The Early Intervention (EI) program ensures infants and toddlers with developmental delays, certain diagnosed medical conditions, or other factors that put them at risk of substantial delay have the best chance for healthy development. Children can access a range of therapeutic, developmental, and social-emotional services while their families receive coaching and support to further the gains of their children.
After you are referred to the Illinois Early Intervention Program, you have the right to:
- Be contacted by your Child and Family Connections (CFC) office within two business days to answer questions and schedule an intake meeting.
- An evaluation of your child and an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) within 45 days of referral and consent to the evaluation. The IFSP must be reviewed at least once every six months and re-evaluated annually.
- EI services that start as soon as possible, but no more than 30 days after you agree to your child’s IFSP.
You also have the right to receive information in your native language and in a way that can be understood and the right to disagree, complain, and request mediation. Written complaints and requests for mediation or impartial administrative resolution should be submitted to the Illinois Department of Human Services according to the procedures outlined here: State of Illinois Infant/Toddler & Family Rights Under IDEA for the Early Intervention System.
Developed by the Bureau of Early Intervention at the Illinois Department of Human Services