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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. Featuring: Bennett Day School Bubbles Academy City Elementary St. Josaphat School Scuola Italiana Enrico Fermi Tuesday's Child 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 Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Bennett Day School. School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.

Preschool represents a big milestone in a child's life, and often in a parents' life too. We all want our children to have the best start that they can, and we have a panel of local preschool experts here to help you prepare. Our panelists will discuss things you can do to help your family's transition smooth and enjoyable. They will address separation anxiety, what to expect on the first day, how to talk with your child about preschool, and what is most meaningful during these special years. You will walk away with tips on activities you can do at home to prepare your child for preschool, saying good-bye on the first day and beyond, and what to expect on the first day. Featuring: Saint Clement School Bubbles Academy Mary Meyer School Sinai Preschool 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 Thank you to our Supporting Sponsor, Saint Clement School. School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.

Are you thinking about preschool for your child but don't know where to start? Join us for a lively, insightful discussion about various preschool philosophies available in Chicago. This discussion will feature expert panelists from highly regarded preschools that families love. You will hear from preschools specializing in or drawing inspiration from educational philosophies such as arts integration, Montessori, Cooperative, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, language immersion, and religion. Featuring: Bubbles Academy Near North Montessori Park West Cooperative Nursery School Chicago Waldorf School Bennett Day School Sinai Preschool Lycée Français de Chicago This discussion will occur live over Zoom. It is open to everyone. Help us keep these discussions free for families across the city by donating to NPN today. Register to receive the Zoom link via email. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org

For the first time ever, your family can enjoy free admission to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and a special musical performance from Bubbles Academy by attending NPN's annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair! Held every fall, NPN’s Annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair has been the No. 1 resource for school-searching parents for over 20 years! This year, families have an opportunity to talk with representatives from nearly 60 schools, both public and private, as well as daycares and enrichment providers. Plus your family will enjoy: 🪴 Free entry to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and all exhibits! 🎵 A special children's musical performance from Bubbles Academy teaching artists ✏️ Two 30-minute parent breakout sessions about preK and elementary school search (stay tuned for more information!) 🎁 Raffle prizes and giveaways for registered attendees 🧁 Refreshments ➤ List of participating schools SCHEDULE 9:00 AM ➤ Exclusive access to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for museum members and registered NPN school fair attendees ➤ Breakout Session I begins: Navigating CPS Preschool Options, presented by Dr. Camille Franklin, Network 4 Family Engagement Coordinator, from CPS Office of Early Childhood Education In this 30-minute session, parents will learn about preschool options in Chicago Public Schools and how to navigate the CPS preschool application and admissions process. ➤ Visit with school representatives in the exhibit hall 10:30 AM ➤ Enjoy a musical performance with Bubbles Academy on the patio off the South Gallery ➤ Visit with school representatives in the exhibit hall 11:30 AM ➤ Breakout Session II begins: Understanding CPS Elementary School Options, presented by Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS. In this 30-minute session, parents will learn about elementary school options in Chicago Public Schools and how to navigate the CPS elementary school application and admissions process. ➤ Visit with school representatives in the exhibit hall 12:00 PM ➤ Fair ends, continue to enjoy the museum MUST-KNOW INFO When: Sunday, October 6, 2024 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614 Parking: For directions and parking information, visit this link Who: FREE for NPN members ($15 donation recommended); $15 non-members and comes with an NPN membership. For new members only. Does not apply to membership renewals. ➤Registration is required for entry, walk-in registrations welcome. ➤By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our sponsors. ➤Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. Schools and businesses: Interested in exhibiting or advertising opportunities? Find out more HERE. Thank you to our Sponsors

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!

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.

We apologize for the inconvenience. This playdate has been canceled by our host due to an unforeseeable event. Please join us at our next playdate on Sunday, July 16th at Rogers Park Montessori. RSVP here: https://www.npnparents.org/events/event/335-npn-playdate-at-rogers-park-montessori/ NPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at Meaningful Milestones Daycare & Preschool! There will be fun activities and snacks for the kids! Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 0 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Meaningful Milestones is located at 2930 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

NPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at CPS's brand-new Lincoln Park Early Childhood Center! There will be an open play space, STEM activities sponsored by Peggy Noterbaert, and snacks for the kids! Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Location: 1840 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (2nd floor of Hemingway Professional Building) Plenty of Street Parking Available

NPN's Annual Preschool and Elementary School Fair is back and in person! Mark your calendars for September 24, 2022. Held every fall, NPN’s Annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair has been the No. 1 resource for school-searching parents for over 20 years! Parents can chat with reps from dozens of public and private Chicago preschools and elementary schools, including those that support diverse learners. Parents will also have the opportunity to attend informative breakout sessions about Chicago schools. Walk-ins are welcome! Children are welcome! Check in by 10:30 to be entered into the free raffle to win one of 10 raffle prizes with a total value of over $1,000! ➤ List of participating schools Sessions 9:00 - 9:45am CPS Universal Free Pre-K, What you Need to Know Chicago's Universal Pre-K initiative (free preschool for 4-year-olds) is now being offered to all Chicago families this fall 2022. Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS will give a presentation that walks you through the Pre-K application and admissions process. 11:30 - 12:00pm Early Childhood Educational Philosophies and Mental Health Bennett Day School, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park and Lycée Français de Chicago discuss the importance of a strong mental health foundation in early childhood. Our panelists will discuss how early childhood programs build foundational skills that help young children navigate challenges and manage their feelings. 12:15 - 1:15pm 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. MUST-KNOW INFO When: Saturday, September 24, 9am--1pm Where: UIC Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago Who: FREE for NPN members ($20 donation recommended) > $20 non-members >> Or join NPN now for $35 using promo code school22 and access the school fair, and everything NPN has to offer, for free! << For new members only. Does not apply to membership reactivation. Registration 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. We would like to thank our Preschool & Elementary School sponsors for their support. Thank you to our sponsors

Held every fall, NPN’s Annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair has been the No. 1 resource for school-searching parents for over 20 years! Parents can chat with reps from Chicago preschools and private elementary schools and attend breakout sessions about Chicago public schools. This year our school fair is virtual and runs from Saturday, September 25th through Saturday, October 16th. See the list of participating schools here. This year's fair consists of smart, organized, and one-of-a-kind resources and virtual events. FREE for NPN members! (Members, login to register). Register now to access: 1. Updated and new information in our School and Daycare Directory - File downloads - Videos - Photos - And more 2. An open house calendar - No need to search all over for dates, we pull them together for you in one simple document - Updated weekly as schools confirm/add dates - Register now to receive the link to the calendar 3. Live, virtual coffee talks with schools - Meet private school representatives - Watch a short, live presentation by the school - Ask questions - Register now for the schedule and links 4. Breakout sessions that explain everything you need to know about Chicago Public Schools 10/8/21 12:00 - 1:00pm CPS 101: Questions & Answers (FREE with school fair registration, receive the Zoom link in your school fair confirmation email) 10/15/21 12:00 - 1:00pm CPS 201: Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools Questions & Answers (FREE with school fair registration, receive the Zoom link in your school fair confirmation email) 10/22/21 12:00 - 1:00pm CPS 301: Selective Enrollment High Schools & Choice Programs (FREE for NPN members, REGISTRATION REQUIRED, register here) Registration required > FREE for NPN members > $35 non-members, comes with NPN membership to be activated November 1, for new members only. Does not apply to membership reactivations. >> Or join NPN now for $25 using promo code school21 and access the school fair, and everything NPN has to offer, for free! << Questions? Email Executive Director Amy Johnson at director@npnparents.org. 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. We would like to thank our Preschool & Elementary School sponsors for their support: Thank you to our sponsors Thank you to our media partner: Crain's Chicago Business Schools: Exhibitor registration is open. Click here to register.

Choosing childcare that is right for your family can seem like an overwhelming process, especially in Chicago where there are so many options to consider. In this intimate live discussion, we talk with three Chicago daycare experts about safety, curriculum, daily activities, enrollment/finances, family-teacher relationships and transitioning into group care comfortably. Our esteemed panelists are Sarah Cudnik of Kids' Work Chicago and Kids' Work Chicago Too, Mia Cubrilo of Choo Choo Chicago, and Madi Johnson of Children's Learning Place. Special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Kids' Work Chicago and Kids' Work Chicago Too.

Choosing childcare that is right for your family can seem like an overwhelming process, especially in Chicago where there are so many options to consider. This session will focus on daycare centers—private/family-owned, corporate and in-home. In this intimate live discussion, we will discuss safety, curriculum, daily activities, enrollment/finances, student-teacher relationships and transitioning into group care comfortably. There will be time for parents to ask questions at the end. You will walk away from this discussion with a better understanding of the following: 1. What daycare in a group setting is like for your child 2. Important considerations for parents, including safety and finances 3. How to help your child prepare for daycare and more! Our esteemed daycare centers featured on the panel include: Kids Work Chicago Too Choo Choo Chicago Bright Horizons Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Kids Work Chicago Too. Free for NPN members. $15 for non-members. Zoom link will be sent in your registration confirmation immediately upon registration, and again in your event reminder 1-2 days before the event. If you have questions about this event, email Amy at amy@npnparents.org