Starnet Chicago

🎁 Holiday Gifts for Our Early Childhood Professionals! 🎁

Start your New Year with the gift of growth! STARNET Chicago is thrilled to announce our January training lineup!

🗓️ Monday, Jan 5th | 9 AM - 12 PM (In-Person) The Language of Trauma: Let's Talk About Stress and Burnout. Take a deep breath and join us to discuss managing the weight of trauma and preventing burnout in our field.

🗓️ Tuesday, Jan 27th | 4 PM - 6 PM (Online) Supporting Young Learners: Understanding Autism & ADHD. Expand your toolkit with essential strategies for supporting neurodiverse learners in early childhood.

✨ All trainings are provided at no cost! 🔗 Register here:
https://forms.gle/JniF1Ep9A9vis9Tu8

📚 Join Our Book Study!
Inclusion Includes Us – designed for ECSE and Blended Preschool Teachers

🗓 Dates: March 2 & March 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
🎓 Earn 4.0 hours of Professional Development Credit

✨ Special guest: Advocate and public speaker Austin Kremer, sharing firsthand experiences on inclusion and belonging.

✅ Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow.
👉 Register today! https://starnetiv.org/region-iv-trainings/

UPCOMING VIRTUAL TRAINING
𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀!
𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬, 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 𝗧𝗢 𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠

Support a Student’s Journey Through Special Education!
𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥-https://zoom.us/meeting/register/g_yKaosJReeWEQIDSTBP-Q #/registration

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧’𝗦 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 (𝗘𝗦𝗣)?
An ESP is a trained volunteer who:
•Attends IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings
•Reviews educational records and evaluations
•Makes informed decisions for the student
•Advocates for services and supports under IDEA
𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗥?
•Make a real difference for a student who needs extra support.
•Help ensure schools follow the laws that protect students’ rights.
•Boost a student’s confidence, learning, and emotional well-being.
•Get free, high-quality training and continuous support along the way.
No prior experience needed — just a willingness to help.
Ready to make an impact? Join us today.

📢 Join the Illinois Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) Community of Practice!
🗓️ Next Meeting: January 12, 2026
⏰ 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Connect with educators across the state to collaborate and grow together! You’re welcome to join at any time throughout the year and attend the sessions that work for you.

Register today at: https://starnet.org/home/events/2636-early-childhood-outcomes-cop/

FULL!!
Attention Families! Do you want to take your advocacy to THE NEXT level? Do you want to set a strong FOUNDATION for your child?
Starnet Chicago Presents:
Early Years Family Leadership Institute (EYFLI = I FLY)
Learning to Lead, Empowered to Soar
Presenters: Tareema Jean-Baptiste, Kimberly L. Johnson, and Talin Tokat.
Six-part training series: participants will take a deep dive into topics like advocacy, behavior, developmental goals, benefits, financial planning, and much more!
This is for families of children with disabilities ages 0 -8. There are only 8 spots left! There will be a certificate ceremony, and participants will receive a toolbox of resources!
Please use the link below to register!
https://forms.gle/4uRwbwhu8vRmtjaGA

FULL!!
Attention Families! Do you want to take your advocacy to THE NEXT level? Do you want to set a strong FOUNDATION for your child?

Starnet Chicago Presents:
Early Years Family Leadership Institute (EYFLI = I FLY)
Learning to Lead, Empowered to Soar
Presenters: Tareema Jean-Baptiste, Kimberly L. Johnson, and Talin Tokat.

Six-part training series: participants will take a deep dive into topics like advocacy, behavior, developmental goals, benefits, financial planning, and much more!

This is for families of children with disabilities ages 0 -8. There are only 8 spots left! There will be a certificate ceremony, and participants will receive a toolbox of resources!

Please use the link below to register!
https://forms.gle/L4hT3L7EBT2wk7ig8

🌟 Have you seen the LRE Family Resource Guide?

The Early Childhood Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Family Resource Guide was designed by the EC LRE Stakeholders Consortium to help families of children with disabilities advocate for their child's inclusion in general education settings.

This resource includes definitions, video links, and guidance on topics like IEP meetings and federal protections. It’s a valuable tool for families looking to understand their rights and ensure their child thrives in inclusive settings.

Please share this toolkit with families to support their journey toward inclusion!

Explore the full toolkit here: bit.ly/LREfamilyguide
Also available in Spanish/Español at bit.ly/LREguía
and Chinese/中文, at bit.ly/家庭资源指南

Had a great time collaborating and presenting with Starnet Region VI today, at the Statewide Multilingual Conference!

Early CHOICES is excited to announce that we will be hosting the annual Summer Inclusion Institute June 9-10, 2026. Stay tuned for more details and registration information!