The Winter 2026 edition of the Early Intervention Clearinghouse newsletter is available in English and Spanish.
This edition of the newsletter highlights how everyday, screen-free play can make a powerful difference in early intervention. The newsletter shares why it is important to be aware of healthy screen habits, especially for families of young children and how setting screen time boundaries for both adults and children can help families to have healthier relationships with technology. During the early years, children’s brains are developing rapidly, and the quality of their interactions with caregivers has a powerful impact on communication, social–emotional development, and learning. Early Intervention offers an opportunity to focus on building healthy daily routines that strengthen connection, communication and meaningful play. Check out the Early Intervention Clearinghouse resources for screen-free activities that families can engage in together while staying warm indoors, such as the new Play Buffet tipsheets series, the Indoor Play resource guide, the article Play and Learn Indoors, and borrow one of our bilingual activity kits in English and Spanish to support learning at home.
In addition, the newsletter introduces the new Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) toolbox, a comprehensive guide that addresses common questions families have, such as:
- What’s my role as a parent?
- What’s in the IFSP?
- What are outcomes?
- Who’s involved in my family’s IFSP?
For answers to these questions and to explore the full set of resources, see the complete IFSP toolbox.
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 update regarding the planned implementation of Early Intervention Family Fees, which will be paused until further notice. Stay tuned for more information and follow the Information Notice – Pause on Planned Implementation of Family Fees page on the EIC website for updates.
Finally, the newsletter shares information on a few events taking place early 2026. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for the February Town Hall Meeting and the next Caregiver Leadership Training sessions in March. 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