Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • ERIC: Education Resources Information Center

    ERIC is an online library of education research and information, sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education.

  • Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD)

    The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) is the Chicago metropolitan area’s Parent Training and Information Center. The FRCD can help you learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), make informed decisions about your child’s individualized education program (IEP), obtain appropriate services for your child, communicate more effectively with school professionals and more.

    The FRCD serves the following eight Illinois counties: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

    You can contact the FRCD at (312) 939-3513 or info@frcd.org.

  • Fathering a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Child: An Onboarding Checklist for Dads

    The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Parent to Parent Committee developed a checklist written by fathers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing(D/HH) for dads or any person who feels that they fulfill this role in a child’s life.

    “Fathering a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Child: An Onboarding Checklist for Dads” provides information and action steps to support and encourage fathers to take an active role in every aspect of their child’s life from the start. The guide shares information from a dad’s perspective on topics including:

    The ” new dad” learning curve
    Language and communication
    School and legal rights
    Well-being

  • Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays

    Every child is unique, and some children face extra physical or learning challenges. Parents often have questions about sources of information and support. This Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays resource list from the Illinois Early Learning Project shares information for parents on how to get your child evaluated, how to get special education services for your child and where to find more information to support children with autism, Down syndrome, hearing loss and vision loss.

  • Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education

    SHAPE America provides guidance to Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education for students with disabilities. The document was developed as a resource for physical educators, adapted physical educators, school district administrators and parents as they work to provide consistent adapted physical education (APE) services for students with disabilities.

  • GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

    GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers provide free, nationwide on-site and virtual educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Programs are available for individuals of all ages focusing on speech and language, social skills, cooking and fitness.

    GiGi’s Playhouse Illinois locations include:

    Chicago
    Deerfield
    Fox Valley
    Hoffman Estates
    McHenry County
    Quad Cities
    Rockford
    Tinley Park

  • GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse offers opportunities to build relationships and community connections and access free programming and resources tailored for individuals with Down syndrome. The playhouse serves individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, expecting moms and dads, caregivers, siblings, parents, grandparents, doctors, educators, volunteers and more.

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse provides a variety of programs focused on therapeutic needs, educational needs, career development and global acceptance.

  • Hands & Voices Guides and Resources for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Plus

    Hands & Voices provides a variety of resources specific to children who are deaf/hard of hearing plus – the combination of being deaf or hard of hearing and having additional medical complexities or other needs.

    Information includes the “Connecting Families of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Plus (DHH Plus) with Resources and Support” guide, an Educational Plan Checklist for D/HH-Plus Students and presentations, articles and other guides for families of children who are D/HH plus.

  • Homework Tip Sheets for Families and School Staff

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has created a useful tip sheet with strategies to support parents and guardians who help children complete homework. The “Homework Help Strategies for Caregivers” tip sheet includes a link to a database of helpful homework support websites. It can be found under “Family and Community Resources” on ISBE’s Family and Community Engagement webpage.

    School and district professionals as well as school board members can also find tip sheets on how they may help with best practice regarding homework.

  • How to Teach Children About Disabilities and Inclusion

    Inclusion is the law, but it takes more than legal compliance to create an environment where all children feel included and valued. Educating children about disability and inclusion can protect vulnerable students from bullying and encourage empathy and kindness among students.

    Baylor University’s “How to Teach Children About Disabilities and Inclusion” outlines age-appropriate ways to teach children about disabilities and strategies for fostering empathy and understanding in school or any social environment.