Collinsville Community Inclusion Team

03/27/2026

Check out this wonderful event in Millstadt! Here are some details:
✨🌍 Get ready for an unforgettable day at the 2026 Millstadt Autism Walk! 🌍✨

We are so excited to share just a glimpse of all the amazing experiences waiting for you at this year’s walk! It’s truly going to feel like a trip around the world, right here in Millstadt! 💙

🎉 Event Highlights Include:
• Inflatables from Twist & Bounce LLC
• A sensory garden by Atkins Acres Educational Farm
• Petting zoo from Cowboy Critters
• Special Olympics athletes singing the National Anthem
• Special Olympics cheerleaders performances
• A special rap & singing performance by Jamal
• Pakistani dancers
• Bluey & Bingo appearances
• Millstadt Library Tiny Library
• DJ from Da Bomb Radio
• Boogie Band
• Shriners Klowns
• Doug the Therapy Dog
• Star Wars fun with the 70th Explorers Garrison
• Sensory activities throughout the event

*Many resources for families 🥰

🎟️ Plus raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle!

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🌎 Travel the World – Country Stops & Activities:

🇫🇷 France
Hosted by DeMond and Touchette families, Becky DeMond’s RE/MAX team, Dave DeMond Edward Jones, John Touchette Laura Automotive Group, Kelly Touchette Fern & Ivy, and Lauren Sonnenberg’s Arbonne Team 🍃

🎨 Activity: Paint Like a French Impressionist

🇳🇱 Holland
Hosted by The Nurture Network Family Support Group
🌷 Make your own windmill and celebrate the beauty in every journey 💛

🇧🇿 Belize
Hosted by Belleville Rotary, Birth to Five Illinois & Birth to Three
🌿 Learn about the Belize Project

🇩🇪 Germany
Hosted by Millstadt Sister Cities & The Millstadt Historical Society
🏡 Visit the preserved cabin and enjoy traditional German games

🇺🇸 America
Hosted by Millstadt Library
📚 Activities including- Visit the Tiny Library and take home a book

🇯🇵 Japan
Hosted by Atkins Acres Educational Farm
🌸 Learn about life and experiences in Japan and enjoy many traditional Japanese activities

🇵🇱 Poland
Hosted by the Babinski Family & Kruta Bakery
Enjoy Polish pastries and Polish Egg crafts

🇿🇦 South Africa
Hosted by Izeldá and her family
🌍 Learn about their culture and roots

🇨🇴 Colombia
Hosted by Governor French Academy
📖 Featuring their language arts teacher from Colombia

🇦🇺 Australia
Hosted by We Rock the Spectrum – Edwardsville
🐾 Featuring Bluey & Bingo + fun Aussie-themed activities

🌍 Middle East Region
Hosted by the Fanous Family
💃 Featuring Pakistani dancers and cultural activities

🏴 Scotland
Hosted by Without Limits Special Olympics & The Arc of Illinois

🇧🇷 Brazil
Hosted by Millstadt IGA
🍉 Enjoy a fresh fruit market experience

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🍴 Food & Drinks from Around the World:
• Hot Mess Express Coffee
• Donut Den
• Casa Maria – A taste of Mexico
• Gelu St. Lou Italian Ice – A taste of Italy
• Roy-el Catering American Pride Truck
• Millstadt School Odyssey of the Mind Team (kid-friendly options)
• Millstadt Optimist Club (cold drinks)

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💙 This day is all about inclusion, community, and celebrating the beauty of every individual. We cannot wait to see everyone come together for such a meaningful and FUN event!

📅 April 18, 2026
📍 Millstadt Village Park
🕦 11:30 AM

02/11/2026

Check out this support group for families of young children with disabilities from our friends at StarNET!

01/20/2026

Social competence refers to a person’s ability to get along with others. The checklist below was created to help teachers and caregivers assess preschool children’s social competence. The intent of the checklist is not to prescribe correct social behavior but rather to help teachers observe, understand, and support children whose social skills are still forming. If a child seems to have most of the traits in the checklist, she is not likely to need special help to outgrow occasional difficulties. However, a child who shows few of the traits on the list might benefit from adult-initiated strategies to help build more satisfying relationships with others.

12/11/2025

Las conversaciones diarias dan oportunidades de ayudar a su hijo a aprender nuevas palabras.

12/11/2025

Everyday conversations are opportunities to help your child learn new words.

11/20/2025

Many young children attend experiences and events in their community. While theaters, festivals, and parties provide opportunities for learning, fun, and friendship, they can be overwhelming for some. https://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/sensory-friendly/

Muchos niños pequeños asisten a eventos y experiencias en su comunidad. Aunque los teatros, los festivales y las celebraciones ofrecen la oportunidad de aprender, disfrutar y estar con los amigos, para algunos niños pueden estar abrumadores.https://illinoisearlylearning.org/es/tipsheets/sensory-friendly-sp/

Many young children attend experiences and events in their community. While theaters, festivals, and parties provide opportunities for learning, fun, and friendship, they can be overwhelming for some.

11/04/2025

Great information from Illinois Early Learning Project!

09/11/2025

Love to see the work being done in our community 💜

Collinsville High School student Alexis Haynes, who has been working at the Gateway Convention Center as a Housekeeper for the past year, was presented with her Apprenticeship Certificate by Senator Erica Harriss, State Rep. Katie Stuart, Collinsville High School teacher Cathy Kulupka and others at last night's City Council meeting!

The City of Collinsville Apprenticeship Program for Collinsville Students with Disabilities is a transformative program designed to empower and equip young individuals with disabilities with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the workforce. The City of Collinsville has partnered with the Madison County Employment & Training Department, the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10, the Regional Office of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor to make this program possible.

This program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and training in various fields, tailored to meet their unique abilities and career interests – and earn an Apprenticeship Certificate that's recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor! Ultimately, the City of Collinsville Apprenticeship Program is committed to creating a more inclusive community by opening doors to meaningful employment and career growth for students with disabilities. Eight students have obtained their Apprenticeship Certificates from this program since its inception in 2021.

Congrats, Alexis! We are so proud of you!

06/24/2025

Our Collinsville Community Inclusion Team was instrumental in bringing the wonderful Paula Kluth to our local school district for a full-day workshop entitled "Don't We Already Do Inclusion?" We certainly DO inclusion in Collinsville and will always work on improving our practice. Our district teachers will extend our learning this fall by doing a study on the book of the same name. If you're interested in more information, please check out Paula's website inclusionrules.com!

05/04/2023

See the rest of Jitha's Inclusion Success Story at our CIT website:

https://sites.google.com/cusd.kahoks.org/collinsville-inclusion-team/home

02/22/2023

Great reminder for our friends at StarNET Region VI!

02/01/2023

Here's a great tip from Star NET Region VI!