The Summer 2025 edition of the Early Intervention Clearinghouse newsletter is available in English and Spanish.
This edition of the newsletter highlights how parents and caregivers can add everyday early intervention into outdoor play. The newsletter shares how summer months are a great time to explore the outdoors and how outside play is a wonderful opportunity to work on early intervention (EI) outcomes. Families should talk with their EI team about strategies and activities that may be especially useful and can brainstorm how everyday activities can become opportunities to practice new skills. Check out the EIC resource guide on Outdoor Fun, the article Build Skills When Exploring Outdoors, and the Everyday Early Intervention: Outdoor Fun, Everyday Early Intervention: At the Park, and Everyday Early Intervention: Bubbles tip sheets, all available in English and Spanish, with additional languages coming soon.
In addition, the newsletter discusses how families can reach EI outcomes by making the most of everyday moments. In early intervention, we focus on how children learn during everyday routines. Caregivers can help children successfully participate by encouraging infants and toddlers to be active participants throughout the day. Check out the tip sheet Set Me Up for Success! 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 enter our summer giveaway. Complete the entry form by 6/30/25 for a chance to win a prize package from the Clearinghouse! All entries received by 6/30/25 will receive a gift in the mail. The winner can choose the preferred language for books.
Finally, the newsletter shares information on a few early intervention focused events that the Clearinghouse will be attending across the state this summer. Come see the Clearinghouse at the Institute for Parents of Preschool Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Informational Fair in Jacksonville (June 13, 2025), the CITY of Support Graduation Celebration in Arlington Heights (June 14, 2025), or the EI Hearing & Vision Conference in Normal, IL (June 23-24, 2025). We hope to see you there!
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