The Spring 2025 edition of the Early Intervention Clearinghouse newsletter is available English and Spanish.
The newsletter highlights the release of the newly 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, and French, with additional languages coming soon. In addition, the newsletter highlights our many user-friendly digital toolboxes to help the early intervention community find answers to their questions. These one-stop-shop” resource collections provide information and links to a variety of tip sheets, online articles, videos, and more on specific topics. Toolboxes include Family Rights, Provider Toolbox, Live Video Visits & Telehealth, Finding Community Resources, and Family Trainings and Education. Also included in the newsletter are IDHS updates on the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) and the future planning for the state’s early intervention system monitoring. In addition, the newsletter highlights the value of sharing your early intervention experiences. The EI Clearinghouse collects family stories 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 Early Intervention Town Hall Meeting for Families is returning Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM for English/ASL/Inglés and 7:30 – 8:30 PM for Spanish/Español. Register now by completing this form OR contact Sarah Isaacs, through email (isaacs@illinois.edu) or phone (217-265-6875).
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