The Spring 2025 edition of the Early Intervention Clearinghouse newsletter is available in English and Spanish.
The newsletter highlights how establishing healthy sleep habits can help children feel safe and secure. The newsletter details how a baby’s sleep patterns are constantly changing as a result of his or her development and what to expect as your child approaches new milestones. The EI Clearinghouse has many resources on establishing healthy sleep habits as your child grows. Check out EIC resource guides on Healthy Sleep Habits and Infant and Toddler Sleep Disorders, the Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits tip sheet, and articles including Bedtime Mindfulness Activities, Healthy Sleep Key to First Few Years, and Healthy Sleep Helps All, all available in English and Spanish, with additional languages coming soon.
In addition, the newsletter contains an overview of Early Intervention Timelines and Your Rights, including what to expect after you are referred to the Illinois Early Intervention Program, with more detailed information in the State of Illinois Infant/Toddler & Family Rights Under IDEA for the Early Intervention System document.
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 provided in regards to the new Department of Early Childhood, which will consolidate services provided by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Early intervention is one of the programs that will make this transition.
The newsletter also highlights the value of sharing your early intervention experiences. The EI Clearinghouse collects family stories through text and video to share on our website and hopes to gather more. The newsletter describes where to find these stories and how to share your own story.
Finally, the newsletter shares information on the upcoming Sharing a Vision conference in East Peoria, IL from October 8-10, 2025. This exceptional conference is planned to meet the needs of families and early childhood professionals in the state. Several sessions are planned with families in mind. Join other families and professionals from across the state for this bi-annual event. The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse will present and exhibit at the conference. Find more information at https://sharingavision.org/.
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