Early intervention is a statewide program that provides supports and services for families to help their children under age 3 meet developmental milestones.
Anyone can call to refer a child to the EI Program. Participation is voluntary.
Make a Referral
Anyone can refer a child to early intervention—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.
Call your local Child and Family Connections (CFC) office to request a developmental evaluation. To find your local CFC office, call (800) 843-6154. Families should receive a call back within two business days.
Intake
You will meet with a service coordinator to talk about your concerns about your child. You will be asked to sign consent forms agreeing that the service coordinator may share information about your child with the team that will evaluate and assess your child and may help you plan for EI services.
Evaluation
Your knowledge makes you an important partner on your child’s team. The team will evaluate your child across five domains of development. After the evaluation is completed, you will be notified by the CFC whether your child is eligible.
Eligibility
Your infant or toddler (birth to 36 months) is eligible for services through the Illinois EI program if they
Develop IFSP
You should have a meeting to develop the IFSP as soon as possible but no later than 45 days from your child’s referral to the EI program. There are no charges or costs for developing the plan.
Services
Early intervention services are required to begin within 30 days of signing the IFSP and are to be provided in the child’s natural environment. During EI visits the provider may help you interact with your child to support their development.
IFSP Review
You and your IFSP team will review your child’s progress every six months and update the plan at least once a year. If your needs change, you and your team can meet more often to change the plan if needed.
Transition
Your child may leave the EI program when your child’s development improves and your child’s outcomes have been achieved. Otherwise, your child may continue in the EI program until their third birthday, or after if extended services are an option for your child.
Helpful Early Intervention Resources
The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse regularly creates tip sheets to help families and providers understand the EI process.
- EI basics tip sheets include information to help families navigate their EI experience from assessment to transition and everything in between.
- Everyday EI tip sheets provide fun and easy ideas to help families work on EI outcomes during everyday routines.
- Child development tip sheets provide information about the development of young children.
- Live Video Visit tip sheets describe live video visits and how families and providers can work together virtually.
The Illinois Early Intervention Program: A Guide for Families includes information on the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program, why EI services are important, how to find out whether your child is eligible for the EI program, starting and leaving EI services, your legal rights, and questions frequently asked by families.
A Journey through Early Intervention provides families with reflection questions and discussion topics throughout the EI process.
Find more information on Getting Started in Early Intervention: