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NPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at Kids Work Chicago Riverview! Their large indoor and outdoor play space will be open, crafts will be available, plus 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. The parking lot in front of the building has plenty of spaces and there is also ample street parking in the neighborhood! All families in attendance will be entered into a raffle to win a gift certificate to Goldfish Swim School Roscoe Village.

Join Kids' Work Chicago Riverview and observe our PreK classrooms to see the curriculum and learning environment in real-time, then chat with lead teachers at a Q&A session! This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample parking in Kids' Work Riverview's private lot in front of our center. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sierra@kidsworkchicago.com.

Join Kids' Work Chicago Riverview and observe our Jr.K/Kindergarten classrooms to see the curriculum and learning environment in real-time, then chat with lead teachers at a Q&A session! This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample parking in Kids' Work Riverview's private lot in front of our center. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sierra@kidsworkchicago.com.

Lycée Français de Chicago invites you to attend our open house. This event will allow you to tour our school and ask key questions to our teachers, staff, parents, and students! Hours: 10:00 am - 11:00 am, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Pre-K (3 year old by 12/31/2024) through 5th grade 11:00 am -12:00 pm, 1:00pm - 2:00pm & 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Middle, High school & IB program (taught in English, starting in 9th grade) This is a free event, but RSVP is requested. Please go here to register. Street parking nearby is possible. A nearby parking garage, Ravenswood Garage (entrance off Damen Ave.) is also available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: admissions@lyceechicago.org or call 773-665-0066 ext 201.

We invite your whole family, including children, to come by Bennett Day School on Saturday, November 11 any time between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm to learn more about our innovative PreK-12 program. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. There is free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. We are 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. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: samantha.rud@bennettday.org.

NPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday Family Day at Park West Cooperative for a FREE playdate. "Bring the Outdoors In" at the Sunday Family Day with Park West Co-Op Preschool & NPN on Sunday, November 12th, from 9:00-11:00 am. Come with your child to explore outdoor materials inside our award-winning preschool classrooms and indoor gym! Let your child's imagination be your guide and follow them as they investigate a variety of outdoor materials creatively used indoors. Play in our sand and water tables, investigate sticks, leaves, fruits and vegetables. Try painting, build with blocks, complete puzzles, read books, and more. Enjoy the adventure- we hope you will join us! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old, and allergy-friendly snacks provided A goal at Park West Co-op is to infuse our school environment and activities with opportunities for children to further their understanding of literacy, numbers, arts and science in ways that make sense to them and are developmentally appropriate- all in a play-based curriculum. Learn more about Park West Co-op preschool here Park West Cooperative Park West Cooperative is located at 2214 N Bissell St, Chicago, IL 60614. We are accessible just two blocks South of the Fullerton L stop (Red, Brown, Purple lines) and easily accesible from both the Fullerton and Armitage bus. Metered Parking is available on Webster and Street parking is available but please allow some extra time as we are located in the beautiful and busy Lincoln Park Neighborhood.

Join Kids' Work Chicago Riverview and observe our Jr.K/Kindergarten classrooms to see the curriculum and learning environment in real-time, then chat with lead teachers at a Q&A session! This is a repeating event, with a 2nd open house on for Jr.K/Kindergarten on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 9:45 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample parking in Kids' Work Riverview's private lot in front of our center. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sierra@kidsworkchicago.com.

Join Kids' Work Chicago Riverview and observe our PreK classrooms to see the curriculum and learning environment in real-time, then chat with lead teachers at a Q&A session! This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample parking in Kids' Work Riverview's private lot in front of our center. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sierra@kidsworkchicago.com.

Join Kids' Work Chicago Riverview and observe our Jr.K/Kindergarten classrooms to see the curriculum and learning environment in real-time, then chat with lead teachers at a Q&A session! This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample parking in Kids' Work Riverview's private lot in front of our center. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sierra@kidsworkchicago.com.

Join Kids' Work Chicago Riverview and observe our PreK classrooms to see the curriculum and learning environment in real-time, then chat with lead teachers at a Q&A session! This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample parking in Kids' Work Riverview's private lot in front of our center. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sierra@kidsworkchicago.com.

Each session and exhibitor is planned with Chicago families in mind! Visit with representatives from schools and community organizations. Attend sessions to learn about the elementary school application process in CPS, Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for diverse learners, and financial options for help paying for private school. Also, your family will enjoy dance performances from Kenwood School of Ballet and story time with St. Thomas the Apostle School. Stay tuned for more! This is a family-friendly event with activities for children included. ➤ List of exhibitors Sessions 10 am to 11:00 am Paying for Private School Presented by the Big Shoulders Fund, Horizons for Youth, Empower Illinois, and Illinois Action for Children Learn how these organizations support Chicago students financially, academically, and socially, and find out how to apply to their programs. 11:15 am to 12:15 pm CPS 101 What is a magnet school? What is your tier and why does it matter? Come to the school fair to get all of these questions answered and more! In this CPS 101 information session, Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS will give a presentation that walks you through the elementary school application and admissions process. 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Understanding IEPs In this session you will learn what an IEP is, how it is designed to help students, and the 6 principals of IDEA. You will walk away with tips on how to be the best advocate for your student during the IEP meeting and other settings. Presented by Natasha Croff--Parent Involvement Specialist, CPS Office of Diverse Learner Supports+Services, and Kimberly Johnson, Regional Cook County Coordinator, Community Residential Services Authority (CRSA) MUST-KNOW INFO When: Saturday, October 21, 10 am--2 pm Where: Kennicott Park, 4434 South Lake Park Avenue Who: FREE for everyone ($20 donation recommended) Registration is required for entry Interested in exhibiting or advertising opportunities? Find out more HERE. Questions? Email Events Manager Elizabeth Gourio at egourio@npnparents.org. By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our sponsors. NPN is a 501(c)(3) organization. We rely on the support of our members, partners, supporters, and sponsors to bring exceptional programming like this to parents. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors

Come join us at the 2nd Annual South Side Early Childhood and Grade School Fair to be held at the Ancona School, 4770 S. Dorchester Ave., on Sunday, November 5th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Presented by The Ancona School and Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School, this fair connects parents with area early childhood programs, grade schools and community organizations. The fair is free and open to the general public. Please RSVP here: https://forms.diamondmindinc.com/anconaschool/southsideschoolfair

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is designed to help children with a variety of needs including autism, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, and more. Although it is there to help students, parents often find the IEP process difficult to manage and understand, but NPN can help. If your child needs specialized services in school, or you are beginning to wonder if your child needs this type of support, come and learn about this process from experts. In this session you will learn what an IEP is, how it is designed to help students, and the 6 principals of IDEA. You will walk away with tips on how to be the best advocate for your student during the IEP meeting and other settings. There will be time for parents to ask questions at the end. Natasha Croff--Parent Involvement Specialist, CPS Office of Diverse Learner Supports+Services, and Kimberly Johnson, English Language Arts Principal Consultant at Illinois State Board of Education will be presenting. MUST-KNOW INFO When: Saturday, October 21, 12:30 pm -- 1:30 pm Where: Kennicott Park, 4434 South Lake Park Avenue Who: FREE for everyone ($20 donation recommended) This session will take place at NPN's Education & Community Fair at Kennicott Park in Hyde Park. Registration is required for entry. RSVP here:

NPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at Bennett Day School! Calling all explorers ages 2-5! Join us for a STEAM Sunday playdate on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 9:00 - 11:00 am. Bennett Day School is so excited to be partnering with Neighborhood Parents Network of Chicago (NPN) again to bring Chicago-area families this FREE playdate. There will be fun STEAM activities for kids and light snacks. Parents – grab a cup of coffee and enjoy as your kids have fun and engage with peers! Bennett Day School is located at 955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 Parking/Public Transportation Info: If you are planning to drive, there is limited parking available 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 Day School 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.

Choosing a preschool for your child can be an overwhelming task, especially in Chicago where there are so many options. What does a Reggio-Emilia, Arts-Integrated, or Play-Based curriculum mean? Why do children need preschool? With so many different preschool philosophies, how do you know which philosophy works for you and your family. Kevin O'Brien, Director, Mary Meyer School Meg Fitzgerald, Director of Early Childhood (PreK-SK), Bennett Day School Samantha Maxwell, Preschool Director, Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool Dr. Camille Franklin, Ed.D, LSW, Family Engagement Coordinator Network 4, Chicago Public Schools OECE Sarah Cudnik, Owner and Executive Director, Kids' Work Chicago Riverview

Choosing a preschool for your child can be an overwhelming task, especially in Chicago where there are so many options. What does a Reggio-Emilia, Arts-Integrated, or Play-Based curriculum mean? What does a STEM-focused curriculum look like in preschool? With so many different preschool philosophies, how do you know which philosophy works for you and your family? In this discussion, you will learn about various philosophies in early childhood education programs and the benefits of each philosophy regarding character development in early childhood. In addition, our panelists will discuss some things to consider during the preschool search to help you prepare to choose a preschool for your family. There will be time for Q&A at the end! Our esteemed school panel consists of: Kevin O'Brien, Director, Mary Meyer School Meg Fitzgerald, Director of Early Childhood (PreK-SK), Bennett Day School Samantha Maxwell, Preschool Director, Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool Dr. Camille Franklin, Ed.D, LSW, Family Engagement Coordinator Network 4, Chicago Public Schools OECE Sarah Cudnik, Owner and Executive Director, Kids' Work Chicago Riverview Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors: Mary Meyers School and Bennett Day School. And we appreciate our Supporting Sponsor: Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsor. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors

What is a magnet school? What is your tier and why does it matter? Come to the school fair to get all of these questions answered and more! In this CPS 101 information session, Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS will give a presentation that walks you through the elementary school application and admissions process. There is so much to learn and we will cover it all! You will walk away confident in your ability to navigate the CPS application process. There will be time for questions at the end. MUST-KNOW INFO When: Saturday, October 21, 11:15 am-- 12:15 pm Where: Kennicott Park, 4434 South Lake Park Avenue Who: FREE for everyone ($20 donation recommended) This session will take place at NPN's Education & Community Fair at Kennicott Park in Hyde Park. Registration is required for entry. RSVP here:

Did you know that there are programs and organizations that will support your child's education by covering all or a portion of students' private school tuition? Come and learn about these organizations and how they support students financially, academically, and socially. You will be surprised at the amount of support available to families and you'll learn how to apply to these programs. All families considering private school are encouraged to attend. Presented by Big Shoulders Fund, Horizons for Youth, Empower Illinois, and Illinois Action for Children MUST-KNOW INFO When: Saturday, October 21, 10 am-- 11 am Where: Kennicott Park, 4434 South Lake Park Avenue Who: FREE for everyone ($20 donation recommended) This session will take place at NPN's Education & Community Fair at Kennicott Park in Hyde Park. Registration is required for entry. Register here:

NPN's Annual Preschool and Elementary School Fair is back! Mark your calendars for September 23, 2023. Held every fall, NPN’s Annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair has been the No. 1 resource for school-searching parents for over 20 years! All attendees will have the chance to win a $50 gift card to the popular restaurant, eden, which is conveniently located right next to Kids' Work Chicago Riverview. Eden is ever-evolving, with a menu that embraces seasonal flavors that cultivate inside our on-site greenhouse or sourced locally from farmers and purveyors. With a fresh-focused culinary team, private dining options, market items & home goods, outdoor patio, and a bar with specialty crafted cocktails, eden is unlike any other restaurant in Chicago. Walk-ins are welcome! ➤ List of participating schools Sessions 9:00 - 9:45am Navigating CPS Preschool Options Presented by Dr. Camille Franklin, Network 4 Family Engagement Coordinator, from CPS Office of Early Childhood Education In this session, parents will learn about preschool options in Chicago Public Schools and how to navigate the CPS preschool application and admissions process. 11:05am - 12:05pm Private Preschool 101: Admissions, Tuition, Diversity & Community Kids Work Chicago Riverview, Bennett Day School, British International School of Chicago Lincoln Park, Lycée Français de Chicago In this session, parents will learn how to determine which schools are a good fit for their child, how to learn about a school community, and how to expertly maneuver the admissions process. Parents will leave with an understanding of the admissions process, and the questions to ask about school culture, tuition/financial aid, and diversity in order to help them find a good-fit school for their family. 12:10 - 1:10pm A Family Guide on the Early Intervention to IEP Transition Process Presented by Tareema Jean-Baptiste from Starnet Chicago In this session, we will walk through the transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood. Using the workbook "When I'm 3, Where Will I Be?" as a guide, we will explore the importance of a parent's voice and what rights parents have during the process. Parents will learn how to prepare for the Transition Planning meeting, Evaluations, and the IEP meeting, as well as create a timeline that fits their needs. Participants will leave with tangible resources to help make the transition as smooth as possible. 10:00 am to 11:00 am: Dedicated exhibition hall time. The exhibition hall closes at 12:30 pm. MUST-KNOW INFO When: Saturday, September 23, 9am--1pm Where: Kids' Work Chicago Riverview, 3429 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Who: FREE for NPN members ($20 donation recommended); $20 non-members Join NPN now for $20 using promo code school23 and attend the school fair for free! For new members only. Does not apply to membership renewals. Registration is required for entry This event is designed for parents however, children will not be turned away. Questions? Email Events Manager Elizabeth Gourio at egourio@npnparents.org. By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our sponsors. By registering for this event, you agree to the terms of our host venue's liability waiver. Interested in exhibiting or advertising opportunities? Find out more HERE. NPN is a 501(c)(3) organization. We thank our sponsors for their support.

Choosing a preschool for your child can be an overwhelming task, especially in Chicago where there are so many options. In this discussion, you will learn about a variety of philosophies in early childhood education programs and the benefits of each philosophy in regard to character development in early childhood. Our esteemed school panel consists of: Steph Davis, Reception Teacher (PK) and Early Years Curriculum Director, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park Erin Roenna, Community Relations Coordinator, Montessori Academy of Chicago Cecilia Porter, Director of Admissions, Lycée Français de Chicago Jodi Thyen, Director of Marketing & Admissions, Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School

In this session, we will walk through the transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood. Using the workbook "When I'm 3, Where Will I Be?" as a guide, we will explore the importance of a parent's voice and what rights parents have during the process. Parents will learn how to prepare for the Transition Planning meeting, Evaluations, and the IEP meeting, as well as create a timeline that fits their needs. Participants will leave with tangible resources to help make the transition as smooth as possible. This session will be presented by Tareema Jean-Baptiste from Starnet Chicago. This session is being conducted at NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair. RSVP to the school fair to attend! RSVP here: https://www.npnparents.org/events/event/369-npn-annual-preschool-and-elementary-school-fair/

In this in-person session, parents will learn about preschool options in Chicago Public Schools and how to navigate the CPS preschool application and admissions process. Dr. Camille Franklin, Network 4 Family Engagement Coordinator, from CPS Office of Early Childhood Education will be presenting. This session is being conducted at NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair. RSVP to the school fair to attend! RSVP here: https://www.npnparents.org/events/event/369-npn-annual-preschool-and-elementary-school-fair/

In this session, parents will learn how to determine which schools are a good fit for their child, how to learn about a school community, and how to expertly maneuver the admissions process. Parents will leave with an understanding of the admissions process, and the questions to ask about school culture, tuition/financial aid, and diversity in order to help them find a good-fit school for their family. Schools represented on the panel Kids Work Chicago Riverview Bennett Day School British International School of Chicago Lincoln Park Lycée Français de Chicago This session is being conducted at NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair. RSVP to the school fair to attend! RSVP here: https://www.npnparents.org/events/event/369-npn-annual-preschool-and-elementary-school-fair/

NPN Playdates are a perfect start to the day. Join us for Sunday play at the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park in their indoor/outdoor play space! Children will enjoy unstructured gross motor activities, sensory play, crafts, and light refreshments. Parents, grab a cup of coffee, chat with other parents, and enjoy an easy morning. This event is best for kids aged 2 - 5 years old but children of all ages are welcome. Spots are limited so register today! Parking Information: There is limited street parking both free and metered around the school. There is a pay-to-park garage directly behind the school and you can bring the ticket into the school to validate for a reduced price. There is also a pay-to-park garage in the New City complex across Halsted. British International School of Chicago is located at 814 W Eastman St, Chicago, IL 60642

Join us for Sunday play at City Garden Waldorf School! The playdate will start in the private garden where families and children can explore the sandbox, play train, mushroom house, and the rest of the secure play space. Children can roll dough and bake bread with a teacher and while the bread bakes, enjoy a short, age-appropriate puppet play. Afterward, enjoy the fresh-baked bread, continue playing and mingling with other NPN families, and if you like, use the time as an opportunity to talk with the school staff about their program and Waldorf early childhood education. City Garden Waldorf School is located at 920 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608. There is ample street parking on 19th Street. Enter the school through the garden located between 920 and 912 W. 19th Street.