My staff and I are committed to helping you deal with state and federal agencies when it comes to education issues, such as locating schools or obtaining financial aid. In these tough economic times, education can be difficult to pay for, yet even more important in order to obtain a job. I strongly encourage you to seek higher education as well as an efficient way to pay for it. I have listed below several resources regarding specialty, childhood, and higher education. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my Champaign Office.
If you are unable to find the answers and information you are search for from the following resources, my staff and I are more than willing to help you in whatever way we can. However, I will need your written permission to help with education-related issues. A Privacy Authorization Form will need to be completed and sent with a detailed explanation of your request for assistance to:
Congressman Timothy V. Johnson
Attention: William Kyles
2004 Fox Drive
Champaign, Illinois 61820
Fax: (217) 403-4691
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United States Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C., 20202
Telephone: (800) 872-5327
Region V. Office
U.S. Department of Education
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1427
Chicago, Illinois 60661
Telephone: (312) 730-1700
Fax: (312) 730-1704
Illinois State Board of Education
Chris Koch, State Superintendent of Education, Board Chair
100 North First Street
Springfield, Illinois 62777
Phone: (217) 782-4321
Toll-Free: (866) 262-6663
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Illinois State Board of Education National Association for the Education of Young Children
ChildCareAware.org
National Head Start Association
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Student Aid.Gov
College.Gov
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Where can I search for public schools in my area?
By visiting the National Center for Education Statistics, you may search for schools in your area based on programs they provide.
What resources are available regarding preparation for my child’s education?
The United States Department of Education has several online pamphlets concerning child development, such as your child’s readiness for school and academic success. View these pamphlets here.
Where can I find contact information for State Child Care Agencies?
To find additional information on child care, you can visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website, or you can contact them by phone at (217) 785-2559.
What is the National Head Start Association (NHSA)?
The National Head Start Association seeks to unite communities and families by offering early childhood care and education. The association’s main goal is to support underprivileged families through a variety of services such as education and nutrition. If you would like learn more about the NHSA, please visit their website.
Where are the different Head Start Centers located?
Head Start Centers are located across the country. To find a center in your area, please visit the Head Start Center Locator page.
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What type of programs does the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) provide?
OSERS is dedicated to meshing society and people with disabilities together so that they can have equal access to opportunities, education, and employment. To achieve this goal, they provide and administer numerous programs through The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
What institutions does OSERS support?
OSERS supports the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University.
Where can I find a list of State Disability Organizations?
A list of organizations can be found on the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) website.
Where can I find information regarding specific disabilities?
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) provides fact sheets on different disabilities such as Down syndrome or lack of hearing.
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How do I prepare for college?
Planning for college is exciting as you think of all the possibilities your future holds, but preparation can make the process easier. College Illinois! provides information regarding possible careers, help from recent college graduates, and college access programs.
What are the best ways to save money for college?
There are many ways to save money for college, including a personal savings account, college savings bonds, U.S. savings bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), mutual funds, common stock, and corporate and municipal bonds. You can also save for college using a 529 college savings program, such as Bright Start, or a 529 college prepaid program, such as College Illinois! Prepaid Tuition Program. More information on this topic can be found here.
Where can I apply for financial aid?
In order for any student to receive federal financial aid, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. These forms can be found on the FAFSA website.
What are Pell Grants?
Federal Pell grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. The amount you receive through a Pell grant depends on your financial need, costs to attend school, status as a full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. More information on Pell Grants can be found on the Federal Student Aid Pell Grant page.
What happens if I default on my student loan?
It is extremely important not to default on any loan, and defaulting on a federal student loan will impact your credit history. Eventually, your wages may be garnished as a result of defaulting on a student loan. However, if you feel you may have to default, or if you are already in default, you should contact your lending company for counseling. For additional information, visit the Federal Student Aid webpage.
What is loan consolidation and am I eligible for one?
Consolidating loans allow you to combine different types of federal student loans to simplify repayment. Even if you have just one loan, you can also choose to consolidate it. Both the Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) and Direct Loan Programs offer consolidation loans. For more information on loan consolidation visit the following site.
Where can I find scholarships to apply for?
The number of scholarships available to you is infinite, but finding them can be difficult. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) lists several Illinois scholarship programs as well as additional search information on their website. You can also apply for ISAC’s scholarships and grants by downloading the appropriate forms.
Where can I find scholarships specific to my university or college?
If you have been accepted or are currently enrolled, universities provide scholarships according to your area of specialization. The following is a list of universities and community colleges in the 15th District and the scholarships they provide.
The University of Illinois
Eastern Illinois University
Illinois State University
Millikin University
Danville Area Community College
Heartland Community College
Lakeland College
Parkland College
Are there scholarships for residents of Illinois?
Scholarships are available for residents of Illinois or if you plan to attend a university in Illinois. A list of these scholarships can be found here.
What are the benefits available to current members of the Armed Forces and veterans?
The ISAC offers two scholarships, the Illinois National Guard Grant Program and the Illinois Veteran Grant Program. The state of Illinois also provides the MIA/POW scholarship for those who have been prisoners of war, missing in action, or disabled.
Where do I apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. To apply, visit the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) Web site.
Are there education benefits available for children of a veteran?
Many universities provide benefits to children of veterans. For example, through the University of Illinois, tuition is paid for all four years of college by the Children of Veterans Tuition waiver. The waiver is awarded to one student per conflict per county. More information can be found on the University of Illinois’ website. Check with your college or university to determine if benefits are available.
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