General Information

FUNDING SOURCE:

The STARNET Project is operated by the Chicago Public Schools, Office Diverse Learner Supports and Services through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education. One hundred percent of the annual funding for the project is from federal sources.

REGISTRATION PROCESS:

STAR NET Region V is an Early Childhood Special Education grant project and therefore priority registration is given to family members of young children with special needs and professionals working with children ages 3-5 with IEPs, as well as others working in ISBE-sponsored projects. Priority registration is also given to persons living and/or working in Region V (the city of Chicago) unless the workshop is in collaboration with another Region or training entity. All others will be registered on a first come, first served basis.

CANCELLATIONS:

Please cancel your reservation online or notify our office as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a workshop for which you have registered. We have many applicants on our waiting list who would appreciate being able to attend.​

AGENDA:

We provide an agenda for every workshop. This agenda complies with the requirements set by ISBE and includes the Illinois Professional Development that is addressed by the workshop presenter.

Please note that we do not provide breakfast or lunch. A sixty minute lunch break is included in the full- day agenda unless otherwise noted. Attendees are welcome to bring a bag lunch.

In person workshop attendees are expected to sign in at the beginning of the workshop and after returning from the lunch break. Failure to do so may jeopardize receiving your certificate of attendance and workshop credits.

FAMILY STIPENDS/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT:

STARNET Region V offers limited support for families wishing to attend conferences, workshops and other events related to their child’s disability. Contact STAR NET at 773/553-6598 for additional information regarding the process for obtaining financial support for these activities. Family members may also contact The Arc of Illinois at 708/206-1930 for additional information on obtaining family fellowships/stipends.

STARNET Region V also offers limited support for professionals to attend professional development activities, including conference registration and stipends for participation in after hour activities such as Communities of Practice.

Please complete and return the Family Fellowship/Professional Development Assistance Application form found on our website to apply.

LENDING LIBRARY:

We have a variety of materials available for both parents and professionals, including books, DVDs, assessments and curriculum guides. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEBINARS:

All STAR NET regions are now offering webinars in an effort to serve a larger number of early childhood professionals across the state. 

The quality of teaching and learning in STAR NET webinars match the long- standing quality and commitment STAR NET has always offered in its workshops. The webinars utilize a discussion/chat form in addition to activities that involve interaction among participants and the presenter(s).

The expectations for webinars are the same as for all workshops. Attendance for the entire session is required and late arrivals to the virtual classroom will not be accepted.