Illinois Early Intervention Services (EI)

What Is Early Intervention?

Early Intervention (EI) is a statewide program that provides families with children who have developmental delays or disabilities (birth to three years old) free, voluntary, and familycentered services. The goal is to support the childs development, strengthen family capacity, and prepare the child for school and community life.

Eligibility

Children are eligible for Illinois EI when they meet any of the following criteria:

• They have a diagnosed disability.
• Evaluations indicate a developmental delay in one or more areas (communication, motor, cognition, socialemotional, adaptive behavior).
• The delay is at least 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on a standardized assessment, or the child scores 30 points or more below the expected level in the relevant area.

Eligibility is determined through a multidisciplinary evaluation conducted by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Early Intervention Program.

Types of Services

EI offers a menu of services tailored to each childs needs. Families choose which services best support their goals.

• Physical Therapy Improves gross motor skills, balance, and strength.
• Occupational Therapy Enhances fine motor skills, sensory processing, and dailyliving activities.
• SpeechLanguage Pathology Supports communication, language, and feeding skills.
• Developmental Intervention (Early Childhood Intervention) Homebased play and learning activities guided by a specialist.
• Assistive Technology Devices and equipment that promote independence.
• Family Training & Counseling Helps caregivers learn strategies and cope with stress.
• Respite Care Shortterm relief for families caring for children with significant needs.
• Transportation Safe travel to therapy sessions when needed.

How the Program Works

1. Referral A pediatrician, hospital, earlychildhood program, or concerned adult can refer a child.
2. Screening The IDHS conducts an initial screening to determine if a full evaluation is needed.
3. Evaluation A multidisciplinary team assesses the child using standardized tools.
4. Eligibility Determination The team reviews results and decides eligibility.
5. Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) Families collaborate with a service coordinator to create a written plan outlining goals, services, frequencies, and providers.
6. Service Delivery Services are provided in the childs natural environment (home, childcare, community) or at a providers site.
7. Review & Transition The IFSP is reviewed every 6 months. When the child turns three, the program transitions to the Illinois Preschool Special Education (PSE) system.

All services are free to families. Parents retain decisionmaking authority and can decline any service at any time.

Contact Information

Illinois Early Intervention Program
500 S. State Street, Suite 1400
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 2177825228
Email: eiprogram@illinois.gov

For urgent concerns, call the Illinois Child Welfare Hotline at 18004522100.