Mission/History
STAR NET provides a variety of opportunities for professional development and learning for parents and professionals who touch the lives of young children, ages birth through eight, with an emphasis on children with special needs. STAR NET supports family-centered, researched and effective practices in early childhood education and care.
Originally named R*TAS, the system was created in 1988 to provide Regional Technical Assistance in six regions of the state. The name was changed to Illinois STAR NET in 1995 to better convey the purpose of the work as a Support and Technical Assistance Regional Network. The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning, a professional development and educational services organization, became the fiscal agent for STAR NET Region II in 1995 as well.
The STAR NET Region II geographic area includes North and West Suburban Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry Counties.
Our funding is through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education; 100% of annual funding for the project is from federal sources. STAR NET assists the Illinois State Board of Education in meeting its local needs by providing services throughout the state via the six different STAR NET regions. Stay connected by subscribing to our mailing list.