NPN Amy J.

Why attend an NPN playdate? ✏️ Enjoy a fun morning of play in a cheerful space, with new activities, and other families ✏️ Explore classrooms, meet teachers and staff, and learn what makes each school unique ✏️ Even if you aren't looking for a school, it's a nice way to enjoy the morning. We hope you'll join us! Ages listed below are a guideline; you get to decide which playdates are right for your family. Siblings of any age are always welcome. Please note that these playdates are not drop-off events; a parent must stay. We can't wait to meet you! Click on the links below to learn more and RSVP. More dates are added regularly. Check back often! Upcoming Playdates Summer 2025 RSVP - Sunday, August 24, 2025: Leep Forward, for children 0-5 years old, parents, and siblings. Sensory-friendly! Fall 2025 Saturday, TBD, September 2025: Catherine Cook School, for children 5-10 years old and at least one parent Sunday, TBD, September 2025: Catherine Cook School, for children 0-5 years old, parents, and siblings Saturday, October 18, 2025: Leep Forward, for children 5-10 years old and at least one parent. Sensory-friendly! RSVP - Sunday, October 19, 2025: Bennett Day School, for children 0-5 years old, parents, and siblings Sunday, November 16, 2025: Park West CoOp, for children 0-5 years old, parents, and siblings Winter 2026 Sunday, December 7, 2025: Bright Horizons South Wabash, for children 0-5 years old, parents and siblings Sunday, TBD January 2026: Mary Meyer School, for children 0-5 years old, parents, and siblings Sunday, TBD February 2026: Kids' Work Chicago Riverview, for children 0-5 years old, parents, and siblings Sunday, TBD March 2026: Chicago Waldorf School, for children 0-5 years old, parents, and siblings Spring 2026 Sunday, TBD, April 2026: Sacred Heart Schools Preschool, for children 0-5 years old, parents, and siblings Saturday, TBD, April 2026: Lumiere Children's Therapy, includes parent education session. Sensory-friendly! Is your school or business interested in hosting a playdate? Let us know here.

On Monday, September 2, 2024, NPN Executive Director Amy Johnson and Developmental Differences Advisory Committee member Kimberly Johnson had an opportunity to talk about DDRF with WGN anchors Patrick Elwood and Brónagh Tumulty on WGN Midday News. Your browser does not support the video tag.

Thank you for agreeing to be a guest on NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting! Here are some notes on what to expect, recording tips, and more. What to expect: > We will be using a website called Riverside to record the podcast. We will send you the link to join on the day of the recording. > We'd like to record the podcast with our cameras on so we can share this as a webinar/video later. If you have any questions or concerns about that please let me know. > We'd like for the conversation to run about 15-20 minutes once fully edited. Recording Tips: > Please try to be in a quiet, well-lit environment. > You will have the option to blur your background, but that must be toggled on before we begin recording. > If you'll be recording from your computer, please silence or turn off notifications. > We've found that recording with headphones provides the clearest audio. Interview Questions: > We appreciate your guidance on any questions you'd like for us to ask you, or topics you'd like to talk about > We will send you a list of questions we are planning to ask you a few days before recording. > To help us prepare for our conversation, we ask you to send us a very brief summary of your talking points, in the form of bullet points, sentence phrases, or a few short notes. Publishing: Please be prepared to share the following items with us for publishing: > Social media handles > Headshot > Bio > Optional* Business logo and/or link you'd like us to include Are you providing a special offer to NPN members? Would you like to offer any discount or special benefit to NPN members? This is not required, but much appreciated! If you'd like to offer something special to NPN members, we will mention it in the podcast, in our show notes, and we will publish in our discount directory on our website. Thank you again for being our guest! Should you have any questions, please contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org.

**NEW** Hosting a Screenless Saturday Family Playdate is your opportunity to reach families with children age 5 and above who are looking ahead to their elementary, middle school and high school search. Host an NPN Screenless Saturday Family Playdate and bring these families into your building. Sign up here! Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children and parents to have screen-free fun together and learn about your school. This is not a drop-off playdate. We ask you to provide one activity that children and their parent(s) can do together. This can be as casual as setting out board games for families to play, or as structured as having facilitated activities like yoga, art, or a martial arts lesson. The playdate can include a tour of your school, if you like. Here is a sample itinerary. Yours does not have to look exactly like this: 9:00 - 9:30 arrival and settling in with small activities (puzzles, games, etc.) for families to enjoy while others arrive 9:30 - 10:30 family activity (What activity do your students love? Does your school have a robust ukelele program? Is chess the most popular after school club? Are students folding origami in art class? Can you bring in an outside enrichment program that your school community loves?) 10:30 - 11:00 tour of school and families depart We ask you to provide the activity as well as at least one adult to lead the activity and assist with onsite logistics during the playdate. There will be one NPN staff member in attendance as well. When you host an NPN Screenless Saturday Family Playdate ($500) you receive the following benefits: 1) Name and email addresses of registrants 2) 2-3 emails to our entire mailing list 3) 1 social media post, minimum 4) NPN provided marketing kit for host to self promote event (image and language for social media, link to calendar post where parents can RSVP) 5) Playdate featured on the NPN homepage in the days or weeks leading up to your playdate 6) A mention of the playdate in NPN's monthly School Smarts and Trending email blast 7) One NPN staff member who will greet families as they arrive, mingle with parents during the event, and help clean up at the end 8 )A reminder email to registrants the Friday before to remind everyone of the details (start and end time, address, parking information, and to bring a friend). Email will include a link to the school's website. 9) An email to registrants the Monday after the event to thank them for coming. Email will include a link to your school's website. We can not guarantee a minimum number of families, but we will do our best to fill every playdate with prospective families. Playdates are free for for everyone. You can invite your prospective and current families too. Dates get booked fast and are first come first serve. Don't delay sign up today!

Host the next NPN Playdate at your school and bring new families into your building! This is a great casual way for potential new families to explore your facility and learn about your program. The majority of children attending will be under four years old. Sign up here! We ask you to provide at least one adult from your school to assist with onsite logistics during the playdate. There will be one NPN staff member in attendance as well. However, you can have as many staff as you would like. Playdates can be as casual as opening up your space for free play, or as structured as having facilitated activities for kids. Providing activities and refreshments sometimes leads to higher attendance, but it is not required. It is up to you! When you host an NPN playdate ($500) you receive the following benefits: 1) Name and email addresses of registrants 2) 2-3 emails to our entire mailing list 3) 1 social media post, minimum 4) NPN provided marketing kit for host to self promote event (image and language for social media, link to calendar post where parents can RSVP) 5) Playdate featured on the NPN homepage in the days or weeks leading up to your playdate 6) A mention of the playdate in NPN's monthly School Smarts and Trending email blast 7) One NPN staff member who will greet families as they arrive, mingle with parents during the event, and help clean up at the end 8 )A reminder email to registrants the Friday before to remind everyone of the details (start and end time, address, parking information, and to bring a friend). Email will include a link to the school's website. 9) An email to registrants the Monday after the event to thank them for coming. Email will include a link to your school's website. We can not guarantee a minimum number of families, but we will do our best to fill every playdate with prospective families. In most cases, playdates are free and open to the public. You can invite your prospective families too. Dates get booked fast and are first come first serve. Don't delay sign up today! You can sign up to host a playdate here.

Welcome to NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting, where we delve into parenting life in Chicago and uncover the resources, information, and support that Chicago families need. Listen and subscribe! SEASON 1 Season 1, Episode 14: NPN Weekly Roundup April Edition Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 5/2/25 Description: Laura Baginski, of Earlybirds Club, joins Amy and Sitaara to dive deep into NPN's popular email, the NPN Weekly. We talk about the amazing vibes of Earlybirds Club and relocating for incentives. We touch on the 450% increase in birth rate for women over the age 45 and the ups and downs of parenting at any age. We also discuss the mindboggling statistic that nearly 20% of recent college graduates are bringing their parents to job interviews with them and talk through a post on the NPN forum that asks whether it is ok or not for a parent to make the initial inquiry about a job for their teen. Finally, we find time to discuss the goose in Wrigley Field. Listen to find out which one of us thought geese had teeth. Do you want to receive the popular email, NPN Weekly, every Friday? Sign up here or email us at podcasts@npnparents.org. What should we discuss next month? Please tell us. Season 1, Episode 13: Chicago Teens & Summer Jobs Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 4/18/25 Description: Join Amy as she talks with four Chicago teenagers about their summer jobs. These teens share where they worked, how they got their jobs, their work schedules, and what they liked and didn't like about working. Listen for their practical advice for Chicago teenagers looking for their first summer job, such as when to start looking, how to apply, and more. Episode sponsors: What should we discuss next month? Please tell us. Season 1, Episode 12: Navigating the CPS Application and Admissions Process for Students with Disabilities Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 3/21/25 Description: Join Sitaara as she talks with Natasha Croff and Julie Molina, Parent Support Specialists for Chicago Public Schools, about the CPS application and admissions process for students with disabilities. Natasha and Julie provide expert insights on navigating the system, things to take into consideration when applying to selective enrollment elementary and high schools, available resources and what resources to look for when considering which school may be the best fit. Tune in for practical advice, key steps families should take to ensure their children receive the support they need, and essential information to help make the admissions journey smoother. Important Links: Learn More and Contact a CPS Parent Support Specialists Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) Hotline: 773-553-1800 Parents of Students with Disabilities GoCPS Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Office of Access and Enrollment Selective Enrollment Programs: K-8 Selective Enrollment Programs: High School What should we discuss next month? Please tell us. SEASON 1 Season 1, Episode 11: Keeping Kids Safe on Social Media Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 3/11/25 Description: Marc Berkman is the CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety (OFSMS), the first consumer protection organization focused on social media. In this episode he talks with Amy and Sitaara about how the organization uses a consumer-oriented approach of education, advocacy, and technology in working to make social media safe for children. Learn about children’s drive for “clout”, the lose-lose parenting trade off, and practical safety interventions that parents can implement at home for children from preschool to young adulthood. We discuss the legislation the Organization for Social Media Safety is working on to protect children online and the impact schools can have in keeping students safe. After listening to this episode listeners will walk away with practical advice on safety software options and concrete steps to take to make social media safe for everyone. Important links: Buckling the Social Media Seatbelt Supercourse (free parent course) OFSMS School Programs Bark Bright Canary Net Nanny Donate to OFSMS OFSMS 2025 Gala (in Chicago!) Buckets Over Bullying Episode sponsor Season 1, Episode 10: Preparing Kids for the Age of AI Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 2/14/25 Description: Martin Moran, lead designer of Middle and Upper School at Bennett Day School talks with Amy and Sitaara about preparing children for the age of artificial intelligence. We discuss Bennett Day School's educational approach and why Martin and his team aren't particularly worried about AI. Learn some ways teachers and students use AI to increase efficiency and enhance their work, when parents should allow or discourage the use of AI in completing homework, and how parents can help their students learn skills that AI can't replace, like empathy, ingenuity, and critical thinking. Episode sponsor: Season 1, Episode 9: Medicaid and Supporting Families of Children with Developmental Differences Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 2/13/25 Description: Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois talks with Amy about Medicaid. We discuss what it is, what it provides, and who uses it. Parents might be surprised to learn that Medicaid benefits families at all income levels and it makes disability services possible in Illinois. Hear about what services will be lost and who will be at risk if Medicaid funding is cut. Learn how to advocate for full funding and how you can support your neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities in your daily life. Important links: The Arc of Illinois Take Action and Contact Your Legislators Share Your Medicaid Story Plus, ask specific questions about Medicaid to The Arc of Illinois' Director of Family to Family Health Information Center here: Susan@thearcofil.org See also: NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Fair - coming up April 27, 2025! NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Directory NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group Season 1, Episode 8: Understanding Preschool Options in Chicago Public Schools Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 1/13/25 Description: Dr. Camille Franklin, Network 4 Family Engagement Coordinator from the CPS Office of Early Childhood Education talks with Amy and Sitaara about the preschool options in CPS. We discuss CPS PreK, community-based preschool, early learning programs and more. Learn how to determine which type is right for your family, when to apply, how to apply and what to do once the offers come out. Links to resources we discussed: Office of Early Childhood Education Chicago Early Learning Family Resource Centers Chicago Early Learning Programs Also, the Family Support Help Line: 312-229-1690 What should we discuss next month? Please tell us. Season 1, Episode 7: Creating Family Travel Experiences in Chicago and Beyond Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 12/17/24 Description: Shambrekia Wise, author, entrepreneur, co-creator, mama, and explorer with a Masters Degree in Public Health, talks with Amy and Sitaara about traveling with Multiple Sclerosis, children, and within an environment where nobody looks like you. We talk about her background, writing career, and how travel can impact children and families. She also shares her experience managing a chronic illness while traveling. Finally, we discuss her favorite destinations for family vacations, her favorite neighborhood to explore in Chicago, and the secret gem she recommends to all Chicagoans and tourists! Links: Tea at the Drake Bahá'í House of Worship Home Alone House The Reading Room at the University of Chicago Episode sponsor What should we discuss next month? Please tell us. Season 1, Episode 6: NPN Weekly Roundup November Edition Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 11/22/24 Description: Amy and Sitaara dive deep into NPN's popular email, the NPN Weekly. We talk about holiday theater productions and how NPN members won tickets to Annie and can enter now to win tickets to The Nutcracker. We touch on Building Blocks Toy Store's partnership with NPN and share a sneak peek of NPN's Giving Tuesday campaign. We also discuss parenting dilemmas pulled from the NPN discussion forum like the mom who is going to the Taylor Swift concert and not taking her daughters and the mom who was arrested when her 10-year-old took a walk alone. We find time to debate the value of AI shopping carts and camera-led traffic tickets. Finally, we mull over Thanksgiving plans and share some gratitude, too. Happy Thanksgiving! Do you want to receive the popular email, NPN Weekly, every Friday? Sign up here or email us at podcasts@npnparents.org. What should we discuss next month? Please tell us. Season 1, Episode 5: Raising a Queer Child in Chicago Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 11/8/24 Description: Keisha J. Mathew, A.M., LCSW, founder and therapist of radicallyBLended Services, PLLC discusses the joys and challenges of raising a queer child in Chicago. She shares tips on creating a safe environment where children are comfortable sharing personal feelings, advice on how to react if your child comes out to you, how to advocate for queer children at school and beyond, and resources that adults can turn to for help in being an ally. Here are links to the resources that we discussed: Resources within Chicago Public Schools The Trevor Project Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Howard Brown Health Center on Halsted Good Kids Mad City About our guest: Keisha J. Mathew, A.M., LCSW, has been in social work since 2002. Her focus is primarily on BIPOC youth and their families. She has trained in several therapeutic approaches and modalities and has worked as a youth specialist, program manager, crisis intervention clinician, high school counselor, and group therapist within Chicago Public Schools. She collaborates extensively with school and community members around the city within communities of color. Her work with youth and their families extends to American-born, first-generation refugees, and those who Immigrated by choice. She is grateful to be considered a culturally competent clinician and activist; her work and passion for serving extends to all walks of life. Episode sponsor Who would you like to hear from next? Please tell us. Season 1, Episode 4: NPN Weekly Roundup 10/25/24 Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 10/25/24 Description: Amy and Sitaara take a deep dive into NPN's popular email, the NPN Weekly along with special guest Natalie Monterastelli of Bubbles Academy. We talk about being a homebody, parenting homebody kids, parenting pressures, and Amy's op-ed in Crain's Chicago Business about Chicago Public Schools. On the lighter side, we share info on local Halloween attractions, Halloween events, and why we should exercise our social muscles. Then we share a bunch of ways that families of young kids can activate those social muscles at Bubbles Academy this weekend and beyond. Here are links to the events and sights we discuss: Zombie house at Wilson and Richmond, Chicago Halloween wedding at 140 N. Deleplaine Rd., Riverside Bubbleween Bucktown 10/26 Trick-or-Treat Gold Coast 10/27 Bubbleween in Gold Coast 10/27 Halloween Snapshots in Gold Coast 10/27 Dia de los Muertos 11/1 Chicago Kids Diwali Celebration 11/2 Do you want to receive the NPN Weekly? Sign up here or email us at podcasts@npnparents.org. What should we discuss next month? Please tell us. Season 1, Episode 3: Understanding CPS Elementary School Options Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 10/15/24 Description: Grace Lee Sawin, founder of Chicago School GPS, discusses elementary school options in Chicago Public Schools with Amy and Sitaara. Resources discussed include the CPS application portal , the GoCPS Elementary Info and GoCPS Elementary Resources. You can find school tours listed here, here, and here. About our guest: As a self-described “Tiger Mom Lite”, Grace has always felt that the most important role of a parent is to provide the best possible education for her children by putting in all the time and research required to successfully make that happen. Little did she know HOW MUCH time and research she would have to do in order to get her daughters into a sought-after private Montessori for preschool, then into a well-regarded selective enrollment elementary program followed by a top selective enrollment high school and to an Ivy League university. Throughout the years, Grace has seen the school choice landscape change in Chicago with more options for all types of students. She thrives on uncovering these nuggets of wisdom and “hidden” info that others simply don’t have time to discover. She also is excited to share that info with you as she firmly believes a great education is a right, not a privilege. It just so happens in Chicago, it’s a “right” that takes an inordinate amount of research. NPN members receive special perks from our partners! Click on these links to learn more and redeem: Park West Cooperative Nursery School and Pilgrim Lutheran School. Not a member? Join now. Who would you like to hear from next? Please tell us. Season 1, Episode 2: NPN Weekly Roundup October Edition Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 9/27/24 Description: Amy and Sitaara take a deep dive into NPN's popular email, the NPN Weekly. Hear about the new Chicago-based dance party Earlybirds Club, the Hidden Gems High School Fair, NPN's Preschool and Elementary School Fair & Family Playdate, Chicago school board elections, and more. Resources mentioned include waituntill8th.org and the Dumb Phone app. Do you want to receive the NPN Weekly? Sign up here or email us at podcasts@npnparents.org. What should we discuss next month? Please tell us. Season 1, Episode 1: Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teens Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Published: 9/13/24, hosted by Amy with guest Caroline Adelman, PhD Description: Dr. Adelman and Amy discuss anxiety in children and teens, and how parents can support their anxious child and teen. About our guest: Dr. Adelman completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she completed her pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships at the Child Study Center at Yale University, and she is the founder and clinical director of Chicago Psychotherapy. Dr. Adelman has published book chapters and journal articles on the topics of anxiety disorders, childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other topics. She has presented her research regularly at national conferences and has conducted multiple clinical trainings on the topic of treating childhood OCD and anxiety disorders. She is also the proud mother of two girls. NPN members receive special perks from our partners! Click on these links to learn more and redeem: Chicago Psychotherapy, Blue Bird Day, and Sonnets Academy. Not a member? Join now. Episode Sponsors Intro Episode: Meet the NPN team! Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Description: Amy, Sitaara, Jana, Doloris, and Seth welcome our listeners Trailer: Welcome to Chicago Style Parenting! Listen here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Description: Meet your hosts, Amy Johnson and Sitaara Jones Stay tuned for episodes to be published every other week! Have suggestions or feedback for us? Please tell us.