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What Makes A Child Eligible for Services?

Your infant or toddler (birth to 36 months) is eligible for services through the Illinois EI program if they

  • have a 30% delay in at least one area or domain of development, OR
  • have a condition that is known to cause a developmental delay or disability, OR
  • are at high risk for a substantial developmental delay.

The following factors automatically qualify a child for early intervention:
– children with an elevated blood lead level greater or equal to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter
– any child under the age of 3 who is the subject of a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect as defined in the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and in Illinois Act (325 ILCS 20/3)

pencils and paper tablets

After the Evaluation

  • You will be notified by the CFC whether your child is eligible.
  • Eligibility for early intervention does not automatically mean your child has a formal diagnosis or disability. It may only mean that your child has a delay that can be addressed by services provided by the early intervention program.
  • You have a right to receive evaluation reports.
  • If your child is eligible and you decide that you want to participate in the EI program, then a meeting will be held with you and your team to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
  • The development of the plan is free and the IFSP meeting must occur within 45 days of your child’s referral to the EI program.
  • While not required, you can request the evaluation findings before the meeting. This can help you prepare for the meeting by reading the report, drafting questions for the team, and providing additional feedback.

If your child is found ineligible, then an IFSP will not be developed and no EI services will be provided. The service coordinator may give you with a list of community resources that may meet the needs of your family and child. If you have new concerns about your child’s development, you may contact the CFC office any time before your child turns age 3 to discuss your concerns.

Next step: Develop an Individualized Family Service Plan

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