
This topical guide will introduce you to important books, videos, and information resources available from the EI Clearinghouse and other sources. Contact us via online form or by phone (1-877-275-3227) to request a resource listed below (or ask your local public librarian). Note that some videos may be viewed online, and journal titles will take you to the publisher’s homepage.
EIC Resources
- Public Awareness and State EI Messaging: The Illinois Early Intervention Program: A Guide for Families
This guide 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. - Tip Sheet: Answering Questions About Your Child’s Special Needs
- Tip Sheet: Talking with Your EI Service Providers
- Tip Sheet: The Family’s Role in Early Intervention: How You Can Help Your Child
- Tip Sheet: Who Is on Your Early Intervention Team?
EIC Library Items
- Book
This monograph contains articles highlighting different aspects of family-based practices and how they can enhance early intervention and early childhood special education.
- Book
Rich with humor and heart, the book offers helpful steps for self reflection, personnel preparation, and parent-professional training. Key features include: Practical insights and evidence-based approaches to forming partnerships, easy-to-read, non-technical language that speaks to both the heart and the mind, sample letters, conversations, and other forms of communication between professionals and parents, and effective ways to handle difficult situations.
- Video
This video provides a comprehensive, easy-to-follow introduction to early intervention services, including how parents can best communicate with professionals on how to meet the needs of their young child.
- Book
Getting services for a child with behavioral health needs-from ADHD to autism to psychiatric and developmental problems-can be overwhelming. This is a step-by-step guide to working smarter with medical, behavioral health, and educational professionals.
- Book
- E-Book
With a focus on how families and professionals can collaborate effectively so that infants and toddlers learn, grow, and thrive, this book reflects research and best-practices in the field of early intervention. The book includes a chapter on assessment and planning outlining how parents and professionals can work together throughout the process.
Web Resources
This article explains the role of service coordinators and discusses how they can facilitate communication between parents and professionals.
This article shows how information gathered in the assessment process is used to develop goals for young children and families.
This list provides resources to help providers discuss difficult topics with parents. Web articles, books, journal articles, and organizations are listed.
Many parents feel nervous about parent-teacher conferences or other talks with their children’s teachers or caregivers. Here are some parent-tested hints to help you have good meetings with the people at your child’s program.
Linda bites her classmates. Nate’s rude talk upsets everybody. But the parents seem stunned when you tell them you would like to find ways to help their child get along better at school. Here are some suggestions that may help when parents say, “He doesn’t do that at home!”