Early Intervention At a Glance
Illinois' Early Intervention Service System serves children under 36 months of age with disabilities or developmental delays, or who are at risk of substantial delays.
Child and Family Connections agencies arrange for developmental evaluations and assessments. They provide service coordination and develop service plans at no cost to families.
Families of eligible children receive Individualized Family Service Plans listing services the child and family are entitled to receive. Families are linked to a large network of skilled providers.
Families are charged fees (based on ability to pay) for some ongoing early intervention services, and the family's health insurance may be billed for the cost of services.
Under federal law, eligible families have a right to early identification, timely referral and assessment, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and early intervention services as determined by the IFSP process. Child and Family Connection must complete the evaluation and IFSP within 45 days.
Payment for Services
Early Intervention Services are paid for with a combination of government and family resources. The cost of some services are paid by the program and provided to families at no cost. These include evaluation, assessment, development of a service plan, and service coordination. Ongoing Early Intervention Services are paid for by the family's health insurance, when appropriate, government insurance (Medicaid/KidCare), and program funds. Families contribute to the cost of services by paying fees based on a sliding scale.
Tips for Talking to Parents
One of your most difficult tasks may be explaining your concerns about a child's development to his or her parent(s). It is important to keep in mind that you and the family share an
ongoing commitment to the best interests of the child.
1. Set a time to talk. This should be a time when you will not be interrupted. Although the conversation can take place by phone, it may be more comfortable in person. Establish early in the conversation that you and the family are on the same team - each of you wants what is best for the child.
2. Encourage the family to speak with their health care or child care professional and to call the Early Intervention Central Directory/Child Find number. A family physician, pediatrician or other health care professional can offer advice and refer a child for screening.
3. Reassure them. If a developmental delay is identified, a family needs to know that early intervention services are the first step in helping their child reach his or her potential.