When Mealtimes Feel Difficult

The Chicago Feeding Group is hosting a virtual group for parents and caregivers who would like to support their children through feeding challenges. The group is held on Thursdays from 12:45-2 pm on November 2, 16, 30th and December 14th. To learn more please click on the link below.

Chicago Feeding Group Parent Support  

Helping Little Ones Feel Safe

Whether it is something we see on the news or in our very own neighborhoods and homes, children can be impacted by what they see, overhear and experience. Looking for ways to help a child feel safe during uncertainty or crisis? Please see below for some suggestions from Zero to Three

Understanding How Traumatic Experiences Affect Very Young Children 

Therapy Assistance Grants

The Chicago Autism Network is inviting families to apply for a therapy assistance grant through their website (link below). Those children who live in Illinois, meet income guidelines and have an autism diagnosis may be eligible for grant money to be used towards out of pocket therapy costs or help with insurance premiums. 

2024 Therapy Assistance Grants 

Examining Your Child's Sleep Needs by Age

Interested in learning more about your baby's sleep needs? Sleep promotes brain development, attention span, frustration tolerance and overall health. The resources below can help you get started.

 https://www.amazon.com/Precious-Little-Sleep-Complete-Parents/dp/0997580801

https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-sleep-schedule.aspx

Graph can be found at the following link: National Sleep Foundation Sleep Recommendations

A New School Year Awaits!

The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD) has put together  Back to School Resources which include:

• A Back to School Social Story (Eng), Back to School Social Story (Español)- to help your child better transition to the new school year
• Visual Supports (Eng), Visual Supports (Español) to help with routines at home, bus schedules, and weekly school/no school schedules
• Tip Sheets for families and caregivers to learn how to use visual supports
• Structured activities Back to School Check List, Back to School Check List (Español) to help your child review basic skills prior to returning to school
• An entire IEP and Special Education Resource section to help with understanding of the IEP process and your child's Special Education Rights

Connect Home Visiting

Connect Home Visiting is a Maternal Child Health and Early Childhood initiative affiliated with Lurie Children's Hospital.  Connect Home Visiting refers pregnant people and families with young children to a network of home visiting providers in the Chicagoland area. Home visitors work with parents on practical parenting skills as well as family bonding before birth and as children grow up. Through partnering with the home visitors, families learn how to improve their family’s health and provide better opportunities for their children. 

Families may consider this resource in addition to the therapies offered through Early Intervention. 

Getting Started in Early Intervention

 Anyone can refer a child to Early Intervention.

Concerned the development of a child under the age of three? Download the referral form below. Completed forms can be sent via facsimile to (312) 942-7811, (312) 942-7813 or (312) 942-8510. A prescription form can also be completed by your child's doctor.

CFC 11 serves the following zip codes: 60610, 60611, 60613, 60614, 60618, 60622, 60625, 60626, 60630, 60631, 60634, 60639, 60640, 60641, 60642, 60645, 60646, 60647, 60651, 60654, 60656, 60657, 60659 and 60660. Don't see your zip code? Please see the Early Intervention Office Listing to find the contact information of the location that serves your area. 

Early Intervention Office Listing

Referral Form

Prescription Form 

Do you know a child that may need therapies that is age three or above? Please connect with a Child Find location to inquire about a developmental evaluation.