Do-It-Yourself Study Group Grant

Collaborative Learning.

Shared Growth.

Apply for a Study Group Grant to explore a topic focused on supporting the education of preschool children with IEPs with a small group of interested participants. The principal applicant must be a professional employed in a program that serves children, ages 3-6 with or a parent of a young child (ages 3-6) enrolled in an Early Childhood Special Education program.

Applicants must work in the Region II & VI area, which includes North, West and Southern Cook County, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will Counties in Northeast Illinois.

This grant encourages collaboration and group members may include individuals working in state Pre-Kindergarten programs, Head Start, Park District, Community Preschools and Prevention Initiative Programs.

What is the “Do-It-Yourself” Study Group?
This grant offers funding up to $300 for small groups of professionals and parents who want to broaden their skills and knowledge in areas related to young children (ages 3–6) with IEPs.

Collaboration is encouraged! Partners may include:

Teachers, therapists, parents, and support staff in Early Childhood Special Education programs

The applicant and facilitator must be an Early Childhood Special Education professional

Staff and families from Pre-Kindergarten, Head Start, Park District, Community Preschools, or Prevention Initiative programs may also be invited.
What should the Study Group do?
Choose a topic to meet the needs of your group and decide how to explore it. Past topics have included:

Assessment

Autism

Literacy

Behavior

Inclusion

Brain Research

Curriculum

Technology

Family Involvement

Requirements:

Minimum of 4 participants plus a facilitator who is an ECSE professional

At least 3 meetings

Submit a short report to Region II & VI by May 31
Where do I start?
The principal applicant for the grant, also the facilitator, helps to:

Organize and schedule meetings

Develop agendas

Purchase supplies or resources
Lead group discussions

Facilitators must also submit:

Copies of materials shared with participants

Meeting attendance sheets
How can I use Study Group Funds?
Up to $300 reimbursement (original receipts required)

Funds may be used for:

Hiring a speaker

Facilitator stipends

Books or materials to support the study

Funds may not be used for required activities, past purchases, or already-funded items
Application Format
Submit an Application that includes the following:

Do-It-Yourself Group Topic

Facilitator/Contact Name, Phone and Email

Project title

Brief description (75–100 words) of the topic and expected benefits

Anticipated outcomes

Tentative meeting schedule (dates, times, locations)

Participant list (names, contact info, agency/affiliation, role; indicate facilitator)

Draft budget (include speaker names if hiring)

Proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis through April 1 (or until funds are allocated).
Final Report Requirements
When the study group is complete, facilitators must submit:

A brief summary of the topic and participant benefits

Copies of participant evaluations (if collected)

Final schedule with meeting dates, times, and participant names

Copies of resources and agendas

Complete expenditure list with original receipts

Reports and receipts are due to STAR NET Region II and VI by May 31.
Apply Now

You can apply in two ways:

Download the PDF and email/mail
Fill in the information on the form below and email in the additional information required to Kathy Slattery.

Once all required information has been received, you will be notified regarding your grant approval status.

Find other funding opportunities

In addition to STAR NET Region II and VI’s financial assistance program for attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, other organizations offer funding opportunities through scholarships and stipends. You can apply online, or by submitting your application via mail.