Funding Opportunities

STAR NET Region IV offers the following opportunities for funding families and professionals to have experiences that promote their learning about young children with disabilities. These opportunities are available to qualifying people who work in the STAR NET Region IV area. Families and educators from other regions of Illinois can check with their STAR NET Region to see what funding opportunities are available in their region. Awards are based on availability and are approved at the discretion of the STAR NET team. Funds are allocated per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), and you may apply once per fiscal year. See the application for further details.

FAMILY FELLOWSHIPS

STAR NET offers Family Fellowships of up to $100 to parents/guardians of a young child with an IFSP or IEP. The funds are used to attend trainings or conferences which will benefit families as they support their child. See the application for further details.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP

Professionals who are Public School Educators from Early Childhood Special Education or PreKindergarten programs who teach or provide services to children, ages three through five with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), can apply for the Professional Development Fellowship of $210 per grant year. Fall of 2023, we have a special opportunity for Sharing A Vision.

See the application for further details.

PYRAMID MODEL eMODULES

ECSE programs can request funding through STAR NET to access the Pyramid Model eModules. The eModules are an on-demand format and offer 18 hours of continuing education hours. Please complete the form on the Request Services page.

DO-IT-YOURSELF STUDY GROUP

Small groups can now apply for a grant opportunity of up to $300. The funding can be used to learn about a particular subject related to children, ages 3-5, with disabilities. Family members may participate but a school district professional must be a part of the group. Once your group is set – you can pick your topic and decide how to pursue it. Some previous topics for study have included: Assessment, autism, behavior, curriculum, family involvement, inclusion, and the Pyramid Model. You can tailor the topic to meet the needs of your group. See the directions for more information.

OTHER FUNDING RESOURCES

Need help paying for college coursework or a conference? Scholarship or stipend funds are available to preschool professionals or families through other agencies. Below are a few we know about.

The Arc of Illinois offers Consumer Stipend Funds to families of children with disabilities to attend conferences which will help them help their child.

The Gateways to Opportunity Early Education program provides scholarships to those pursuing college credit, credentials or degrees. The courses you take need to be in early childhood education or child development.

The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) loan program provides loans specifically for individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates and authorized representatives, who are residents of the State of Illinois, to purchase assistive technology for daily living.