Exceptional Learners Collaborative

05/11/2026

05/06/2026

It's National School Nurse Day!

Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been dedicated to recognizing the vital contributions of school nurses and promoting a deeper understanding of their role within the educational environment.

School nurses are the bridge between healthcare and education - ensuring that every student is healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Our ELC nurses are proud and honored to support the health, well-being, and success of ELC students and our member districts each and every day.

From left to right: Pinky Lausa – ELC CSN, Venessa Medved – ELC-West, Sasha Stefanov – ELC-SHS

05/04/2026

Happy Staff Appreciation to the ELC Team!

05/02/2026

We are super excited for today!

05/01/2026

⏰ Reminder: Final Event of the Year 💙 Register Now for Recharge & Connect on May 15

We are just two weeks away from our final workshop of the year which is all about caregiver support!

Caring for a loved one with a disability is deeply meaningful, but it can also be demanding. Recharge & Connect: A Caregiver Support Event is designed with you in mind, offering a chance to pause, connect with others, and gain helpful, real-world resources.

During this session, we’ll explore practical ways to access respite, better understand state supports like the DRS Home Services Waiver and the PUNS list, and share meaningful self-care strategies that go beyond the usual suggestions. You’ll also hear personal stories and learn more about the Illinois Respite Coalition and the supports, training opportunities, and advocacy they offer for caregivers and families.

Event Details:

📅 Friday, May 15th | 12:30–2:00 PM
📍 Community High School District 128 – District Offices
50 Lakeview Pkwy, Suite 101
Vernon Hills, IL
🚗 Parking is available throughout the complex
➡️ Please enter through Suite 101

Whether you are looking for resources, connection, or simply a moment to recharge, this event is for you. If you already registered there is no need to register again.

👉 Register by clicking here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXIqwyQvY8eqRgZ57yvdrULXY4Tl2S-zMROTb3gmcEeFf34w/viewform

We look forward to seeing you there!

Caring for a loved one with a disability is incredibly meaningful—but it can also be incredibly challenging. That’s why we’d love for you to join us for a special event focused on you. Come connect, learn, and recharge at our upcoming presentation on caregiver self-care. Together, we’ll expl...

04/22/2026

A big thank you to ELC’s Brooke Goldberg and fellow handlers for providing their therapy dogs 🐕‍🦺🐾 to our students.

ELC West welcomed Goldie and Frankie, certified therapy dogs, this semester and they have quickly become a highlight for students. Students look forward to their biweekly visits, where they spend time petting, walking, grooming, and caring for the dogs. These experiences encourage responsibility, connection, and engagement.

Goldie and Frankie play an important role in supporting students’ emotional regulation, enhancing communication skills, and fostering positive interactions within the school community. Through these meaningful interactions, students build confidence, express themselves, and develop a greater sense of comfort and belonging at school.

04/21/2026

🌷🌷 Butterfly Boutique Open Shopping Hours 🌷🌷
Friday, April 24th from 1:00-2:30 PM

04/09/2026

Caring for a loved one with a disability is incredibly meaningful, but it can also be incredibly challenging. That’s why we’d love for you to join us for a special event focused on you.

Recharge & Connect: A Caregiver Support Event is an opportunity to come together, learn, and take a moment to breathe. During this session, we’ll explore practical ways to access respite, better understand state supports like the DRS Home Services Waiver and the PUNS list, and share real, meaningful self-care strategies that go beyond the usual suggestions. You’ll also hear personal stories and learn about the Illinois Respite Coalition’s statewide supports, training opportunities, and advocacy for caregivers and their loved ones across the lifespan.

✨ Bonus: This is our final event of the 2025–2026 school year—we’d love to end the year with you there.

Event Details:

📅 Friday, May 15th | 12:30–2:00 PM
📍 Community High School District 128 – District Offices
50 Lakeview Pkwy, Suite 101
Vernon Hills, IL
🚗 Parking is available throughout the complex
➡️ Please enter through Suite 101

Whether you’re looking for resources, connection, or simply a moment to recharge, this event is for you.

👉 Register by clicking here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXIqwyQvY8eqRgZ57yvdrULXY4Tl2S-zMROTb3gmcEeFf34w/viewform