Do You Have Questions About Your Child’s Development? - Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers

Oct 10, 2026

Do You Have Questions About Your Child’s Development? explains how the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program helps infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. It outlines how to start with a referral through Child and Family Connections (CFC), how teams assess eligibility, and how an IFSP plan guides services. The material describes what EI services include, where they may be delivered, related costs and funding, and the transition planning when a child turns 3.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Do You Have Questions About Your Child’s Development?

How does EI work?

What is the EI program?

Why is EI important?

What does EI cost?

What happens when your child turns 3?

Do you have a cause for concern? Ask your doctor or nurse whether your child’s growth and development are on target for his/her age. Most differences are nothing to worry about, but in some children, the differences can signal a need for special help. The earlier a delay or disability is identified, the better the chances are that EI services can help your child reach his/her potential. How do I learn more? For more information or to make a referral to the Illinois Early Intervention Program, call your local CFC office. For the number in your area, call 1-800-323-4769. For a complete list of EI services, and additional resources for families with young children, visit the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse Web site at [http://eiclearinghouse.org](http://eiclearinghouse.org). If you have questions about any Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) program, call or visit your Family Community Resource Center ( FCRC) . We will answer your questions. If you do not know where your FCRC is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at: 1-800-843-6154 1-800-447-6404 (TTY) You may speak to a representative between: 8:00 a. m. -5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (except state holidays) For answers to your questions, you may also write: Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Customer Support and Services 100 South Grand Avenue East Springfield, Illinois 62762 Visit our web site at: [www.dhs.state.il.us](www.dhs.state.il.us) The Sooner We Start, The Farther They’ll Go Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs. DHS 4395 (R-09-10) Early Intervention Program Printed by Authority of the State of Illinois 150 ,000 copies P.O.\# 11-0733 State of Illinois Department of Human Services Illinois Early Intervention Services Do You Have Questions About Your Child’s Development? Look inside for an introduction to the Illinois Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. How does EI work? A referral to Child and Family Connections (CFC) is the first step for your family. You or your doctor may refer your child to CFC. To find your local CFC office, call 1-800-323-4769. After a referral is made, you will meet with a team to help them assess your child’s development and to determine if your child is eligible for E I services. If your child is eligible, you will work with a team of professionals to develop a plan for services. The plan is called an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. It explains what you want for your child and how everyone will work together to reach the goals you and your team have chosen. What is the EI program? The Early Intervention ( EI) Program provides services to help your child grow and learn during the first 3 years of life. It serves families of children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities, or who are at risk for developmental delays. Why is EI important? During the first 3 years of life, your child’s brain and body are growing rapidly. He/she is learning many new things about the world around him. While all children need love and support to grow and learn, some children need a little extra help. With the right help, your child can reach his/her potential. You and your team will determine who will work with you and your child and what services they will provide. Services might include developmental, speech, occupational, or physical therapy. EI services will be provided at a convenient time for your family and in familiar places where your child learns and plays (like your home, child

FAQs

How can families learn whether a child’s development is on target?

Families are advised to ask a doctor or nurse whether a child’s growth and development matches his/her age. If differences suggest a need, earlier identification improves the chance of helpful EI services.

What is the first step to get EI services in Illinois?

A referral to Child and Family Connections (CFC) is the first step. Families or a doctor can refer the child, then meet with a team to assess development and determine eligibility for EI services.

How are EI services paid for, and can families be charged a fee?

Program funds cover assessment and planning/coordinating costs. EI services are paid by health insurance or program funds, and a family fee may be charged based on ability to pay and income.

Oct 10, 2026

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