Starnet Chicago

06/16/2026

The Administration has announced its plan to move special education from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services. At its core, IDEA is an education law, and moving special education programs to HHS deemphasizes its purpose.

Take action and contact your representatives: https://exceptionalchildren.org/lac?vvsrc=/Campaigns/121668/Respond

06/09/2026

See you there!

RSVP at bit.ly/sipsstories

Attending Summer Inclusion Institute? Join us after the sessions on Day 1 for an evening of connection and conversation as we toast to the progress of inclusive early learning in Illinois. Sips & Stories is more than a mixer; it’s a space to share the successes, the challenges, and the heart behind our mission to ensure every Illinois child belongs from the very start.

Not an Illinois DEC member? No problem! Everyone is welcome to join and celebrate the work happening in Illinois!

Please Note: There is a maximum capacity of 50 people. So please register to ensure you secure your spot to join us.

Mixer hosted by Illinois DEC and The Discovery Source

05/27/2026

Attention Families! Join Us! Click the link in the post below!

We're inviting families to join us for our upcoming Family Learning Night (& Playdate!)

This learning opportunity will provide families with an overview of what inclusion means in early childhood and why it matters for young children with disabilities.

Families will learn strategies for advocating for their child, explore resources from the LRE Family Resource Guide, and have opportunities to connect with other families and inclusion specialists through discussion and Q&A.

Dinner, giveaways, and fun child supervision activities will be provided!

Register at: bit.ly/fam-night-2026

Questions? [email protected]

05/27/2026

Starnet Chicago will be there!

RSVP at bit.ly/sipsstories

Attending Summer Inclusion Institute? Join us after the sessions on Day 1 for an evening of connection and conversation as we toast to the progress of inclusive early learning in Illinois. Sips & Stories is more than a mixer; it’s a space to share the successes, the challenges, and the heart behind our mission to ensure every Illinois child belongs from the very start.

Not an Illinois DEC member? No problem! Everyone is welcome to join and celebrate the work happening in Illinois!

Please Note: There is a maximum capacity of 50 people. So please register to ensure you secure your spot to join us.

Mixer hosted by Illinois DEC and The Discovery Source

05/22/2026

***FULL**

🌸 Chicago Moms! 🌸 Looking for a space to recharge, connect, and find your balance?

STAR NET Region V (Chicago) is hosting a FREE Summer Moms' Retreat & Community of Practice (CoP)! ✨ Theme: "Fostering Strength, Resilience, & Balance on Life's Difficult Journeys."

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a package deal! By signing up, you must register and commit to BOTH the Retreat and the Community of Practice (CoP). No exceptions!

📌 Event Details:
Cost: FREE 🌟

Spots Available: Only 25 spots (First come, first served!)

Priority: Given to Chicago moms with children ages 0–8 who have an IFSP, IEP, or 504 plan.

📋 How to Register:
Registration is a two-step process, and all information will be verified. Please note: Your spot is not official until you receive a personal confirmation email from Tareema!

👇 Click the link below to start your registration process and see the flyer for full details! 👇

https://forms.gle/gUejky1WvEPLFAJ78

ForMoms

05/22/2026

⚠️ FULL
Struggling with challenging behaviors?
Join us for a hands-on morning of sensory play and actionable guidance from experts.
We’re covering:
✅ Sensory vs. Behavior: What’s really going on?
✅ At-home supports that actually work (and are low-cost!).
✅ The "Sensory Diet": Creating routines for easier transitions.
✅ IEP Strategies: Getting your child the support they deserve at school.

The Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, June 27th, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: CPS Garfield Park Office
🎟️ Cost: FREE with RSVP!

Secure your spot now:
English: https://forms.gle/uM2CgbD7GXP35fhF6
Spanish: https://forms.gle/kRFUqnSNzCKXio8z7
Chinese: https://forms.gle/ZqPB6k5iHBfbMLvg7
Kids play. Parents learn. Everyone wins.

05/21/2026

Inclusion starts with collaboration! ❤️
A huge thank you to Tareema Jean-Baptiste from Starnet Chicago and Ann Kremer from Early CHOICES for their fantastic presentation on the Illinois EC LRE Family Toolkit at the 2026 International Inclusion Conference!🌟
This toolkit is all about empowering families, giving them the resources they need to advocate for their children, and promoting inclusive early childhood environments.
Together, we are making a difference! 🧑‍🤝‍🧑📚

05/18/2026

Parents & Caregivers of Young Children with Disabilities — THIS is for YOU!

Did you know your voice has the power to improve programs and services for children and families across our community?

Join the Family Data Leaders Series — a FREE 4-part training designed for parents/caregivers of children ages 0–5 with disabilities. Learn how to use data, tell your story, and become a stronger advocate for your child and other families.

📅 Thursdays in June
🕘 9:00–10:30 AM
✔️ June 4
✔️ June 11
✔️ June 18
✔️ June 25

🔗 Register now: https://cvent.me/OyxY9Z
📞 Questions? Call 1-866-436-7842

By the end of the series, YOU will be a Family Data Leader

Connect with other families
Learn how information shapes services
Grow your advocacy skills
Help create change for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities

⚠️ Registration is required and participants must attend all 4 sessions.

Tag a parent, caregiver, teacher, or advocate who needs to see this! 👇

05/17/2026

Struggling with challenging behaviors?
Join us for a hands-on morning of sensory play and actionable guidance from experts.
We’re covering:
✅ Sensory vs. Behavior: What’s really going on?
✅ At-home supports that actually work (and are low-cost!).
✅ The "Sensory Diet": Creating routines for easier transitions.
✅ IEP Strategies: Getting your child the support they deserve at school.
The Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, June 27th, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: CPS Garfield Park Office
🎟️ Cost: FREE with RSVP!
⚠️ Hurry—Space is limited to the first 80 spots!
Secure your spot now:
English: https://forms.gle/uM2CgbD7GXP35fhF6
Spanish: https://forms.gle/kRFUqnSNzCKXio8z7
Chinese: https://forms.gle/ZqPB6k5iHBfbMLvg7
Kids play. Parents learn. Everyone wins.