The Summer 2023 edition of the Early Intervention Clearinghouse newsletter is available on our website in English and Spanish. Our main story focuses on ways families can use outdoor play to work on early intervention outcomes and illustrates how a popular activity such as blowing bubbles can be a way to work on many different skills often covered in early intervention. An engaging video message shares tips for practicing everyday early intervention when exploring the outdoors in your backyard or community. We include information on finding fun summer activities that align with your child’s strengths and preferences, including a chart that suggests many activities to help achieve progress on four common early intervention goals: improving fine motor skills, improving gross motor skills, improving receptive and expressive language skills, and increasing play skills. A family-friendly tip sheet titled “Set Me Up For Success” offers ways to provide encouragement to infants and toddlers throughout the day. If you are looking for more ideas, we share a collection of book and resource recommendations for family outdoor fun.
We wrap up our summer newsletter with some valuable information on the the Bureau of Early Intervention State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP), the upcoming Family Town Hall meeting and the Family Outcomes Survey, which is an important way for families to provide feedback on how to improve the Early Intervention Program.
You can find all previous issues of the Early Intervention Clearinghouse newsletter on our website in English and Spanish.
Need an iPad or a Hotspot for Live Video Visits?
Many families are receiving Early Intervention services through live video visits. To help families with technology needs, the EI Clearinghouse has added several technology devices to the lending library:
- iPads with a cellular data plan (device and Internet access)
- iPads without a cellular data plan (device)
- Hotspot with cellular data plan (Internet access)
To request a device, please complete our Device Loan Request Form (also available in Spanish). For more information about live video visits, see our tip sheet Introduction to Early Intervention (EI) Live Video Visits: Frequently Asked Questions (also available in Spanish).
About the Clearinghouse
The Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Clearinghouse identifies and collects research-based and best-practice early intervention information to share with families. We are a resource for you; contact us via our online form or by phone at (877) 275-3227. In addition to our website full of recommended digital resources, we have a lending library of books, eBooks, audiobooks and videos elated to the development of young children with special needs and their families.
Please let us know if you need any resources or information; we are always happy to help!
Sarah Isaacs, librarian
Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse