The Illinois EI program was established by state law to comply with Part C of the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA defines your rights as a parent of a child who is receiving EI services. Some of your parental rights are described briefly here.
- You have a right to an evaluation and 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.
- Services are required to begin within 30 days of signing the IFSP.
- You may accept, decline, or stop services at any time. Your participation is voluntary and requires your written consent. If your needs change, you and your team can meet more often to change the plan if needed.
- If you need an interpreter, one will be provided to you throughout the EI process. It is free to you. Hard copy documents also may be translated into your family’s native language as needed. You should request an interpreter when you contact your CFC office.
- Informed consent means that you are giving permission for you and your child to receive services. You are asked to sign the IFSP document to show that you understand and agree with the plan and the services identified in it. You also will be asked to sign consents to share information about your child and family with early intervention providers or other agencies that serve your child and family. When you and your child prepare to leave the EI program, you will be asked to give written consent before your records are shared with the local school district or other agency that will serve your child at age 3.
- Prior Written Notice – Written notice must be given to you before an EI agency or EI provider makes a change in your child’s EI services. Notice must be given in the language that you usually use. You should receive written notice of any meetings, so you have reasonable time to make arrangements to attend.
- Review of Records – You have the right to review any records related to your child’s EI services. Records must be available to you within 10 calendar days after you request them. You may request changes in the record.
- Confidentiality of Records – All records of your family’s EI services are confidential. Your providers will share information with each other to provide the best services for your family. The records will be shared with others only as allowed by strict privacy laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
If you have concerns about services, or if you disagree with decisions about your child, you should discuss them with your service coordinator at the CFC. These services or decisions may have to do with identification, evaluation, assessment, placement, or the appropriateness of the services. If you are not satisfied with the result of the discussion, formal options for administrative resolution are provided in the law.
Find more information on the complaint process.
See also:
- Early Intervention Timelines and Your Rights (Also in Spanish)
- The Illinois Early Intervention Program: A Guide for Families (Also in Spanish)
- Request for Investigation of State Complaint (Also available in Spanish.)
- Request for Mediation (Also available in Spanish.)
- Request for Due Process Hearing Officer (Also available in Spanish.)
- Knowing Your Rights and Advocating for Your Child (video)
- Procedural Safeguards – part of EITP’s Service Coordination Training
- IDEA Early Intervention Family Guides and Companion Videos – These four family guides are designed to explain the dispute resolution options under Part C of the IDEA
- Family Rights in EI Video Series – The Family Rights in Early Intervention (EI) Video Series was designed to support families’ and early interventionists’ understanding of their safeguards or rights in participating in the EI system.
- Family Rights in Early Intervention Toolbox – Families involved with the Illinois early intervention program have rights and procedural safeguards under the federal law to protect them.