NPN Amy J.

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.

With children and adults confronted with AI search results and information coming from an unending supply of sources in an ever-more complicated world, critical thinking skills are considered more important every day. How can parents help their children develop critical thinking skills? Can schools play a role in this? Join us for this discussion to find out. In this session we cover what critical thinking is, why it is important, and where it fits in the timeline of child development. You will learn how schools view their role in helping students develop critical thinking skills, and what that looks like in the classroom and all aspects of school life. We also discuss ways that parents can support their child's critical thinking skills at home and how to evaluate school's educational approach to critical thinking during your school search. Enjoy the questions from parents at the end. This session was recorded live on February 25, 2025.

Join the Discussion in the NPN Forum on April 24th (Member's Only Event): Ask Emily Winsor, Managing Director of Tuesday's Child, specifics about the IEP process, how to manage your child's challenging behavior or social-emotional challenges, and how to support your child's development. Ask your question here. The thread will open for one day only, April 24th, starting at 5:00 AM. Emily Winsor is a board certified behavior analyst and the managing director of Tuesday's Child. Before joining Tuesday's Child, she served as the Clinical Director at ABA Midwest and the Director of Clinical Services at Reach ABA. She holds a Master of Education (MEd) in special education and teaching from Endicott College. Tuesday’s Child supports Chicago families facing behavioral and social-emotional challenges that hinder their child's ability to thrive at home, in school, and in social settings. Tuesday's Child's evidence-based child behavior and development programs emphasize early intervention, offering essential tools and resources to parents without requiring a formal diagnosis for their children. NPN's Discussion Forum is available to members only. Not a member? Join NPN today!

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 will 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 will discuss how schools create a welcome environment for families from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, identities, developmental and physical differences and intellectual disabilities. Come with questions! There will be time for Q & A at the end. This session will take place over Zoom. RSVP for the link. Our panelists include experts from Park West Cooperative Nursery School and Blue Bird Day School. Stay tuned for more!

With children and adults confronted with AI search results and information coming from an unending supply of sources in an ever-more complicated world, critical thinking skills are considered more important every day. How can parents help their children develop critical thinking skills? Can schools play a role in this? Join us for this discussion to find out. In this session we will cover what critical thinking is, why it is important, and where it fits in the timeline of child development. You will learn how schools view their role in helping students develop critical thinking skills, and what that looks like in the classroom and all aspects of school life. We will discuss ways that parents can support their child's critical thinking skills at home and how to evaluate school's educational approach to critical thinking during your school search. Come with questions! There will be time for Q & A at the end. This session will take place over Zoom. RSVP for the link. Our panelists include experts from St. Andrew School and West Suburban Montessori School. Stay tuned for more!

Join Emily Winsor, Managing Director of Tuesday's Child, in the second of a three-part series on Special Education in Chicago. This session will walk you through the first steps you need to take when entering into special education with your child. You will learn about the difference between IEPs and 504s, the continuum of special education services and learning environments in Chicago, the steps of the IEP/504 process, and what to expect during IEP and 504 meetings. There will be time for questions at the end. This session will be held over Zoom. RSVP to receive the link. In the final session, parents will learn how to determine if their child's IEP or 504 is meeting their child's needs. The final session will be held in-person at NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Fair (DDRF) on Sunday, April 27th at Wolcott College Prep. RSVP for session 3 here. More about our speaker: Emily Winsor MSEd, BCBA brings many years of experience in the fields of Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. She earned her Master's Degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College in Beverly, MA, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2014. Growing up, Emily became interested in Special Education as she watched her mom help hundreds of students in her role as a high school Special Education Teacher and administrator. She decided to pursue a Master's degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis when her nephew was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder at age three. Through her education and experience, Emily has learned that providing compassionate care through a collaborative team approach is the best way to help individuals and their families achieve their goals. Emily's priority is for all children and their families to have meaningful, supportive educational experiences and enjoy their lives!

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. Learn who special education is for, key terms, and more. There will be time for questions at the end. This session will be held over Zoom. RSVP to receive the link. In the next session, parents will learn about IEPs (Individual Education Programs), learning environments, and then many steps involved in getting an IEP, or 504 and the order that the steps happen. In the final session, parents will learn how to determine if their child's IEP is "good". The final session will be held in-person at NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Fair (DDRF) on Sunday, April 27th at Wolcott College Prep. RSVP for session 2 here. RSVP for session 3, at DDRF, here. More about our speaker: Emily Winsor MSEd, BCBA brings many years of experience in the fields of Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. She earned her Master's Degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College in Beverly, MA, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2014. Growing up, Emily became interested in Special Education as she watched her mom help hundreds of students in her role as a high school Special Education Teacher and administrator. She decided to pursue a Master's degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis when her nephew was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder at age three. Through her education and experience, Emily has learned that providing compassionate care through a collaborative team approach is the best way to help individuals and their families achieve their goals. Emily's priority is for all children and their families to have meaningful, supportive educational experiences and enjoy their lives!

Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois talks with Amy about Medicaid. We discuss what it is, what it provides, and who uses it. Parents might be surprised to learn that Medicaid benefits families at all income levels and it makes disability services possible in Illinois. Hear about what services will be lost and who will be at risk if Medicaid funding is cut. Learn how to advocate for full funding and how you can support your neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities in your daily life. Important links: The Arc of Illinois Take Action and Contact Your Legislators Share Your Medicaid Story Plus, ask specific questions about Medicaid to The Arc of Illinois' Director of Family to Family Health Information Center here: Susan@thearcofil.org See also: NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Fair - coming up April 27, 2025! NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Directory NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group This recording is the ninth episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. It was published on 2/13/25.

Martin Moran, lead designer of Middle and Upper School at Bennett Day School talks with Amy and Sitaara about preparing children for the age of artificial intelligence. We discuss how a progressive educational philosophy allows for a healthy approach to AI. Learn some ways teachers and students use AI to increase efficiency and enhance their work, when parents should allow or discourage the use of AI in completing homework, and how parents can help their students learn skills that AI can't replace, like empathy, ingenuity, and critical thinking. This recording is the ninth episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. The podcast episode will be published on 2/14/25.

In this video, Dr. Camille Franklin, Network 4 Family Engagement Coordinator from the CPS Office of Early Childhood Education talks with NPN staff members Amy and Sitaara about the preschool options in CPS. We discuss CPS PreK, community-based preschool, early learning programs and more. Learn how to determine which type is right for your family, when to apply, how to apply and what to do once the offers come out. Links to resources we discussed: Office of Early Childhood Education Chicago Early Learning Family Resource Centers Chicago Early Learning Programs Also, the Family Support Help Line: 312-229-1690 This recording is the eighth episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. It was published on 1/3/25.

NPN's annual Developmental Differences Resource Fair brings together therapy providers (speech, OT, PT, DT, etc.), therapeutic schools, medical professionals, enrichment providers, and more all in one place. Whether you have a diagnosis for your child and need comprehensive care or you are looking for services that can treat specific delays or behavioral issues, DDRF is your one-stop shop for solutions. As seen on WGN! Parents: Register for FREE by clicking the green "Register Now" button. (Mobile users scroll down.) Providers: Register to exhibit here. Attend Two Parent Education Sessions 🏫 9:00 & 11:00 Is My Child's IEP or 504 Good Enough? - Special Education in Chicago Series: Session 3 presented by Emily Winsor, Managing Director of Tuesday's Child 🏛️ 9:00-10:00 AM: Understanding the Proposed/Pending Special Education Law and How to Support Your Child, presented by Matt Cohen, founder of Matt Cohen & Associates Make Connections ✏️ Talk with experts and find resources (see our growing list of exhibitors here) ✏️ Meet a supportive community, connect with other parents and families 🎈 Kiddo fun zones! 🚗 Free, easy parking! 🎉 Plus, the first 25 NPN member families will receive a swag bag of goodies! To qualify for a swag bag, join NPN for just $20 using promo code join45off on an annual parent membership here. Important Info Sunday, April 27, 2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Wolcott College Prep Arts & Athletic Center, 1950 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60622 Free parking in attached lot and easy, free street parking on surrounding blocks Questions? Email NPN Executive Director Amy Johnson at amy@npnparents.org NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We need your help to keep DDRF free for families. Please support NPN's work by becoming a paid member or donating. ❤️ Thank you to our Sponsors

Join LEEP Forward and NPN for a Preschool Discover Day! Get ready for an exciting, hands-on event designed to introduce children ages 2-5 to the magic of preschool. Siblings of all ages are welcome to join in the fun as we create a morning filled with exploration, creativity, and connection in a warm and inclusive environment. Young learners will engage in activities that spark curiosity and imagination. They can explore our sensory bins, overflowing with exciting textures and hidden treasures, or express their creativity through painting with non-toxic, washable paints. Budding builders can dive into playdough creations, while future storytellers can relax in our cozy story corner with captivating tales. Our preschool-themed event also includes a pretend play area where kids can dress up, role-play, and experience the joy of imaginative adventures. For outdoor fun, families can join a guided nature walk to collect treasures and learn more about the world around them. To keep everyone energized, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks. As an added bonus, every family who attends will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting—a special treat for parents. Join us for a morning that offers a glimpse into the preschool experience and showcases how we nurture young minds through play, exploration, and meaningful connections. We can’t wait to welcome you! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We need your help to keep these playdates free for families. Please support NPN's work by becoming a paid member or donating.

Sometimes in middle school and high school, the pressure to succeed academically can feel overwhelming. If you want to learn how to support your child during these sometimes intense years, join us for this discussion. You will learn how our panelists and the schools they represent support students in managing academic pressure, and learn how you can support your student at home as well.

Sometimes in middle school and high school, the pressure to succeed academically can feel overwhelming. If you want to learn how to support your child during these sometimes intense years, join us for this discussion. You will learn how our panelists and the schools they represent support students in managing academic pressure, and learn how you can support your student at home as well. Our panelists include: Dan Gargano, Associate Head of Schools at Sacred Heart School Danny Zamudio, Dean of Student Engagement, Baker Demonstration School Yesenia Garcia, LPC, Smart Love Family Services Martin Moran, Lead Designer of Middle and Upper School, Bennett Day School Sara Solger, Professional School Counselor, William Howard Taft High School Denise Passolt, Academic Center Director and School Counselor, Whitney M Young Magnet High School This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Please register on this page to receive the Zoom link. This discussion is open to everyone. Help us keep these discussions free for families across the city by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.

Choosing the right Kindergarten for your child can be daunting, especially in Chicago, where there are so many options. Then once you are secure with your school choice, the next step is preparing a smooth transition for your child and your family. Learn how these schools support students and families through this process, and what you can do at home to get the school year started on the right foot. This session includes panelists with expertise in neurodiversity and challenging behaviors.