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First Things First: Indiana Early Intervention

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First Things First: Indiana Early Intervention

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If you have concerns about a baby or toddler’s development, Indiana’s First Steps program can connect families with evaluations and early intervention services. This can be a strong starting point for children from birth to age 3.

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Early Intervention Program

Find out more about the services First Steps offers Hoosier families.

Learn More

The goal of First Steps is to help Hoosier families make sure their infants and toddlers receive services now to help them in the future. Services through First Steps are designed to meet the developmental needs of the child; Except in limited circumstances, First Steps does not provide services to meet medical needs.

We understand it is not always easy to recognize if your child is reaching his or her milestones for their age group. Some children may appear to be behind with speech progression, physical movements, or their attention span. When you're not sure...

Trust your Instincts First Steps is here to help Anyone can make a Confidential Referral

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Mid-North Central Indiana First Steps

System Point of Entry (SPOE)
620 Morland Drive
Lafayette, IN 47905

Phone: (765) 420-1404
Fax:(765)420-1406
Email: tarmstrong@1st-kids.org
Servicing the following counties: Benton, White, Carroll, Clinton, Boone, Montgomery, Fountain, Tippecanoe, Warren, Howard and Cass.

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First Steps is designed to provide services that help Hoosier families meet the developmental needs of their infants and toddlers. We ensure that your kid learns to take up challenges, be disciplined, and self-aware. First Steps does not provide services to meet your medical needs. Learn more.

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Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K program helps eligible families access high-quality preschool. It is worth exploring if you are preparing a 4-year-old for kindergarten and need help with tuition.

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Welcome to On My Way Pre-K

On My Way Pre-K awards vouchers to 4 year olds from low-income families so that they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Families who are approved may use their voucher at any approved On My Way Pre-K program.

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On My Way Pre-K awards vouchers to 4 year olds from low-income families so that they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Families who are approved may use their voucher at any approved On My Way Pre-K program.

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Your local public library is one of the best free learning supports for children. Look for story times, summer reading, homework help, and youth activities that build literacy and curiosity.

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Books | Hammond Public Library | Hammond

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Welcome to the Hammond Public Library, we offer books, printing, internet access, movies, music and more!

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Boys & Girls Clubs and After-School Programs

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Boys & Girls Clubs and After-School Programs

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After-school and community programs can give children safe spaces to learn, play, and build skills. Families in the Hammond area may want to explore club programs, recreation centers, and youth enrichment opportunities nearby.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana - Great Futures Start Here

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When you invest in Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, you are making a gift of GREAT Futures! Our Clubs not only inspire and enable the youth of our communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens - we provide hope and opportunity! You help us to fulfill our mission. We take your generosity very wisely and steward your gifts entrusted to us!

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana Home Page - Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana provides after school and summer care for youth in grades K-12.

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PBS KIDS offers free games, videos, and learning activities for younger children. It is especially helpful for early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning.

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Welcome to the official PBS KIDS Channel on YouTube. PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime.

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Starfall is a popular website for early readers and elementary students. Families often use it for phonics, reading practice, and early math support.

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Khan Academy Kids provides free lessons, books, and activities for younger learners. It is a strong option for preschool through early elementary students.

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A required part of this site couldn’t load. This may be due to a browser extension, network issues, or browser settings. Please check your connection, disable any ad blockers, or try using a different browser.

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This site helps children explore animals, science, geography, and current topics through engaging articles, videos, and games. It works well for curious elementary-age learners.

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When families need help finding food, housing, health, child care, or crisis support, 211 Indiana is an important starting point. It can help parents connect with local services and community organizations.

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CommunityOS is an I&R, Disaster, and Public Health client database and case management system.

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Indiana Department of Education Family Resources

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Indiana Department of Education Family Resources

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State education resources can help families understand standards, school supports, and parent guidance. This is a helpful place to look for reliable education information in Indiana.

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The first iteration of Indiana's new Graduates Prepared to Succeed performance dashboard, or Indiana GPS is now live! Together, our mission is to empower Indiana's families, educators, school administrators, and community leaders with a learner-centered, future-focused dashboard that displays how our students are building the important knowledge and skills that will empower their success after high school. Click here to view the dashboard!

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The first iteration of Indiana's new Graduates Prepared to Succeed performance dashboard, or Indiana GPS is now live! Together, our mission is to empower Indiana's families, educators, school administrators, and community leaders with a learner-centered, future-focused dashboard that displays how our students are building the important knowledge and skills that will empower their success after high school.

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Parenting Support Through Local Schools and Libraries

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Parenting Support Through Local Schools and Libraries

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Schools and libraries often host family nights, reading events, technology help, and workshops for caregivers. In Hammond, these local spaces can be a practical first stop for ongoing support.

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SCHOOL CITY OF HAMMOND
BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES
41 Williams Street, Hammond, Indiana 46320 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
In accord with IC 5-3-1, the Board of School Trustees of the School City of Hammond shall hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the Administration Cen…

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Indiana’s 529 plan helps families save for future education expenses, including many college-related costs. Starting early, even with small amounts, can make a difference over time.

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Start saving for your child’s future education with Indiana’s 529 Direct Plan. Discover tax advantages and flexible investment options. Secure their tomorrow today!

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Learn About Financial Aid and Career Planning

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Learn About Financial Aid and Career Planning

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Families can also prepare for college or trade school by learning about financial aid, apprenticeships, and career pathways. This kind of planning helps students connect education choices with future goals.

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Trade School and Apprenticeship Pathways

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Trade School and Apprenticeship Pathways

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Trade schools and apprenticeships can lead to valuable careers in fields such as construction, health care, and technology. Parents may want to explore these options alongside traditional college planning.

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Indianapolis offers outstanding family learning opportunities, including one of the nation’s best children’s museums. A visit can support hands-on learning in science, history, culture, and the arts.

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The Indianapolis Zoo gives children opportunities to learn about animals, habitats, and conservation. It can be a strong option for family field trips and informal science learning.

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The Indianapolis Zoo protects nature and inspires people to care for our world.

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Chicago is close enough to provide exciting educational day-trip options. The Museum of Science and Industry offers hands-on exhibits that can deepen children’s interest in STEM topics.

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Home Page | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

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Welcome to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—one of the largest science centers in the Western Hemisphere.

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Chicago Public Library and Family Museums

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Chicago Public Library and Family Museums

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Chicago also offers library programs, cultural museums, parks, and family events that can extend children’s learning beyond the classroom. Families can watch for free days and low-cost programs.

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Experience Chicago's award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out our ever-growing list of free museum days in 2021, plus some Chicago museums that are free all year long.

Looking for other ways to save? Check out the Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card, which offers admission to several Chicago museums and attractions for one discounted price.

Here's a list of free Chicago museum days for 2021. Keep in mind that many museums are currently operating with shortened hours and new ticketing procedures; check our list of open museums in Chicago or contact the museum to learn more.

Field Museum

The Field Museum will be offering free basic admission, plus discounted passes to explore a ticketed exhibition or enjoy a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on the following 2021 dates:

Illinois residents can redeem free admission by reserving their tickets online then providing proof of residency at the museum. The free tickets include all general admission exhibitions, such as Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt.

Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) and active military personnel receive free basic admission year-round.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is offering Illinois residents free access to all permanent exhibits, including special exhibits Underwater Beauty and seasonal Stingray Touch, on the following 2021 dates:

Advance reservations required; no tickets will be available onsite. A $3-per-order transaction fee applies to Illinois Free Day tickets reserved online. All adults must provide proof of residency in-person when redeeming tickets at the discounted rate.

Museum of Science and Industry

Admission at the Museum of Science and Industry is free for Illinois residents on the following dates:

The Museum of Science and Industry is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is offering free admission:

Illinois residents under age 18 are free and all children under 12 are always free.

Art Institute of Chicago

At the Art Institute of Chicago, the museum admission is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators. Upcoming free museum days for Illinois residents include:

The public can enjoy the following public museum areas free of charge:

The Ryan Learning Center in the Modern Wing

The North and South Gardens (accessible from Michigan Avenue)

The Nichols Bridgeway connecting the museum to Millennium Park

The Bluhm Family Terrace on the 3rd floor of the west pavilion of the Modern Wing

DuSable Museum of African American History

The DuSable Museum of African American History is free for all during the month of June 2021.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, members of the military and police and fire departments and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers.

Illinois residents receive free admission every Tuesday

To encourage more people to visit and visit often, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy - no one will be turned away. They also offer suggested admission of $3 each for up to six individuals when visitors present their LINK (EBT) Card as part of the Museums for All program.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

The Illinois Holocaust Museum is offering free admission on:

June 1 - 30, 2021, all kids and students receive free entry to the museum

Reserve your free tickets in advance.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Free admission year-round for everyone at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Brookfield Zoo

Free admission at the Brookfield Zoo for all active, reservist, and retired members of the military with ID. Admission is also free for children age 2 and under.

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium is not offering any upcoming free admission days, please check back.

Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier

The Chicago Children's Museum offer veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification. They also offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card free admission for up to 6 people.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum:

No upcoming free admission days

Loyola University Museum of Art

Admission is free year-round at the Loyola University Museum of Art.

McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum:

No upcoming free admission days

Swedish American Museum

Free admission every second Tuesday of the month year-round at the Swedish American Museum. Children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free.

Clarke House Museum

The Clarke House Museum is the oldest home in the city of Chicago. There are free public tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Glessner House

There are currently no upcoming free admission days at Glessner House.

Charnley-Persky House

The Charnley-Persky House is temporarily closed, please check back for future free museum days.

Wrightwood 659

There are currently no upcoming free admission days at Wrightwood 659.

National Veterans Art Museum

The National Veterans Art Museum is temporarily closed, please check back for future free museum days.

National Museum of Mexican Art

While the museum remains temporarily closed, admission is free year-round at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Chicago Cultural Center

While the center remains temporarily closed, admission is free year-round at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Museum of Contemporary Photography

Admission is free year-round at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. All visitors must reserve a free timed ticket.
Dates are subject to change and may not include fees to view special exhibits. Visit individual museum websites for admission details, as well as policies for specific community members such as military personnel and local school groups.

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Free Museum Days in Chicago | Free Admission to Chicago Museums

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Experience Chicago's award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out our ever-growing list of free museum days in 2021, plus some Chicago museums that are free all year long. Looking for other ways to save? Check out the Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card , which offers admission to several Chicago museums and attractions for one discounted price.