The Spring 2026 edition of the Early Intervention Clearinghouse newsletter is available in English and Spanish.
This edition of the newsletter highlights how families can navigate transitions in early intervention. The newsletter shares how all children in early intervention will experience transition out of the early intervention program. There may be mixed feelings, excitement for the next phase, or perhaps worry about the unknown. Many families report that transition and the changes that occur when their child turns three can be both exciting and challenging. The good news is that early intervention (EI) recognizes that change can be hard. The service coordinator on your EI team will begin the transition planning process six months before the child turns 3. This provides families with time, information, and resources to prepare for this important milestone. Check out the EI Clearinghouse resources for navigating transitions in early intervention, including our resource guide, articles, and tip sheets such as Transition at Age 3: Leaving the Early Intervention Program and Transition: Understanding Family Rights, all available in English and Spanish. For more detailed information, families can explore the full article Transition at Age 3: Who, What, Where, Why, and When.
In addition, the newsletter shares information on the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), the new state agency that will manage the Early Intervention Program as well as child care, Head Start, home visiting, Preschool for All, Prevention Initiative, child care licensing, and infant and early childhood mental health. Program staff in current administrative agencies are anticipated to make the move by July 1, 2026. For additional information, see the full article Introducing IDEC – Illinois Department of Early Childhood.
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.
The newsletter also highlights the expanded Getting Started in Early Intervention: The Early Intervention Process page. Our Getting Started page has a new look and has been expanded to include information about the entire early intervention process – from referral to transition – in Illinois. Currently, the information is available in English, Spanish, Polish, French, Russian, and Kiswahili, with additional languages coming soon.
Finally, the newsletter shares information on the May Town Hall Meeting. We look forward to seeing 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