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It's that time of year again, school search time! Schools are welcoming prospective families for in-person tours and open houses. What type of questions are appropriate to ask during a tour or open house? Do you have questions about discipline, diversity, inclusion and bullying? Are any subjects off limits? Whether you are looking for a preschool, an elementary school, looking to transfer to a new school or searching for a high school, this session is for you. In this session, our panelists will discuss why it is important to ask all questions, how to ask sensitive questions, and what are good follow up questions. They will also give examples of comprehensive answers. Our esteemed panelists are: Erin Woodhams, Director of Marketing, Admissions, and Communications, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park Tami Doig, Head of School, Daystar Academy Laura Maheshwary, Director of Enrollment (PreK - 2nd), Bennett Day School Sarah Cudnik, Owner, Kids Work Chicago Riverview Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsor. Free for NPN members

Starting preschool is a big step and it can be an amazing experience for you and your child. In this session, we will discuss helpful routines you can start at home with your child to prepare for a smooth transition, separation anxiety, and any lingering doubts you might have about whether your child is ready or not. Our esteemed panel consists of: Chloe Robson, Head of Early Years, British International School of Chicago, South Loop Jimia Walker, Owner & Executive Director, Meaningful Milestones Vaneesha Pause, Director of Enrollment, Near North Montessori Meg Fitzgerald, Early Childhood Director, Bennett Day School Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor the British International School of Chicago, South Loop and we appreciate our Supporting Sponsors Near North Montessori and Meaningful Milestones. By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsor. Free for NPN members $5 for non-members.

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be included in your eticket

NPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at Kids Work Chicago Riverview! Their large indoor and outdoor play space will be open, fall themed crafts will be available, plus a goodie bags with snacks for the kids! Parents come and relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Kids Work Chicago Riverview is located at 3429 N. California Ave, near I-94 on California between Addison and Belmont. Parking lot in front of the building has plenty of spaces and there is also ample street parking in the neighborhood! Like

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be sent out about 2 hours before the meeting.

NPN Playdates are back! Join us for STEAM Sunday at Bennett Day School. There will be fun STEAM activities for kids and light snacks. Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Bennett Day School is located at 955 W. Grand Ave. Enter the school from the double doors on Morgan St. Ring the buzzer when you arrive and stop at the front desk to check-in. Parking/Public Transportation Information: If you are planning to drive, you can park for free in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard (across the street from Bennett's campus). There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. Bennett is two blocks west of the Grand Blue Line stop and the Halsted 8 bus, and 2 blocks north of the Pink/Green Line Stop at Morgan if those options are convenient to you.

Join NPN & Lil' Kickers for a morning of non-stop fun with friends and family at their Chitown Futbol location. This event is perfect for toddlers and children of all ages, with something for everyone. Included in the admission price: -- Soccer demonstrations & sample classes -- Supervised inflatable jump zone -- Arts, crafts, kid-friendly games & activities -- Face painting & MORE Children under 1-year old are free. Your RSVP/ticket payment is a non-refundable reservation and processing fee. Pictures taken at the event will be used by NPN in future NPN promotional materials for the sole purpose of illustrating the activities at the event. Disclaimer: NPN and event sponsor assume no liabilty for any and all bodily injury at the event. ** Members: Please sign-in to receive special member ticket pricing. *** Your RSVP/ticket payment is a non-refundable reservation and processing fee. Pictures will be taken at the event to be used by NPN in future NPN publications, web pages and other promotional material for the sole purpose of illustrating the activities at the event. Disclaimer: NPN and event sponsor assume no liability for any and all bodily injury at the event.

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be sent out about 2 hours before the meeting.

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners).

Attention moms over 40 with children between newborn and 4 years old (or about that age) - this is the group for you! Please join NPN volunteer, Cathy, who leads a Zoom chat for moms 40+ to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys you face as moms. Please sign up for this group to attend one or all of these meetups and drop in for as long as you can! This group will meet at 8:00 to 9:30 PM. You will receive a Zoom upon RSVPing and the link again before the meeting. NPN members only. Please register once for you and your child(ren). You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.

Attention moms over 40 with children between newborn and 4 years old (or about that age) - this is the group for you! Please join NPN volunteer, Cathy, who leads a Zoom chat for moms 40+ to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys you face as moms. Please sign up for this group to attend one or all of these meetups and drop in for as long as you can! This group will meet at 8:00 to 9:30 PM. You will receive a Zoom upon RSVPing and the link again before the meeting. NPN members only. Please register once for you and your child(ren). You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.

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Join us at university of Illinois for the ultimate family-friendly bash, which includes: Tennis classes Face painting Baby zone with Kids' Work Chicago Arts & crafts with Language Stars Party hat creations from Building Blocks Toy Store Prizes from Little Beans Cafe Delicious pizza & salads catered by Armand's Pizzeria Kiddie countdowns, hourly balloon drops & dancing with The Mix Road Crew from 101.9 FM Snacks and sweet treats from Uncle Sammy's, Lifeway Kefir, GoGo squeeZ & more! Event photography by Beata Dunn Photography Hurry! This event sells out every year! Grab some friends and get your tickets today!

Attention moms over 40 with children between newborn and 4 years old (or about that age) - this is the group for you! Please join NPN volunteer, Cathy, who leads a Zoom chat for moms 40+ to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys you face as moms. Please sign up for this group to attend one or all of these meetups and drop in for as long as you can! This group will meet at 8:00 to 9:30 PM. You will receive a Zoom upon RSVPing and the link again before the meeting. NPN members only. Please register once for you and your child(ren). You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.

40+ Moms, take break from your little ones and enjoy some time out at Horner Park. Bring a blanket or chair and relax in some fresh air while sharing stories, memories or even a few lessons learned with other understanding moms. This group welcomes all 40+ moms with children newborn - 4 years. This is a moms ONLY event. Masks are required and social distancing respected. Meeting place with be near southwest side of Horner Park (look for colorful soccer cones). Day of contact info will be provided after registration. Please sign up for this group to attend. NPN members only. You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.

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Get the support and resources your child needs at our IN-PERSON fair NPN will follow all IDPH and City of Chicago COVID guidelines. Check back for the latest updates. If your child has a physical, developmental or intellectual challenge, NPN's 11th Annual Developmental Differences Resource Fair can help. Our free fair puts you in touch with school options, therapy providers and more resources that will encourage your child to reach his or her highest potential. Your child does not need to have a diagnosis for you to benefit from the resources offered at this fair. Parents with concerns about their child's development due to COVID regression will find help here. Parents can chat with speech, occupational, physical and ABA therapy providers; schools; fun extracurricular options; and more at the exhibitor booths. Plus, get advice and strategies you can use immediately at free expert-led sessions. Exhibit Hall Hours 1:00 - 4:00pm List of Exhibitors Sessions - These in-person sessions will be recorded. RSVP today to receive a link to the live recordings after the event. 12:00 - 1:00pm IEP Questions & Answers with Mo Buti Mo Buti M.Ed-BD, M.Ed-ADMIN, QIDP, is an advocate and instructional expert who is devoted to supporting individuals and families affected by autism and other disabilities. Providing guidance and support to navigate the school district’s complex systems, she assists parents with every stage of the IEP process. This session will start with a short presentation from Mo, and then open up to questions from the audience. Prior to attending this session, we strongly encourage parents to watch our previously recorded session, IEP 101. Find more free IEP-related sessions in NPN's Video Library. One attendee at this session will win a free IEP evaluation session with Mo! Must be present to win. 3:15 - 3:45pm Paying for Services through Grants and Government Programs Kimi Matsumura is the founder and CEO of Chicago Autism Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families find and afford effective autism therapy and supports. Kimi will speak about Health Insurance Premium Payment grants (HIPP), Priority of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS), Supplemental Security Insurance for Children (SSI), local private grants, national private grants, and Medicaid. Attendees at this session will be able to sign up to receive Kimi's detailed slides to reference after the event. 4:00 - 5:00pm From Recreation to Competition: Enrichment Opportunities for Your Child Chicago has so many enrichment opportunities for your child and in this session you will hear from some of the best. Learn how your child can become a competitive or performing participant, or simply have fun. Our esteemed presenters are: Sam Mauceri, Director of Education & Access Programs, Chicago Children's Theatre Blair Sarkiss, Master Instructor, HMD Academy Chicago Tae Kwon Do Eileen Guinane, Special Olympics Administrator, Chicago Park District Special Recreation and Special Olympics Catherine Attfield, Studio Manager, Intrigue Dance & Performance Arts Center John Fitzpatrick, Owner and Head Coach, Chicago Blue Dolphins Laura Fillenwarth, Executive Director, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) Chicago This panel is presented to you by Chicago Children's Theatre and HMD Academy Chicago Tae Kwon Do MUST-KNOW INFO When: Saturday, May 7 12pm–5pm (exhibit hall hours are 1:00 - 4:00) Where: UIC Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago Who: Open to the public! Registration required. This event is designed for adults but we understand that arranging childcare can be difficult. Parents attending with children will not be turned away. Cost: FREE. $25 donation recommended. Donate here. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We rely on your financial support to bring free resources like this to Chicago families. Covid precautions: NPN will follow all IDPH and City of Chicago Covid guidelines. As the guidelines change periodically, check back for updates.

Looking forward to spring. My yellow daffodils bloom first. They are located under the honey locust tree. tset update 3/18/2022

Join us at Lil' Kickers (2640 W. Bradley Place) for the ultimate family-friendly bash, which includes: Soccer classes, games & inflatables with Lil’ Kickers Face painting Baby zone with Kids' Work Chicago Arts & crafts with Language Stars Party hat creations from Building Blocks Toy Store Prizes from Little Beans Cafe Delicious pizza & salads catered by Armand's Pizzeria Kiddie countdowns, hourly balloon drops & dancing with The Mix Road Crew from 101.9 FM Snacks and sweet treats from Uncle Sammy's, Lifeway Kefir, GoGo squeeZ & more! Event photography by Beata Dunn Photography Hurry! This event sells out every year! Grab some friends and get your tickets today!

Attention moms over 40 with children between newborn and 4 years old (or about that age) - this is the group for you! Please join NPN volunteer, Cathy, who leads a Zoom chat for moms 40+ to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys you face as moms. Please sign up for this group to attend one or all of these meetups and drop in for as long as you can! This group will meet at 8:00 to 9:30 PM. You will receive a Zoom upon RSVPing and the link again before the meeting. NPN members only. Please register once for you and your child(ren). You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Erikson Institute. NPN is proud to share information about Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network: The Fussy Baby Network offers a range of parent support services around crying, sleeping, and feeding issues for babies and toddlers up to age 3. We provide free phone support through our warmline, staff by our warm and caring family/infant specialists. We also offer free virtual home visits to families no matter where they live. Finally, we provide support groups for parents to talk together about the challenges they face and how they cope. All of our services are available in English and Spanish.

Attention moms over 40 with children between newborn and 4 years old (or about that age) - this is the group for you! Please join NPN volunteer, Cathy, who leads a Zoom chat for moms 40+ to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys you face as moms. Please sign up for this group to attend one or all of these meetups and drop in for as long as you can! This group will meet at 8:00 to 9:30 PM. You will receive a Zoom upon RSVPing and the link again before the meeting. NPN members only. Please register once for you and your child(ren). You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Erikson Institute. NPN is proud to share information about Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network: The Fussy Baby Network offers a range of parent support services around crying, sleeping, and feeding issues for babies and toddlers up to age 3. We provide free phone support through our warmline, staff by our warm and caring family/infant specialists. We also offer free virtual home visits to families no matter where they live. Finally, we provide support groups for parents to talk together about the challenges they face and how they cope. All of our services are available in English and Spanish.

Choosing the right preschool for your child can be a daunting task, especially when your child has a developmental difference. You might be wondering if a therapeutic preschool is the best fit for your child. But what is a therapeutic preschool? What does it provide that another preschool doesn't? What should you look for in a therapeutic preschool to know that it is right for your family? In this session you will learn what makes a preschool therapeutic, how traditional therapy is integrated in the preschool environment, the benefits of a therapeutic preschool experience and what questions to ask to make sure you find the best fit for your family. There will be time for Q&A at the end! You will walk away from this discussion understanding: 1. How therapeutic preschools differ from non-therapeutic preschools 2. How parents can evaluate and compare therapeutic preschools 3. What to look for when touring a therapeutic preschool 4. What to expect when transitioning to traditional schools after preschool Our esteemed panel consists of: Lorell Marin, Founder and CEO, LEEP Forward Dr. Lori G. Tall, Executive Director, Black Bear Academy Dr. Erin Harvey, Clinic Director and Occupational Therapist, Blue Bird Day Kimberly Shlaes, Director of Therapeutic Preschool Programing, PlayWorks Prep Therapeutic Preschool Dr. Connie Weil, Clinical Psychologist, Tuesday's Child Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors: LEEP Forward Black Bear Academy Blue Bird Day Thank you to our Supporting Sponsors: PlayWorks Prep Therapeutic Preschool and Tuesday's Child By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsors.