Resources

Early Intervention Information

The Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program provides services to help children develop, grow, and learn during their first three years of life. It is targeted at children from birth to three years of age who have developmental delays, disabilities, and/or who could be at risk for developmental delays.

All children can be evaluated to determine eligibility and are usually referred to the program by a doctor, child-care provider, or parent. After the referral is made and depending on the concerns you have, your child will receive an evaluation from Early Intervention Specialists (Developmental Therapists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers) to assess if your child is eligible for EI services.

Should your child qualify, you will work with a team of specialists to develop a detailed plan (Individualized Family Service Plan) to meet customized functional goals for your child. Then the ongoing services are provided in a natural setting at a convenient time for your family which typically means in the home or at a child-care center.

The EI program covers the cost for the initial assessments to determine eligibility after which ongoing services are paid through private health insurance (if applicable) or program funds. A small family fee is assessed on a sliding scale based on family size and family income. This fee is not applicable to families with All Kids. The ongoing sessions continue until the child turns three or the specialist determines that the child no longer needs services.

Before aging out at age three, the team will develop a plan to help the child transition to preschool or other community programs so that they can continue to develop, grow, and learn.

Contact Early Intervention by clicking here.

We believe knowledge is power and want to share valuable resources with parents and caretakers in the community. The resources below offer opportunities to learn more about your child and their development. If you have found other websites or resources to be useful for you and your child please email us at info@playworkschicago.com, so we can spread the word further!

Advocacy and Support

The Arc of Illinois

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

National Association for ADHD

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Navigator Autism Speaks

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Guide

Developmental Activities

Cosmic Kids Yoga Go Noodle The Inspired Treehouse Pink Oatmeal

Down Syndrome

Gigi’s Playhouse National Association for Down Syndrome