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Resources

If you have questions about early learning, disability, or finding supports or services for youth, families, or communities, our experts have answers and information to support you.

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Browse our resources using the topics below.

Autism

Early Childhood Education

Disability and Early Intervention

Parenting and Caregiving

Search below to find resources and supports.

Latest

Blog
  • 04/21/2025

Creativity Shines: Easterseals’ Social Theater Group Empowers Children with Autism and Their Families in Countless Ways

From start to finish, participants find comfort on the stage while honing new skills, bonding with family, and making new friends.

Blog
  • 04/16/2025

In the News: Illinois Head Start Providers Worry About the Future of the Program

A recent Chalkbeat Chicago piece discusses the potential impacts of federal funding cuts to Head Start for the children and families served by the program.

Blog
  • 04/10/2025

Easterseals and Head Start: Expanding Early Education and Family Resources in Our Communities

Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford collaborates with nearly 40 independently-operated early childhood programs in Chicago and suburban Cook County through Head Start and Early Head Start. These programs provide transformative early learning services to low-income families. For children aged 5 and younger, enrichment is year-round in inviting classrooms led by caring professionals. With favorable teacher-child ratios and an evolving curriculum, children receive the support they need to thrive.

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Blog

Search below to read our latest stories about our programs and clients.

Podcast

Podcast
  • 10/16/2024

Episode 8: Autism Spectrum Disorder in Women and Girls

In today's episode, you'll hear from our very own Lori Davie, the Director of The Autism Program at Easterseals, and her daughter Emily, who is on the autism spectrum and also works at the program. Lori and Emily will discuss today their experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder from both the personal and professional perspective. The conversation will delve into identification, diagnosis, and supports for those with ASD, with a special attention to women and girls who are often under-identified or diagnosed later than their male counterparts.

Podcast
  • 05/27/2024

Episode 7: Our CEO's 5-Year Anniversary: Looking Back, Looking Forward

We’re marking our five-year anniversary with our President and CEO, Sara Ray Stoelinga, at the helm. In this conversation, we look back and forward, reflecting on the organization’s financial and operational turnaround, our path and journey through the COVID-19 pandemic, and the many lessons we learned along the way.

Podcast
  • 12/04/2023

Episode 6: Employment for Individuals with Disabilities: HB Threads

At Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, one of our pillars is expanding possibilities for individuals with disabilities. HB Threads is our non-profit and social enterprise providing employment opportunities, job training, and life skills development for individuals with disabilities. In this podcast, we talk with our Director of Social Enterprise and Employment Opportunities, Cody Wass, and two of our associates who are neurodivergent, Terry and Tyrell, who work at HB Threads producing custom apparel and buttons. We discuss the importance of competitive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities with HB Threads as an example of what is possible.

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