This year's event is brand new and focused on parent-led discussion, support, connection, and joy.
Parents: Learn more and RSVP here!
Businesses and Providers: Contact amy@npnparents.org to inquire about participating
Fall 2026 Developmental Differences Parent Fest
When: Saturday, September 19 from 4:00-7:00 PM
Where: LEEP Forward/QLA, 1447 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613
What you get: Keynote address, facilitated parent-led roundtable discussions, mingling with parents and providers in the curated exhibit hall, appetizers and beverages
List of providers: coming soon
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring 2026 Developmental Differences Parent Fest
When: Saturday, April 18 from 5:00-8:00 PM
Where: Quantum Leep Academy, 1447 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613
What you get: Keynote address, parent-led roundtable discussions, mingling with parents and providers in the curated exhibit hall, appetizers and beverages
List of providers: coming soon
Event Schedule
5:00-5:30 Keynote address, Finding Joy in Grief, Tareema Jean-Baptiste, presenter
5:30-7:00 Parent-led roundtable discussions
7:00-8:00 Provider introductions, mingling and resource/wisdom sharing with parents and providers
About our presenter
Tareema Jean-Baptiste is a Family Professional Development Resource Specialist with STAR NET Region V. As a fierce advocate for her oldest son, who has special needs, Tareema uses diligence, intelligence, and an untiring drive to ensure he receives everything to which he is entitled under the law. She is passionate about sharing what she has learned with others, with the goal of helping them on their journey.
Participating providers
LEEP Forward/Quantum Leep Academy
Valora Behavioral Support Centers
The O School
Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois
Individual & Family Connection
What parents say:
- "...felt more empowered as a mom—thank you so much!"
- "I felt supported. I felt like I wasn't alone."
- "...everyone I met at a booth was very kind and went above and beyond providing resources, ideas and follow-up info."
NPN offers this event to all Chicagoans for free—part of NPN’s mission to deliver developmental differences resources and support to every Chicago parent who needs it.
Thank you to our Sponsors
