Resources for Supporting Young Children with Disabilities
STAR NET Region II and VI Resource List
Our Resource List is organized into categories and cross-categorized to serve both families and professionals.
Categories include:
Glenkirk’s Respite Program provides short-term, intermittent care for children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities within their family home setting.
Works to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Free therapeutic and educational programming for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Local locations.
The Gateways Registry provides a vehicle for childcare and early education professionals to keep track of credentials and training online in a personal and secure Professional Development Record. Gateways lists online training for IDCFS Licensing and ExceleRate Illinois, as well as other professional development courses and events around the state.
Run by psychologist, Pamela Wright, wife and partner of Peter Wright. FetaWeb is the companion website to Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition – The Special Education Survival Guide by Pam and Pete Wright, which teaches families effective special education advocacy skills.
FARE’s mission is to improve the quality of LIFE and HEALTH of those with food allergy, and to provide HOPE for the development of new treatments. FARE has turned over $100 million in donor gifts into ground-breaking research and has provided a voice for the community, advocating on behalf of more than 32 million Americans with food allergy and offering hope for a better tomorrow.
A program of the Arc of Illinois, Family to Family is a free service to assist families of children with special health care needs with questions about health care and services, navigating Medicaid, Medicare and insurance for individuals with disabilities.
The Family Support Network works to uncover the resources, funding, and services needed to help people with developmental disabilities live fulfilling lives in their own homes. We make finding family services flexible and easy, using personal and professional experience to bring lifestyle benefits and support to all.
One of two Illinois Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers providing training about IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to parents. FRDC serves the counties of Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties in northern Illinois. They provide information, trainings and resources in English and Spanish.
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center, a federally funded Parent Training Center, exists to provide education, support, resources, and community linkages for families navigating the Special Education system, experiencing key educational transitions, and seeking needed supports and services in the school and community. We work with students with disabilities and their families to ensure they understand their educational rights under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and can fully participate in the Special Education process.
A McHenry County, Illinois, not-for-profit all volunteer support organization, maximizing the potential of each individual person with Down Syndrome and improving the quality of their lives by sharing ideas, exploring new concepts, and celebrating successes together. FINDS provides Bi-Monthly Newsletters, Social Events, Educational Services, and Family Support.
Looking for Pre-Recorded Videos?
STAR NET Region II and VI recorded webinar library.
Both Parents and Professionals will find videos on useful topics, such as Inclusion, Transitioning from EI to ECSE and more!
PLEASE NOTE: STAR NET Region II and VI is unable to award CEs for watching these recordings.