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Welcome to the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program. Below you will find some helpful information that will help you navigate the requirements for new providers in the Illinois Early Intervention System.

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New to EI

Principles of Early Intervention

The Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention's "Principles of Early Intervention" guide the outcomes we hope to achieve through Early Intervention and our Early Intervention Training Model. All early interventionists in Illinois should adhere to these principles as they serve children and families. Early Interventionists may want to reflect on what each principles means to them and what it looks like in practice. This activity can be done individually, with peers, and with families.

The Importance of Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and their Families

A fact sheet (PDF) prepared by the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA -formerly known as National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center, NECTAC) in July 2011 that provides an overview of the Part C program and quick facts on the importance of early intervention.

Considering a Career In Early Intervention?

Launched in September 2022, Be Part of Early Intervention has resources to help explore EI professions and a mailing list to join. The Be Part of EI video provides an overview of early intervention and explains how you may be able to help a family in early intervention. Additionally, this video from Personnel Improvement Center at NASDSE provides information about careers in early intervention, focusing on interviews with specialists themselves.

Required Trainings

The required Illinois Early Intervention System Overview trainings listed below must be completed within the 3 years prior to applying for an Illinois Early Intervention Credential. If completed more than 3 years before applying for the credential, individuals will need to repeat both.

Providers

Providers must complete both of the following trainings:

  1. Online System Overview training, which is in an online, self-paced format. This training is a prerequisite to the SOFU training.
  2. Online System Overview Follow-up Session (SOFU), which is a 1 day "follow up" training to be taken upon completion of the Online System Overview training.
Parent Liaisons

Parent Liaisons must complete the 2 system trainings listed above for providers AND the online training Parent Liaison Services in the Illinois EI System.

Service Coordinators

Service Coordinators must complete both of the Service Coordination Online (Blended) training, which is a blended format training with self-paced, online modules and live webinars, and the Online System Overview Follow-up Session (SOFU), which is a 1 day, live training. However, they do not need to take the Online System Overview training (which is self-paced with modules).

Interpreters/Translators

Please visit our Interpreters/Translators resource page for additional information on the interpreter/translator testing and training requirements as well as resources related to being an interpreter/translator in Illinois Early Intervention. The training and testing requirements for Illinois Early Intervention is NOT A CERTIFICATION, but are the basic requirements for being an interpreter/translator in Illinois EI. For more information about enrolling to become an interpreter/translator in the Illinois EI System, please visit Provider Connections and view their Bilingual Interpreters and Translators Instructional Video.

 

Waiving of Timeline of 3-Day System Overview Training for Bilingual Interpreters/Translators
Due to the pandemic, we are waiving the timeline regarding anyone who has received a certificate of completion for the “3-Day System Overview Training for Bilingual Interpreters/Translators” between the dates of March 2017-March 2020. Certificates issued during that time will be valid until June 30, 2023.

Credentialing and Enrollment

Credentialing is handled through Provider Connections. Provider Connections offers instructional videos to assist providers in completing the application(s) necessary to become either credentialed and/or enrolled as to provide services in the Illinois Early Intervention System. Please visit Provider Connection's website at the following links to learn more about credentialing and enrollment and to download the necessary application forms:

Provider Handbook

A guidebook for all providers in the Illinois Early Intervention System. Includes the Illinois Principles of Early Intervention, important policies and procedures, service descriptions, definitions, and attachments. All providers are required to familiarize themselves with the Provider Handbook.

Key Resources and References

A variety of resources that highlight the principles of early intervention and the roles and responsibilities of early interventionists collaborating in the Illinois Early Intervention System.

Acronyms & EI Terminology

Acronyms & EI Terminology provides a variety of resources related to common acronyms, terminology, and definitions used in early intervention.

New to EI Forum

On the first Tuesday of each month, from 3-4pm, individuals within their first 18 months working in Early Intervention will have the opportunity to ask questions about our field and our work. EITP and other EI partners will be available to answer your questions and provide clarification, guidance and support as you familiarize yourself with the EI program beyond the Systems Overview training. You may call in every month or intermittently, as it suits you. There is no fee and no credit hours will be awarded. This is open to providers in their first year. No question is too small! We are here for you! To learn more please visit https://go.illinois.edu/NewtoEIForum.

Illinois Early Intervention Systems of Support

Learn more about the systems that support Illinois Early Intervention in this interactive graphic that highlights the key stakeholders that work together to support children and families in Illinois Early Intervention, by exploring an overview of who they are, what they do, where to find key resources, and how to contact them. This resource is great for anyone new to EI and is also available in a printable version (pdf).

Introduction to Early Intervention

     

This video discusses the many benefits of Early Intervention (EI) for children and their families, as well as describing EI services and supports. Early interventionists and families share their experiences of how this partnership benefits everyone involved. Produced in collaboration with the University of Illinois Office of Public Engagement, Illinois Department of Human Services, and Shatterglass Studios, this video was published August 26, 2015. Please share this video with families! The short and shareable link for this video is https://go.illinois.edu/IntrotoEI

    Supplements to this video:

    Transcripts of this video: English or Spanish