Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIC) are funded to provide information and training to parents of children of all ages (birth to 26). Each state has at least one center. In Illinois, there are two PTICs – one serves eight counties in northeastern Illinois and the other serves the remainder of the state – staffed with parents of children with disabilities. Information Specialists and trainers provide individualized support, workshops, webinars, help with early intervention and school service plans, and connect families to local and state resources.
Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties
Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) can help you:
- Learn about your Rights and Responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Make informed decisions about your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Obtain appropriate services for your child
- Communicate more effectively with school professionals
- Come together with other parents who share your concerns and desires to make a difference
- Learn more about Early Intervention and transition services
- Effect positive change in your child’s school.
- Learn about what he or she needs to lead a productive and independent adult life
FRCD’s Resources page includes information about assistive technology, dispute resolution, early intervention, employment, medical needs, and several other topics.
All counties in Illinois outside of metropolitan Chicago
Family Matters provides:
- disability-related information
- referral
- linkage
- telephone and email consultation regarding individual issues
- parent trainings and teleconferences (also available in Spanish upon request)
- training for professionals and support staff
- lending library
- informational packets on special education issues
- educational record review
In addition, Family Matters can provide training on the following topics:
- special education rights and responsibilities
- IEP planning and participation
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Every Student Succeeds Act
- alternate assessments
- behavior and discipline
- parent / school collaboration
- conflict resolution
- transition from early intervention to early childhood services
- and others