iCARE4 Schools Connection Kit™
Bilingual Toolkit for Educators
- Educational Resources
- Tools
- Professional Support
iCARE4 Schools Connection Kit™
Every student is unique—and for those from foster, adoptive, and kinship families, school can bring added layers of challenge due to loss, transitions, and complex life experiences. But with the right support, these kids can shine.
That’s where iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits™ come in. Designed for school social workers, counselors, mental health professionals, and classroom staff, these kits are filled with engaging, strength-based tools that help create welcoming, responsive, and healing-centered environments for students who need it most.
Did you know that in Illinois, 15% of students come from foster, adoptive, or kinship families? Many of them face emotional and behavioral hurdles that can impact learning, relationships, and well-being. Many of these students face emotional hurdles that can affect everything from grades to friendships. While school staff often spot these struggles first, they don't always have the right resources to help.
iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits™ change that. Each kit equips school staff with practical tools, strategies, and activities that promote connection, communication, and a sense of safety—empowering educators to support students in ways that truly make a difference. It’s all about helping kids thrive by bringing fun, connection, and understanding into the classroom!
Connection Kits™ Delivered in 2025
What’s Inside the iCARE4 Schools Connection Kit™?
The iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits™ aren’t just a collection of materials—they’re a practical, hands-on resource for school staff, filled with tools that are easy to implement and immediately useful.
Organized by support tiers, these kits ensure that every student receives the right level of support—from broad strategies to targeted and individualized interventions. Whether you’re new to Multi-Tiered Student Support (MTSS) or looking to enhance your approach, the included Quick Start Guide will help you find the right resources to create a more supportive and effective learning environment.
Inside each kit, you’ll find:
Educational Resources: Clear, practical guides on supporting students with early life challenges, building strong connections, and creating classrooms where all students are supported and seen.
Tools: Social-emotional learning (SEL) materials, calming activities, and resources (in English and Spanish) designed to help all students feel connected and teachers empowered
Professional Support: Information about school based mental health professional training as well as access to iCARE’s network of resources to support educators and mental health professionals in their work.
By providing these resources, the kits aim to support both school staff and students in ways that will help foster healthier, more successful school experiences for all involved.
A Long-Term Impact on Students and Schools
The iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits™ are more than just a quick fix—they’re designed to create lasting change. When school staff are equipped with the right tools, they’re better able to understand the “why” behind behavior, strengthen relationships, improve academic outcomes, and reduce classroom disruptions. But the benefits go beyond behavior. These practices help schools create a more positive, supportive environment where every student feels safe, seen, and ready to learn.
The iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits™ are a simple, yet powerful tool to help schools support their most vulnerable students and ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.
To learn more about how you can receive the iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits™ or to get involved in supporting this initiative, contact iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families today.