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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.

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.

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 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.

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

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

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:

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:

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 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/

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/

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

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.

Join us for Sunday play at Sacred Heart Schools! There will be fun activities and open play on the turf field if it is nice out or in the gym in case of inclement weather. Parents, relax and enjoy coffee and light bites during this relaxed, fun morning! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Sacred Heart is located at 6250 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago. Park in any of the school lots: https://www.shschicago.org/directions-parking

Raising a child is expensive, especially when your child has special needs. Government benefits are helpful however understanding the process can be overwhelming. Well NPN is here to help! In this session, we will discuss what types of benefit programs exist, which benefits programs are available to you, and what is needed for the application process. You will walk away with clarity about government benefits and how to set your child up with financial support as they become an adult. This session is helpful for parents of special needs children from ages 3 to 22. Our Esteemed Presenter: Sherri Schneider, founder, Family Benefit Solutions, Inc For more than 25 years, Sherri has been tirelessly dedicated to helping individuals with special needs and their families. Her career began as a Case Manager in a Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) where she helped those with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses acquire the government benefits they so desperately needed, including SSI, Medicaid, and food stamps. She was instrumental in creating one of the first Community Living Facility (CLF) facilities funded under a Medicaid waiver. Sherri now meets privately with families to thoroughly assess their individual situations and pursue the appropriate benefit assistance program(s), personally guiding them through the application process. Based on her vast experience, she has skillfully established and maintained open, productive relationships with government agencies involved in the decision-making process. Professionals find her in-service expertise to be invaluable as they navigate the government benefit process.

Does your child struggle with focus, irritability, or sleeping? Have you noticed that your child has become more clingy, fidgety, or finicky with food? Are you concerned about a change you observe in your child's behavior? Trying to figure out what is the root cause of a change in a child's behavior can be overwhelming. Well, NPN is here to help. In this session, we will discuss anxiety and bring clarity around what anxiety symptoms look like, when a diagnosis is appropriate, and what supportive resources and treatments are available. This webinar is for children ages 2 - 8 years old who are neurodiverse or neurotypical. Our Esteemed Panelist: Dr. Chrisna M. Perry, Ph.D., Founder & Director, Comprehensive Learning Services Dr. Bill Pasola, Psy.D., Psychotherapist, Smart Love Family Services

We're excited to launch Parent Chats! Your monthly virtual opportunity to join in on a casual conversation centered around topics that matter to you. Unlike our monthly webinars that are more structured and have a presenter and topic - you get to lead the discussion, vent about current happenings, or just observe and chime in as you see fit; think of it as our forum in video format! Sitaara and Amy from the NPN staff team will join you. If you've been craving connection but not eager about getting out in the real world for it to happen - we hope you join us. Here are the topics and dates for each Parent Chat this June through August. Participating parents will be automatically entered to win raffle prizes at each chat! In this June chat, focusing on pregnancy - preschool, you could win: - A one hour consultation with infant sleep expert, Serene Swaddles - A one hour consultation with childbirth educator, Serene Swaddles - A birth options consultation with Jo Ann Lindberg of Birthlink June 9th: Chat about the early years: pregnancy - preschool July 14th: Talk about the elementary school years: Kindergarten - 6th grade August 18th: Celebrate the tween-teen years: 7th grade - 12th grade

Does your child have an IEP or 504 plan? Are you having challenges receiving supportive services in school for your child? Are you overwhelmed with understanding what therapies your insurance will cover and will not cover? Did you know your child can receive accommodations even in college? Do you know your child's rights within the state of Illinois? Well NPN is here to help! In this session, you will learn when it is appropriate to seek legal advice, what rights your child has in the state of Illinois, what are your child's health care rights in the state of Illinois and so much more! Our expert will provide valuable information as well as be ready to answer your questions.

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