Child & Family Connections serves as the single access point to Early Intervention services in the state of Illinois. There are 25 different offices located throughout Illinois. Our office provides services to families in Carroll, DeKalb, JoDaviess, Lee, Stephenson & Whiteside counties. Anyone who suspects a child has delays can make a referral to Child and Family Connections (parents, doctors, nurses, childcare providers, or friends). You do not have to be certain there is a delay in development to refer a child. Simply call our office toll-free at: 888-297-1041. When a child is referred to our program, they will be guided through the EI process by a Service Coordinator. The first step in this process begins when the Service Coordinator meets with the family to provide information about EI, discuss family rights, complete necessary paperwork and assist the family in scheduling evaluations. There is no cost for evaluations. The Service Coordinator will then meet with the family and the EI evaluators to review the results of the evaluations and discuss eligibility. Next, the Service Coordinator will meet with the family and evaluators to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan addresses how the team will support families in promoting their child's optimal development. Some examples of the services that may be provided are assistive technology, developmental, occupational, physical or speech therapy and hearing or vision assessments. Finally, the Service Coordinator will assist the family with the transition process when the child approaches 30 months. Funding is provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of Part C Early Intervention. Our program is grant administered by the Regional Office of Education #8 that serves Carroll, JoDaviess & Stephenson counties. Please visit the following website for more information on the ROE #8: http://roe8.com/
If you would like more information about Early Intervention, please visit the following websites:
www.wiu.edu/providerconnections
www.eiclearinghouse.org
www.illinoiseitraining.org
*If you have concerns about a child who is over the age of 36 months, contact your local public school district for assistance.*
