Childcare, Learning and Education Tools Resources
- The National Dance Institute has a series of YouTube videos of their inclusive dance program called the DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement). The project provides children with disabilities the opportunity to dance and perform. Each dancer is encouraged to achieve their best through teamwork, creativity, empathy and discovery.
Early Intervention Clearinghouse Technology Loan Program
The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse (EIC) technology loan program helps families in early intervention participate in live video visits or telehealth. Available technology includes:
- iPad with a data plan (you are requesting a device for live video visits that also has an internet plan)
- iPad without a data plan (you are requesting a device for live video visits and already have internet access)
- Hotspot (you have a device for live video visits but require internet access)
Quantities are limited. To apply to receive the technology, please complete a device loan request form. (The device loan request form is also available in Spanish.)
The EIC also provides tips on preparing for a live video visit.
Education and Parenting During COVID-19
Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center provides a list of resources to help parents navigate their child’s education needs during the pandemic.
Emergency Child Care for Communities & Providers
This page from the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development contains information and resources on emergency child care for essential workers, child care providers and volunteers who want to offer support.
Envision Unlimited’s Community Living Program
Envision Unlimited’s Community Living Program provides a variety of residential living arrangements and supports to adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Services are individualized and person-centered. The intent is to assist each individual to live in the community in a setting most aligned with his/her preferences and those of his/ her guardian. In-home respite is prioritized for individuals who are not receiving any other funded service and who are on the PUNS wait list.
Everyday Early Intervention During Coronavirus
Information from the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
Family Resource Center on Disabilities COVID-19 Resource Page
The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) provides resources for families in the following areas: federal and state guidance, remote learning, assistive and accessible technology, disability health information and resources, COVID-19 preparedness, housing, pets, relief funds, self-care and transportation.
Family Voices’ Child Care Options
What if parents get sick and can’t take care of their child(ren)? Where do they start? Family Voices created this Child Care Options resource to help families plan for childcare if they are deported. Getting sick is different, but the need for pre-planning is similar.
FAQ About Live Video Visits for Families of Children Receiving Early Intervention During COVID-19
Because of COVID-19, the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) program is offering to provide EI through live video visits (also known as teletherapy or telehealth). This document provides some frequently asked questions and answers for families who are considering live video visits for EI.
FAQ on New Special Education Laws for Students Who Turn 22
In July 2021, House Bill 40 and House Bill 2748 became law, allowing Illinois special education students to continue attending school through the end of the school year in which they turn 22. The package also allows special needs students who recently turned 22 and were impacted by COVID-19 to remain eligible for educational services up to the end of the regular 2021-22 school year.
The Illinois State Board of Education has put together a frequently-asked-questions document on the new laws (Public Act 102-0172 and Public Act 102-0173).
A press release summarizing the legislation is also available on Illinois.gov.