Vision, Mission And Guiding Principles
Vision
Illinois STAR NET envisions a future where early childhood professionals and families have the supports needed to provide all children with a high-quality, equitable education in inclusive environments.
Mission
The Mission of STAR NET is to promote:
- Evidence-based, inclusive practices for young children with disabilities.
- Professional development to support educators and families.
- Meaningful child outcomes through innovative and engaging learning experiences.
Guiding Principles
We believe:
- In equitable access to high-quality professional learning, regardless of program type and location.
- Quality professional learning with authentic implementation leads to better outcomes for children.
- In preparing educators to support all children in a high-quality, play-based, inclusive early childhood environment.
- In professional development that encourages families to be partners in early childhood education and an integral part of their child’s development.
- In addressing implicit bias to remove assumptions.
- Every educator has strengths from which to build on to achieve sustainable quality improvement.
Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education; 100% of annual funding for the project is from federal sources and supports ISBE’s goals and the Illinois State Performance Plan (SPP) for IDEA Part B. STAR NET provides free training, consultation, and resources to the early childhood community and families in Illinois.