The Fall 2025 edition of the Early Intervention Clearinghouse newsletter is available in English and Spanish.
This edition of the newsletter highlights how speech and language are the most common delays in early intervention. The newsletter shares how a child’s first three years are the most intensive period for acquiring speech and language skills, and how delays in speech and language can stem from a variety of reasons. Children can have a speech delay or a language delay, and the two conditions can sometimes overlap. For example, a child may have oral-motor problems (difficulty controlling speech muscles) and repeated ear infections resulting in a delay in speech and expressive language. Toddlers with language delays might be late to start using words or gestures and may not respond to their names or basic, routine directions. If you notice signs like these, working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) through your early intervention (EI) program can help your child build foundational speech skills. Check out the EI Clearinghouse resources for improving speech skills, including resource guides, speech kits, and tip sheets such as Everyday Early Intervention: Encouraging Speech Development and How I Communicate, all available in English and Spanish.
In addition, the newsletter discusses how Early Intervention (EI) partners with families of infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities to enhance their child’s development and learning through everyday activities that are important to the child and family. Progress is measured by gathering information about three child outcomes: taking appropriate action to meet their needs, building positive social-emotional skills and relationships, and acquiring and using knowledge and skills. Check out the tip sheet Child Outcomes: Measuring the Benefits of Early Intervention for more information.
Also included in the newsletter are IDHS updates on Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS 2.0). The goal of this process is to improve outcomes and results for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families and ensure compliance with program requirements. Updates are also provided regarding the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) as leadership teams are meeting regularly and working on their action plans.
This edition of the newsletter also includes an opportunity to help us grow our library collection by sharing your suggestions! Complete the form by 10/31/25 and as a thank you, you’ll receive a small gift in the mail. We look forward to hearing from you!
Finally, the newsletter shares information on a few early intervention focused events taking place this Fall. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for Town Hall Meetings, Sharing a Vision, Caregiver Leadership Training, and our annual Cookies at the Clearinghouse open house. We look forward to connecting with you at these events!
You can find all previous issues of the Early Intervention Clearinghouse newsletter on our website in English and Spanish.
Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Family Support Group
The EI Clearinghouse (EIC) is excited to share the news that we are facilitating a Facebook support group for families involved in the Illinois early intervention program. This digital discussion board, available through the social networking site Facebook, offers parents and caregivers an opportunity to share concerns, ask questions and relay experiences regarding their child with developmental delays. Through feedback from participants in the EI program we have learned that parents and caregivers want more opportunities to interact with other parents. This online support group was created to facilitate families connecting with other families and supporting during the challenging times of early childhood. The group is open to parents and caregivers of children currently involved with the Illinois early intervention program or those that have recently transitioned out of the program. This group is organized by the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse Parent Advisory Council.
To join the group, when logged into Facebook, search: “IL Early Intervention Family Support Group” or follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ileifamilies
This support group is available to parents and caregivers of children currently or recently participating in Illinois Early Intervention program.
About the Clearinghouse
The Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Clearinghouse identifies and collects research-based and best-practice early intervention information to share with families. We are a resource for you; contact us via our online form or by phone at (877) 275-3227. In addition to our website full of recommended digital resources, we have a lending library of books, eBooks, audiobooks and videos elated to the development of young children with special needs and their families.
Please let us know if you need any resources or information; we are always happy to help!
Sarah Isaacs, Library Director
Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse