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Join NPN and Dr. Shelley Upton with Chicago Psychotherapy PLLC as we talk through how and when to get your child evaluated for developmental differences for those children presenting as early as preschool years through those with lower support needs who are starting to present after they have begun their education journey. Dr Upton will also speak through her experience with IEP' and how an IEP evaluation and a clinical evaluation differ and how best to utilize them to support your child's needs. Dr. Upton specializes in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. She is skilled at conducting a variety of cognitive, neuropsychological, developmental, and adaptive measures with both typically developing and neuro-diverse patients (e.g., ASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Dr. Upton also has experience in the administration of various specialty evaluations such as special education eligibility evaluations and evaluations for the purposes of procuring accommodations for high stakes tests (e.g., the ACT and SAT). She has an extensive background in working with neurodiverse clients across the lifespan and their families.

Join NPN and Dr. Shelley Upton with Chicago Psychotherapy PLLC as we talk through how and when to get your child evaluated for developmental differences for those children presenting as early as preschool years through those with lower support needs who are starting to present after they have begun their education journey. Dr Upton will also speak through her experience with IEP' and how an IEP evaluation and a clinical evaluation differ and how best to utilize them to support your child's needs. This will be a Live Webinar with an opportunity to ask questions. Dr. Upton specializes in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. She is skilled at conducting a variety of cognitive, neuropsychological, developmental, and adaptive measures with both typically developing and neuro-diverse patients (e.g., ASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Dr. Upton also has experience in the administration of various specialty evaluations such as special education eligibility evaluations and evaluations for the purposes of procuring accommodations for high stakes tests (e.g., the ACT and SAT). She has an extensive background in working with neurodiverse clients across the lifespan and their families.

Join us for the “Little Seeds, Big Flowers” STEM NPN Playdate free event at Kensington School of Lincoln Park on Friday, May 10th, from 9:00 to 11:00am! How does your garden grow? With STEM learning at Kensington! Spring has sprung and brings endless educational opportunities, sun, flowers and fun for young children. Event activities will be held in Kensington’s “Sky Room” atrium and outdoor play space. Activities and takeaways include: Butterfly 3D Printing Flower Arrangement Colander Creations Gardening and Soil Sensory Play - Flower Pot Planting Gift Mom’s Day Photo Booth Flower Sorting Mathematics Gnome and Fairy Garden Dramatic Play Grow-at-Home Window Green House Spring Music and Movement around the Piano Obstacle Course Fun with Coach Saaku Allergy-Friendly Snacks and Refreshments Farmers Market child-sized canvas tote bag and Garden Time book from our school nurse, Mrs. Health & Happiness Grow your child’s STEM skills, meet other families, and play in Kensington’s new and unique environments! This event is open to 2 – 5-year-olds with younger siblings welcome. Founded by an educator over 50 years ago, Kensington School is excited to join the Chicago community. Learn more about Kensington School of Lincoln Park and upcoming city schools here. Kensington School is located at 2745 N. Lincoln Avenue with metered and free parking available. We hope to see you there!

How do Parents Advocate for their Neurodivergent Students in a Classroom and Support Student Self Advocacy? School can be an amazing place to learn and be in community with others. It can also be a really tricky place to navigate for Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people. Although supporting students through a neurodiversity-affirming lens can lead to positive social-emotional and learning outcomes for all kids, awareness about neurodiversity and neurodiversity-affirming practices within the schools is just emerging. So, how do you share this information with some members of your school team? How can students learn to self-advocate for themselves in the space? Stephanie Boron, M.S., CCC-SLP, will share information on how to make this process easier and more approachable for you and your child that fosters genuine collaboration with your school team. Stephanie Boron, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed and Certified Speech and Language Pathologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University. With a focus on creating safe and inclusive spaces, Stephanie specializes in neurodiversity-affirming, child-led evaluation and treatment, with a special interest in gestalt language processing (i.e., communication through scripting/echolalia). Stephanie has an online advocacy presence on Instagram @BeMeSpeech. Stephanie's own neurodivergent identity impacts her advocacy work. She is passionate about creating space for others to listen to and learn from neurodivergent perspective. As a strong believer that disability rights are human rights, I love getting to actively mentor the next generation of clinicians to empower their clients and advocate for change in their communities.

Join ALR Connections (HR and Staffing Company) at Werewolf Coffee Bar for coffee and networking. A representative from ALR Connections will be present as well as other NPN Members who are interested in connecting about professional opportunities. ALR Connections has been bringing authenticity and passion to the niche of helping women find jobs where their skills can shine. The locally focused team helps people pivot, reinvent and re-establish themselves in the current workplace by building personal relationships, highlighting transferable skills, and developing a community of professional support. At the same time, ALR helps small businesses without HR departments grow and thrive by vetting and placing perfect-match talent on their behalf. For more information visit alrconnections.com Werewolf Coffee Bar is located at: 1765 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO PARKING IS AVAILABLE IN THE 1765 N ELSTON PARKING LOT. ADDITIONAL PARKING IS ON ELSTON AVE.

According to NAYEC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), Early childhood education settings are often among children’s first communities outside of the home. "Schools should be environments in which children learn that they are valued by others, learn how to treat others with fairness and respect, and learn how to embrace human differences rather than ignore or fear them." Learn about what Early Childhood programs are doing in the classroom to offer developmentally appropriate curriculum to cultivate Socially Conscious Communities. Thank you to our Supporting Sponsor: Park West Co-Op Nursery School Panelists Include Representatives from: Park West Co-Op Nursery School Bennett Day School

How do Middle Schools Support the Development of Executive Function Skills in Students? Parents will learn from our school panelists on what exactly is Executive Function in the school setting, why it is important for students to develop these skills and how schools are supporting building EF in students to help them succeed in the classroom. In this recording, you will also enjoy a robust Q&A from parents who attended the live recording of the Webinar. Our Panelists include Representatives from Bennett Day School and The Academic Center at Whitney Young Magnet High School. Recorded on 2/16/2024

Join NPN for the next School Search Zoom Webinar in our Series: What does a Socially Conscious Curriculum in Preschool look like? According to NAYEC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), Early childhood education settings are often among children’s first communities outside of the home. "Schools should be environments in which children learn that they are valued by others, learn how to treat others with fairness and respect, and learn how to embrace human differences rather than ignore or fear them." Join our panelists to hear about what Early Childhood programs are doing in the classroom to offer developmentally appropriate curriculum to cultivate Socially Conscious Communities. You will have the ability to engage in a Q&A session following the panelist discussion portion. Thank you to our Supporting Sponsor: Park West Co-Op Nursery School Panelists Include Representatives from: Park West Co-Op Nursery School Bennett Day School

Join NPN for the next School Search Zoom Webinar in our Series: How do Middle Schools Support the Development of Executive Function Skills in Students? Parents will learn from our school panelists on what exactly is Executive Function in the school setting, why it is important for students to develop these skills and how schools are supporting building EF in students to help them succeed in the classroom. We want your input! Please submit 1-3 questions you would like our panelists to consider addressing during the webinar. There will also be time for a live Q&A following our moderated discussion. Please submit Questions here: Webinar Questions Our Panelists include Representatives from Bennett Day School and The Academic Center at Whitney Young Magnet High School

How do Schools Both Prepare Students and Support Families Through the High School Search Process? In this School Search Webinar Series, parents will learn how middle schools are helping to support families and students through the high school search process. Schools will share best practices in helping to prepare students through their academic journey with the high school search process in mind. Parents will learn what systems are in place to guide students and families through the process of entrance exams and tours. Schools will talk about how they support families through identifying schools that might be a good fit for their student and what that actually means as well as how to manage the stress and outcomes of the search process! Attendees will have time to ask questions and learn from our panelists. Our esteemed school panel consists of representatives from: Lake Forest Country Day School Catherine Cook School The Frances Xavier Warde School Sacred Heart Schools Chicago North Park Elementary School Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Lake Forest Country Day School. And we appreciate our Supporting Sponsors: Catherine Cook School , Sacred Heart Schools Chicago and The Frances Xavier Warde School

A healthy, diverse and inclusive classroom environment can allow every student to thrive. Children should be given the opportunity to learn free from discrimination and feel comfortable expressing their identities within their classroom and school community. Parents will learn what practical steps schools take to build a welcoming environment for all students including differing cultures, gender identities and learning differences. Schools will share why creating an inclusive and diverse community is important for all students and families and what they are doing inside the classroom and with families to support these principles. Panel Speakers: Bennett Day School Francis W. Parker School The Frances Xavier Warde School North Park Elementary School

How To Handle Academic Pressure in Middle & High School: Panelists: Martin Moran, Lead Designer of Middle and Upper School, Bennett Day School (Panelist Sponsor) Anna Carey, Assistant Headteacher , British International School of Chicago, South Loop (Panelist Sponsor) Sarah Moon-Sarudi, Assistant Principal of Student Support, Walter Payton College Prep (Panelist) Tiffany Brownridge, Counselor, Whitney Young Magnet High School (Panelist)