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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. This recording is the eleventh episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. The podcast was published on 3/11/25. For more information and resources about this topic, visit the podcast episode's show notes.

Join Emily Winsor, Managing Director of Tuesday's Child, in the first of a three-part series on Special Education in Chicago. This session will walk parents through the basics of the special education process. You will learn who special education is for, important terms, and Emily's key takeaways on the best way to approach the special education process. This session was recorded live on 4/3/25.

Learn more about Special Olympics programs offered in your community with our presenter Michelle Mark, the Director of Athlete Leadership and Family Initiatives. Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities as well as health education, leadership and personal development. SOILL is divided into 11 regions throughout the state and is fully integrated into the community in order to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. ~ Services for People with Disabilities (SFPD) ~ Presents a free Community Education Workshop Continuing education credits are available for QIDP's. Session may be recorded This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. or call Kathryn Dougherty at 773-765-3158 to register. You will receive a ZOOM link to participate via email the day prior to the session. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: kathryndougherty@jcfs.org.

The One of a Kind Spring Show showcases over 350 talented creators and connects them with thousands of shoppers who appreciate original, handcrafted work. It’s the perfect event in Chicago to refresh your Spring style and discover unique gifts for every occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Incredible India Adventure: Bollywood Dance, Folk art, Hindi! Ultimate cultural immersion with Bollywood Dance, Indian Folk art, and Hindi! Students will learn about the magical state of Rajasthan with deserts and camels, learn a dance from there, and also learn about Holi, the festival of colors, from our Maya/Neel Holi book. This is a free trial class for an 8-week session. 10 to 10:45 am - Ages 3 to 5 years 11 to Noon - Ages 6 to 8 years This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Lot parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ajanta@bollygroove.com.

Ultimate cultural immersion with Bollywood Dance, Indian Folk art, and Hindi! Students will learn about the magical state of Rajasthan with deserts and camels, learn a dance from there, and also learn about Holi, the festival of colors, from our Maya/Neel Holi book. This is a free trial class for an 8-week session. Ages 3 to 5 - full Ages 6 to 8 - 11 am to Noon Ages 9 to 12 - Noon to 1 pm This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. The facility has a small parking lot. Street parking otherwise. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ajanta@bollygroove.com.

Incredible India Adventures classes! (8 weeks) $100 off. Ages 3 - 12. The ultimate cultural immersion class with Bollywood Dance, Folk art, Hindi, Festivals, etc. Our mission is to help parents and educators Raise Multicultural Kids via incredibly fun and engaging content! In the past 15 years, bG has sold more than 85K books, conducted 500+ school/library/corporate workshops, and impacted 5000+ kids and adults.

Come curious. Come ready to inspire and be inspired. Come be part of the shift. How can stories lead to transformation in Chicago and beyond? Film has the power to help us imagine, dream, and open our minds to a world that reflects our deepest hopes and humanity. Join a panel of storytellers, visionaries, and changemakers who stutter who are using the art of film to address challenges and opportunities to make change in our communities. During our time together, we will hear and see glimpses of projects from the following panelists: Maya Chupkov, founder and executive director of Proud Stutter Reveca Torres, filmmaker and disability advocate The panel will be moderated by Danielle Scruggs, the founder of Black Women Directors. Remarks will be given by Northwestern faculty: Elisha Boxer Magnifico from CSD, David Catlin from the Department of Theatre, and Catherine Carrigan from RTVF. Because Chicago has a rich and diverse community with deep historical roots, and the program will lift up topics that touch different issues, the event brings together distinct but intersectional communities: stuttering, journalism, film, disability, speech-language pathologists, and justice-impacted. Space is limited! This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Campus parking lot or street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: mcsharone@gmail.com.

Snapology continues the learning process in the Summer with a fun, engaging and entertaining manner. Our use of LEGO, technology and robotics allows your child to have a fun filled summer without them even realizing they are learning. Themes like Minecraft, Pokemon and Harry Potter along with robotics and animation camps allow your child to be fully engaged throughout our camps. The children will also enjoy outdoor play throughout the week and our full day campers will have Pizza Fridays to look forward to. We are at multiple locations throughout the city. We are looking forward to seeing you this summer!

Peer support, educational, and activity-based groups via Zoom for kids who have a brother or sister with a disability or chronic condition. This is a free, online event. RSVP is required. Please email ahren.hoffman@aah.org to RSVP This is a repeating event with additional dates on May 17, & June 21, 2025, from 10 - 11:30am This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ahren.hoffman@aah.org.

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 consider 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 the essential information to help make the admissions journey smoother. This recording is the twelfth episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. The podcast was published on 3/25/25. For more information and resources about this topic, visit the podcast episode's show notes.

Join us for the Bubble Egg Hunt and celebrate all things spring! We will have open play in our Meadow & Mountain Rooms, art, snacks and live music inside and be running multiple egg hunts outside on our nature playground and a mini-egg hunt for babies and crawlers in our Garden Room so bunnies of all ages to join in the fun.

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At Fit Body Boot Camp, we offer specialized 45-minute boot camp classes that challenge your body and deliver transformative results in a positive, supportive atmosphere. Our fitness classes in Chicago combine the power of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with active rest, ensuring maximum fat burn and muscle toning in every session.

Recipient of multiple parent's choice awards, Purple Monkey runs year-round birthday celebrations for children celebrating their 1st - 6th birthdays and offers weekday classes and playtime seasonally. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and WiFi as your children explore our 1,500 sq. foot space!

RAS Camps: Full-day and half-day Summer Camp with complimentary before and after care — the affordability and flexibility your family needs! Specialty Camps in Art, Soccer, and Engineering are offered, too! Learn more and enroll today.

NPN's annual Online Auction offers great items that Chicago parents want and love, including kids' classes, activities, restaurant gift certificates, massages and access to cool experiences you can't find anywhere else! Start bidding here: https://npnparents.betterworld.org/auctions/2025 🌟 There will NOT be a second-chance auction this year so bid while you can to avoid missing out on a great deal! With the proceeds from our auction, NPN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will be able to continue to provide support and resources designed to solve the challenges of parenting in Chicago. Bidding closes at 10pm on Sunday, March 16th. Questions? Email amyj@npnparents.org Want to donate an item, gift certificate, or experience? Donate here.

During your preschool and elementary school search, you may be looking for a school where your child will feel a sense of belonging. In this session we cover what it means for a school and classroom to be inclusive of all students, why it is important, and how to identify an inclusive school during your school search. We discuss how schools create a welcome environment for families from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, identities, developmental and physical differences and intellectual disabilities. This session was recorded live on March 6, 2025.

The Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel invites guests to relax in its stylishly renovated accommodations in Northbrook. The hotel offers easy access to dining, shopping, Ravinia Park, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and several Fortune 500 companies. A perfect choice for both leisure and business travelers, visitors can enjoy modern amenities, including a fitness center and exceptional dining options at Pancetta Regional Kitchen + Bar or =Ruth’s Chris Steak House.