Attendee FAQ
Where is the conference located?
The 2025 conference will be held at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Peoria, IL.
What is included in the cost of registration?
Registration includes access to all SAV events, including general sessions, all workshop sessions, What’s Happening in IL panel discussion on Wednesday, and Exhibit Hall.
Where should I stay?
There is a block of guest rooms available at the Embassy Suites. Visit the Conference Hotel page for more information.
How do I get a certificate and receive credit for the sessions I attended during the conference?
A variety of sessions will qualify for the following: Professional Development clock hours for licensed educators through the Illinois State Board of Education; Continuing Education (CE) for Speech-Language Pathologists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists license renewal through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; Gateways to Opportunity Registry and Early Intervention Credentialing hours. Please refer to the Professional Development tab on the SAV website for more information.
What if I lose my certificate?
Participants requesting a new certificate will need to contact Kristy Doan at kdoan@isbe.net. A fee of $25.00 will be charged for all replacement certificates. Certificates will be mailed once the fee has been received.
If I have a question or need help, where do I go?
ISU Conference Services is assisting the SAV planning committee. Questions can be directed to Casey Jefferson at cmjeff1@ilstu.edu. She will either answer your question or get in contact with the correct person to assist you.
Where do I find information about working with families?
A family booth is set up in the exhibit hall. Please be sure to talk with Illinois STAR NET Family Resource Specialists who can provide you current resources to support your work with families.
What type of networking opportunities and events are planned during the conference?
More information about networking opportunities will be posted by June 2025.
What is the cancellation policy?
A full refund less a $20.00 processing fee will be provided for any cancellation requests submitted by 11:59 pm on September 15, 2025. Beginning on September 16, no refunds will be provided. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to Lucy at lmmork1@ilstu.edu. However, you are welcome to transfer your registration to a colleague. All transfers must be submitted in writing to lmmork1@ilstu.edu.
When will I receive a printed schedule of the conference sessions?
Printed copies of the full conference session schedule will not be provided. Attendees can access a pdf file that will be available on the SAV website for download at least one week prior to the conference.
Do you take day-of registrations?
More information regarding registration will be posted May 2025.
What funding opportunities exist to attend SAV?
Illinois STARNET provides Fellowships to families and early childhood professionals to help cover the cost of professional learning and associated expenses. Locate your local STARNET region at starnet.org to inquire about funding opportunities to attend SAV. Additional scholarship opportunities might be available on a conference-by-conference basis. Childcare providers can contact their local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency to inquire about funding opportunities. Click here to locate your local CCR&R.
