Extended Early Intervention Option for Children with Summer Birthdays (May 1-August 31) - Early Intervention/Extended Services (EI/ES) Memo to Districts

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob

Provides guidance for Illinois early intervention (EI) extended services for children whose third birthdays fall between May 1 and August 31. Effective January 1, 2022, eligible children may continue EI services until the start of the school year when they received EI before age three, qualify for early childhood special education with an IEP, and parents elect to remain in EI. Details the Illinois Early Childhood Transition System use, recommends early transition planning, and assigns responsibilities for Child and Family Connections, school districts, and parents, including timelines for eligibility, IEP development, consent, and service start dates.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Overview of the Extended EI option

Eligibility criteria and effective date

How to identify potentially eligible students in ISBE SIS

Recommended timing for transition and IEP development

Roles and responsibilities by entity

Child and Family Connections (CFC)

School district

Parent/guardian

Reminder about evaluation timelines and Child Find

Additional resources and contact information

Extended Early Intervention Option for Children with Summer Birthdays (May 1-August 31) As of January 1, 2022, children whose third birthdays are between May 1 and August 31 may continue early intervention (EI) services until the beginning of the school year if: • Children receive early intervention prior to their third birthday, • They qualify for early childhood special education services and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed, and • Parents/guardians elect to remain in EI. The Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) worked collaboratively worked to facilitate this change. Utilize the Early Childhood Transition System in the ISBE Student Information System (SIS) to identify students who are potentially eligible for the Early Intervention/Extended Services (EI/ES) option. A message is at the top of the screen acknowledging this legislation. Students with birthdays within the eligible timeframe have a tag next to his or her name indicating potential eligibility for EI/ES option. It is highly recommended that students with birthdays in this timeframe begin the transition process early as more communication is needed from each entity. It is also recommended the eligibility determination and development of the IEP take place at least two weeks prior to the child’s third birthday. Furthermore, the school district should ask the parent(s)/guardian(s) if they would like the service coordinator invited to the eligibility determination conference (EDC) . School districts, Child and Family Connections (CFC) offices, and families will need to work collaboratively together and maintain communication throughout the process to facilitate this process. It is recommended that, although the CFC will begin conversations about the EI/ES option, that school districts continue to have those conversations throughout the evaluation process, so families are ready to make a decision at the EDC. Each entity will have specific responsibilities to facilitate this transition. The CFC will: • Communicate with the family about transition, including the EI/ES option, and share the EI/ES Parent Information Notice. • Indicate on Transition Tracking Form if the family has expressed interest in the EI/ES option and send district referral packet. • Schedule and notify school district of the transition planning conference. • Have the service coordinator attend the EDC, if possible, to be present for the family’s decision regarding EI/ES services and have proper consent signed. • Notify family that once the child exits EI, they cannot reenroll in EI after the child turns 3. The school district will: • Acknowledge receipt of CFC referral by contacting the family. • Attend the transition planning conference, which is scheduled by the CFC. At this time, notify families of any documents that will be required, such as residency requirements, so the eligibility determination is not delayed. • Ask the family if they would like the service coordinator invited to the EDC meeting. • Begin evaluation process in a timely manner to allow for eligibility determination and development of the IEP at least two weeks prior to the child’s third birthday. • Contact the CFC service coordinator to notify him/her of eligibility and the parent/guardian decision regarding EI/ES as soon as possible, but not more than two working days following eligibility determination if the service coordinator is unable to attend the EDC. • List the IEP service start date to reflect the beginning of the next school year if the family elects the EI/ES option. • Return Transition Tracking Form to the service coordinator within two working days of determining eligibility, making sure to complete the first day of the next school year field. • Identify reason for delay in the Early Childhood Transition System as “Early Intervention/Extended Services selected,” if applicable. List the IEP service st

FAQs

Which children qualify to continue early intervention services under the extended option?

Children whose third birthdays are between May 1 and August 31 may continue EI services until the beginning of the school year if they received EI before their third birthday, qualify for early childhood special education with an IEP, and their parents/guardians elect to remain in EI.

How should school districts identify students who may be eligible for EI/ES?

Use the Early Childhood Transition System in the ISBE Student Information System (SIS). A message at the top of the screen acknowledges the legislation, and eligible-timeframe students are tagged next to their names indicating potential EI/ES eligibility.

What must be completed before the child’s third birthday, especially for summer birthdays?

Eligibility determination and IEP development must be completed by the third birthday. For summer birthdays, evaluation teams and the IEP team may need to hold meetings over the summer to meet this requirement.

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob