from the Illinois State Board of Education. The project receives annual funding from federal sources.

  • Illinois STAR NET Northern Regions II and VI

    Illinois 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 8. 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 from the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual federal funding.

  • Illinois STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III

    Illinois 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 8. 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 from the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual federal funding.

  • Illinois STAR NET Southern Region IV

    STAR NET Southern Region IV provides technical assistance, professional development, family learning opportunities and resources to support the education and development of young children with disabilities from birth through age 8.

    Regional support includes:

    • Webinars and training
    • A lending library
    • Family support and resources
    • Professional and family events

    Visit STAR NET Southern Region IV’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 more information about STAR NET Southern Region IV, call (618) 825-3966.

    The St. Clair County Regional Office of Education administers Illinois STAR NET through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which receives annual funding from federal sources.

  • Illinois State Board of Education

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is state agency providing information and resources on all aspects of education, including early childhood, general education, special education and assistive technology.

  • Illinois State Board of Education LGBTQ Student and Family Resources

    The Illinois State Board of Education provides resources for LGBTQ students and their families including information on the gender spectrum and Illinois High School Association policy.