Your child’s brain and body are growing rapidly during the first three years of life. They are learning many new things about the world around them. While all children need love and support to grow and learn, some children need a little extra help. An Early Intervention team can support your family and help your child reach their potential.
Early Intervention is a statewide program funded by IDEA Part C (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and overseen by Illinois DHS (Department of Human Services). It provides supports and services for families to help their children under age 3 meet developmental milestones.
How is a child referred for Early Intervention?
Anyone
can refer a child to Early Intervention (e.g. parents, physicians, other health
care providers, child care providers, social service agencies, early learning
programs, etc.). Once a referral is made, it is up to the family to decide
whether they want to participate. When possible, please use a standard referral
form (seen below):
https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/SiteCollectionDocuments/hfs650.pdf
Referrals can also be made by calling our office, (312)942-7800.
What happens after my child is referred?
Once your child is referred, your family will be assigned a service coordinator. Together you and the service coordinator will arrange for an initial phone call. You will discuss your child’s strengths and areas of potential growth. Through these conversations, you and the service coordinator may determine which area(s) of development may need support. Initial evaluations with therapist(s) will then be scheduled. Results from these evaluations will be shared with you and the service coordinator. You, the service coordinator and therapists will then make a plan (IFSP – Individualized Family Service Plan) https://eiclearinghouse.org/einotes/ifsp/which will outline goals as well as the frequency, type and focus of therapies.
https://eiclearinghouse.org/getting-started/ei-program-services/
Want to learn more? Please consider
looking at the links below.
What is Early Intervention?
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Brochures/4395.pdf
The Family Rights
Handbook includes information on parental consent, prior notice, examination of
records, confidentiality, complaints, and surrogate parents. Please refer to
the Family Rights packet for information on your rights are a parent.
https://eiclearinghouse.org/getting-started/family-rights/
Please refer to the Guide for Families for information on how to
navigate the Early Intervention program.
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Brochures/4279R0518.pdf
