Skip to main content

STARNET Chicago Home

A mother with her child playing with some cubes
A woman and a child are happily preparing cookies, with flour and cookie cutters scattered on the kitchen counter.
A man and woman embrace their baby, radiating happiness in a soft-lit room filled with warmth and affection.
Two children at a table, sharing a book and holding crayons, illustrating a moment of learning and collaboration in a comfortable space.
At teacher and a child are playing with colorful building blocks in a cheerful classroom environment, fostering creativity and learning.
A young girl smiles, showing her hands covered in colorful paint, showcasing her creativity and joy in art.
A woman and a child joyfully playing together with a colorful wooden car set on the floor.
A man smiles while holding a baby in his arms, showcasing a moment of joy and tenderness between them.
A woman demonstrates counting to a group of attentive children in a bright classroom setting.

Welcome

The STAR NET Region V team presents our Calendar of Events for FY26. Registration is available for webinars, in-person workshops, and events taking place between July 2025 through June 2026. We hope that these professional development and family support opportunities will provide you with exciting new ideas that will support your professional and personal growth. Please note that most of our workshops and events will remain virtual through June 2026; however, we will be hosting a few in person!
Click here to register
Our Services
Illinois STAR NET provides a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, ages birth through eight, with an emphasis on preschool-age children with special needs.
STAR NET supports family-centered, researched, and effective practices in early childhood education and care.
Please check out our latest workshop and webinar offerings here.  We offer opportunities for training, as well as providing resources, information, and support for both families and professionals. In addition to training, we offer technical assistance, both long and short-term, as well as Communities of Practice facilitation, book studies, and other forms of support and assistance. Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns, and requests.

News & Announcements

Flier highlighting professional learning options during July 2026

Summer Fun with STARNET Region V

Ready to reclaim your joy and recharge your teaching toolkit this summer? Join STAR NET in July for our Summer Fun professional learning series, designed specifically for Pre-K special education and general education teachers. From gamifying IEP goals through joyful play to using music and mindful movement for nervous system regulation, these hands-on sessions offer practical, inclusive strategies to celebrate every learner's "home song." Let's connect, move, and transform our classrooms together! Register for one or all the sessions
Show All News

Events

Show All Events
Helping Illinois’ Young Children and Families Reach for the STARS