Quick Navigation

Northern Illinois University

Center for Child Welfare and Education

Educational Access Project for DCFS
at Northern Illinois University

A partnership promoting academic success for every child in foster care in Illinois or adopted through the Illinois Department of Children and Family services since 1997

The purpose of the Educational Access Project is to provide individual interventions on behalf of children involved with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS); offer educational training to caregivers, child welfare staff, school personnel and others; and support collaboration with IDCFS, schools and school districts that benefit this group.

Assistance with individual intervention

Staff address over 3,000 requests annually for individual children and their families on educational issues including:

  • Literacy
  • Early Childhood
  • School Discipline
  • Enrollment
  • Special Education
  • Truancy
  • School Fees
  • Trainsition
  • Academic Achievement
  • Dropout
  • Preparation for College

Training

Staff provide ongoing training for individuals and organizations on educational matters affecting youth in foster care.  They develop curricula on topics including educational advocacy, post secondary education, special education and the implications of trauma on education.  Individuals trained include:

  • Foster and adoptive families
  • IDCFS and private agency staff 
  • Trainers of foster parents
  • Early Intervention providers
  • Community Groups
  • Court personnel and programs
  • Local school districts

 

Support and Collaboration

Staff support DCFS  in developing and implementing effective educational plans in the following ways:

  • Monitor and follow up on educaton issues identified in IDCFS Administrative Case Reviews
  • Monitor and follow up on school suspensions and expulsions identified in IDCFS Unusual Incident Reports 
  • Assist in education planning for IDCFS youth transitioning in CAYIT and other staffings 
  • Provide support to Foster and Adoptive Parent Advisory Boards
  • Provide support to Statewide and Regional Youth Advisory Boards
  • Define and support educational best practices through participation in continuing research