Welcome to STAR NET Region II and VI
Empowering Families.
Equipping Educators.
Elevating Every Child.
STAR NET Region II and VI provides professional development in various forms, consultation, resources, and family learning opportunities to facilitate the education and development of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight.
We promote educational excellence by advancing family-centered, evidence-based, inclusive practices in early childhood education and care, equipping educators, administrators, and families with the knowledge and tools to help every child thrive.
The STAR NET Region II and VI geographic area includes: North, West and Southern Cook County, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will Counties in Northeast Illinois.
We offer workshops, webinars, and conferences for families and early childhood professionals to build the skills and knowledge needed to support young children with disabilities, developmental concerns and neurodiverse needs in inclusive settings.
STAR NET offers funding for families of young children with IEPs and early childhood special education professionals to attend educational opportunities to enhance their knowledge and strengthen their ability to support young children with disabilities.
Every child shines with the right support. Explore the STAR NET Resource Listing and Lending Library for valuable information tailored to families, caregivers, and educators of children from birth through age 8.
Consult a STAR NET Team Member to answer questions, provide information, offer guidance, and connect you with the right tools and resources to meet your needs.
When I Am Three Transition Guide
How Can I Prepare For Transition Welcome to the updated Transition Guide for families and professionals! This easy to use guide is your resource throughout the transition from Early Intervention […]
Selective Mutism Parent Support Group
This is a welcoming space for parents to come together to share stories, offer advice, and connect with others who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child […]
UPDATED: The Parent Guide
The Parent Guide has been revised by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Special Education Department to incorporate the changes in regulations and procedures that have occurred since its […]
Communities of Practice & Cohorts
Connect, learn, and grow—STAR NET Region II and VI hosts collaborative meetings where professionals come together to share knowledge and strengthen practice.
Teacher Cohorts
Join our professional learning community for early childhood special educators to elevate your work in inclusive classrooms. We’ll apply DEC Recommended Practices using classroom examples, discussion, and reflection.
Administrator Support
Administrator Coffee Chats & Coordinator Meetings
Throughout the school year, engage with fellow administrators in both in-person and virtual meetings to exchange ideas, strengthen leadership, and collaboratively address common challenges.
Transition Community of Practice
Participate in collaborative meetings with early intervention and early childhood education partners to explore common challenges, exchange strategies, and share best practices that support successful transitions for families moving from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Education.
Early Childhood Outcomes Community of Practice
Work with colleagues to understand, measure, and improve outcomes for young children receiving early intervention or special education services.
Learn more
On-Demand Learning
Recorded Webinars & Videos
Explore our library of recorded sessions covering a wide range of topics, including transition from early intervention, family engagement, inclusion, IEP goals, literacy, social emotional skills, Early Childhood Outcomes and more.
Our Mission is to Promote
- Evidence-based inclusive practices for young children with disabilities.
- Professional development to support educators and families.
- Meaningful child outcomes through innovative and engaging learning experiences.
Recorded
Webinars
Useful
Resources
Counties
Served
Statewide Connections
